Today is the solstice. In the northern hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year and marks the start of summer. In the southern of the hemispheres, it is the shortest day of the year and kicks of the start of winter. Why does it mean different things in different places? It has to do with that 23.5-degree tilt to the earth’s axis (which I’ve discussed before). The sun’s rays are hitting different parts of the globe at different angles, and that makes all the difference when it comes to seasons.

When the sun is striking us at a near 90-degree angle like it does in summer, it’s like getting socked square in the gut. When the sun hits us at a much softer angle as happens in winter, it’s more like getting bumped in the shoulder. Here, let me show you: