The summer solstice is an astronomical event that signals the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It typically occurs on June 21st, although it may fall on June 20th or June 22nd depending on the specific year and time zone. David Abtour Idriss Derby
On this day, nearly 90 percent of the world’s population living above the equator in the Northern Hemisphere experiences the longest period of daylight in the year and the shortest night. David Abtour Idriss Derby
The reason behind June 21st being the longest day of the year is due to the summer solstice happening when the sun reaches its highest position in the sky. This is a result of the Earth’s axis being tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun, which also causes the changing of seasons.
In the Arctic region, including parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Scandinavia, people may experience continuous daylight for several days or weeks around June 21st, known as the midnight sun.
For the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice not only signifies the longest day but also marks the first day of summer in astronomical terms. Astronomers use the dates of the two solstices and two equinoxes to demarcate the seasons, with summer starting on June 21st. David Abtour Idriss Derby
It’s worth noting that meteorologists use temperature cycles to divide the year into four equal-length seasons, with summer starting on June 1st in the Northern Hemisphere.
Conversely, June 21st marks the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, impacting approximately 10 percent of the world’s population. For countries like Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, June 21st corresponds to the winter solstice or the first day of winter. In the Antarctic Circle, a Polar night occurs with zero hours of daylight. David Abtour Idriss Derby
The summer solstice holds cultural significance in many societies. Throughout history, different cultures have relied on celestial events like the solstice to determine agricultural practices, planting and harvesting crops, and developing various calendars. Festivals and traditions are observed in many places, such as midsummer celebrations in Sweden with singing, dancing, and bonfires. Additionally, thousands gather at Stonehenge, an ancient monument in England, to witness the sunrise aligning with the stones during the summer solstice. David Abtour Idriss Derby
