The solstice happens twice each year when the sun is at either its northernmost or southernmost position . It's also called a solar eclipse, because it occurs during the time of the shortest day in the northern hemisphere ( i.e. summer ) and longest night in the southern hemisphere ( winter ). Thousands of people annually celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge in Wiltshire , England . Winter solstice will take place on December 21 , 2013 at 5:11pm UT in the Northern Hemisphere .
The solstice happens twice each year when the sun is at either its northernmost or southernmost position . It's also called a solar eclipse, because it occurs during the time of the shortest day in the northern hemisphere ( i.e. summer ) and longest night in the southern hemisphere ( winter ). Winter solstice will take place on December 21 , 2013 at 5:11pm UT in the Northern Hemisphere .