Life is composed of seasons, and today marks the beginning of the hottest one of all for those in the Northern Hemisphere.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the summer solstice takes place today (Friday, June 20) at 10:42 p.m. EDT. Weather permitting, the first official day of astronomical summer sees the most daylight of the year. Let’s dive into what all that means and how you can celebrate.
What is the science behind the summer solstice?
The Earth rotates on its axis every day, creating night and day. According to NASA, its axis is tilted 23.4 degrees. This tilt, as the Earth orbits the sun, creates the seasons. For half of the year, the Northern Hemisphere is pointed at the sun producing summer. The other half, it points away, producing winter.
This also means the sun rises and sets at different points in the sky during the orbital process. The summer solstice occurs when the sun is at the highest point in the sky and appears to metaphorically pause there for a time. While scientists can give an exact time for this occurrence, most people celebrate the whole day.
Different perspectives on the beginning of summer
There are different schools of thought on the starting date for summer. If you ask a meteorologist, she will tell you June 1. This is because meteorologists focus on temperatures, and organizing the months into seasons helps them compare data.
The summer solstice focuses on astronomical summer. This begins June 20-22 each year when the sun reaches the northernmost point in the sky.
Why is there more daylight on the summer solstice?
Most people say the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, but there are 24 hours in a day, regardless of the time of year. The “longest day” moniker actually refers to the number of daylight hours. Because the sun is at its highest point, it takes longer to rise and set, granting more light.
What does Stonehenge have to do with the summer solstice?
While many unanswered questions remain about Stonehengethe famous large circular stone monument located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Englandone fact is certain. Its creation was meant to line up with the sun during solstices. In the summer, it is breathtaking to see the sun rising behind the Heel Stone, causing its rays to pour into the center of the structure.
How can I celebrate the summer solstice?
No matter where you are located, you can celebrate the day and watch the festivities at Stonehenge. English Heritage, the organization manages the popular tourist attraction will live-stream the summer solstice festivities, beginning on June 20 at 20:00 BST.
The stream will start the following day at 04:00 GMT and sunrise takes place at 04:52 GMT.
