Summer Solstice or June solstice is unfamiliar to many people out there. What is the June solstice? Well, it is nothing but the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. When it comes to Northern Hemisphere, India is also included. The word “solstice” is derived from the Latin words “sol” – sun and “sister” – to come to a stop or standstill. So, the zenith of the sun moves neither north nor south but stops or stands at the Tropic of Cancer. Interestingly, it would experience the long day and the short night during this time of the year. Traditionally, it has been pronounced to be the start of the summer as sunsets happen a little later than usual. Since it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, it would be the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere. This is why countries such as Australia and South Africa observe it as the start of winter. Continue reading to know more about interesting facts about the June solstice.
FALLS ON JUNE 20 OR 21 OR 22:
June Solstice could be predictable between the dates June 20, 21, and 22. It is not sure that solstice falls on June 21. However, it could happen between June 20 to 22. But the possibility of June 22 is rare because it only happened back in 1975 and not until now.
THE VERY FIRST SOLSTICE OF THE YEAR:
Surprisingly, the solstice occurs twice a year in June and December. While the June solstice falls around June 21, the December solstice falls around December 21 when the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn.
BIRTH OF SUMMER:
June solstice has marked the start of the summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, the day has been known to be the mid-point of the summer season in many Northern Hemisphere cultures. It is common that most European countries would have this Midsummer celebration.
NOT REALLY THE HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR:
Just because the day is long and the sun stands still during this time of the year, it does not mean the hottest day of the year. This is due to the time taken by the oceans and landmasses to warm up and it is called the delay or lag of the seasons.
EARTH IS FAR AWAY FROM THE SUN:
You might think the June solstice might occur because the Earth might be closer to the sun but it is not. The Earth is actually far away from the sun and even the direction of it would be tilted a little. Even though the direction of the Earth is tilted, it still orbits the sun in the solar system.
24*7 DAYLIGHT IN ARCTIC CIRCLE:
During the June solstice, the Arctic Circle experience 24 hours of daylight which is due to atmospheric refraction. The midnight sun in Arctic Circle could be seen before and on the June solstice.
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