It all comes down to Earth's tilt of about 23.5°. As it orbits the Sun, different parts of the world get more or less sunlight.
In Australia, the summer solstice is around 21 December when the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, giving the longest day - also meaning the shortest night.
The winter solstice is around 21 June when we're tilted away from the Sun, giving the shortest day.
Solstices don't just change daylight, they help shape our seasons, temperatures, and weather patterns.
So, when you're enjoying a long summer evening or a short winter's day, you're seeing the Earth's tilt in action.
Learn about the solstices - the shortest and longest days of the year. Find out what they are, when and why they happen, and why they matter.
