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Strange Universe

Strange Universe: A special solstice 6/18/23

By Bob Berman
Published June 18, 2023 at 9:35 AM EDT
Tropic of Cancer mark at Little Exuma, Bahamas
1 of 1  — Tropic of Cancer mark at Little Exuma, Bahamas
Tropic of Cancer mark at Little Exuma, Bahamas
HappyAlex / 56687596

It's widely misunderstood where in the heavens the sun sits at the time of the solstice. Traditionally it was the zodiacal sign of Cancer, hence "Tropic of Cancer" as the earthly place where you’d see the midday sun standing straight overhead. But despite the lingering name, the solstitial sun drifted out of Cancer and into Gemini two thousand years ago. This week: a special solstice.

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Bob Berman
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