Summer Solstice

Published: June 21, 2019

Summer Solstice is the longest day (and shortest night) of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is observed on June 21.

What does it mean?

  • The solstice occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer or 23.5 N latitude.
  • Since earth s axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 deg, varying amounts of sunlight reach different regions during its year-long orbit around the Sun.
  • On June 21st the North Pole is tipped more towards the Sun than on any other day of the year.
  • But this does not mean more heat or that the Earth is any closer to the Sun, per common misconceptions.
  • Solstices happen twice each year Summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere and Winter solstice for the Southern Hemisphere when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn or 23.5 S latitude.

Quick Facts

  • Spring Equinox: Wednesday, March 20
  • Summer Solstice: Friday, June 21
  • Autumn Equinox: Monday, September 23
  • Winter Solstice: Sunday, December 22

Equinox is the day when the Sun shines directly on the Equator and the length of day and night are nearly equal in either hemisphere.

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