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Geography

Understanding Summer Solstice: The Year’s Longest Day

  • For people living north of the Equator, the summer solstice, often known as the longest day of the year, comes on June 21st.
  • This article delves into the meaning of the summer solstice, the causes for its existence, and the affects it has on various parts of the world.

What exactly is the Summer Solstice?

  • The summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is greatest inclined towards the Sun.
  • It happens every year on or around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • The Sun takes its highest and longest trip across the sky at the summer solstice.
  • As a result, the daytime hours are prolonged, making it the longest day of the year.

Summer Solstice Influencing Factors

  • The Axial Tilt of the Earth: The Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of around 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun.
  • The summer solstice occurs when the Sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, which is located at 23.5 degrees north latitude.
  • Seasonal Changes: Because of the tilt of the Earth’s axis, various latitudes receive varied quantities of sunlight throughout the year.

The Distribution of Sunlight in the Hemispheres

  • The Northern Hemisphere receives the most sunlight during the summer solstice, which occurs on June 20, 21, or 22.
  • The Southern Hemisphere, on the other hand, experiences its highest sunshine on the winter solstice, which falls on December 21, 22, or 23.

Celebrations and Cultural Importance

  • Throughout history, the summer solstice has had cultural and religious significance in numerous civilizations.
  • This celestial event is frequently commemorated through festivals and ceremonies, symbolising the triumph of light and fertility.
  • Festivals, bonfires, music, dancing, and outdoor activities are held all around the world to commemorate the summer solstice.
  • The Summer Solstice Stonehenge Festival in England and the Midnight Sun Festival in Norway are two notable festivities.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/why-jun-21-is-years-longest-day-what-is-summer-solstice/articleshow/101166962.cms
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