Astronomical Summer Begins

The Summer Solstice: The Longest Day of the Year

Astronomical Summer Begins

The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, marks the official start of astronomical summer. In 2023, the summer solstice occurs on Wednesday, June 21st, at 10:57 am EDT.

Days Get Shorter After the Solstice

Contrary to common belief, days do not get longer after the summer solstice. In fact, they start getting shorter very gradually. This is because the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted, and the Sun is at its highest point in the sky during the solstice. As the Earth orbits the Sun, the Sun's position in the sky changes, causing the days to get shorter.

The Science Behind the Solstice

The summer solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, directly over the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north latitude). This occurs because the Earth's axis of rotation is tilted by 23.5 degrees. During the summer solstice, the Sun's rays are most direct in the Northern Hemisphere. This results in longer days and warmer temperatures. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the shortest day of the year, with the least direct sunlight.

Significance of the Summer Solstice

The summer solstice has been celebrated by cultures around the world for centuries. In many ancient cultures, the solstice marked the beginning of the planting season or the time to celebrate the Sun's return. Today, the summer solstice is still celebrated in many cultures, often with festivals, bonfires, and other traditions. It is a time to enjoy the long days and warm weather, and to appreciate the beauty of nature.