Summer Solstice, Definition, Reason and Significance

Summer Solstice, also called the estival solstice occurs when one of Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. Read all about Summer Solstice, About, Reason and Significance for UPSC Exam.

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Summer Solstice

The shortest night and the longest day of the year are marked by the astronomical phenomenon known as the Summer Solstice. It occurs on June 21st. The Tropic of Cancer receives the Sun’s direct rays. It coincides with the Northern Hemisphere’s longest day.

Read About: Solstices & Equinoxes

Summer Solstice in Detail

The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing its longest day and shortest night of the year. The Northern Hemisphere is closest to the Sun at this time, and the Sun shines directly overhead on the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° North). The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, which are north and south of the equator, are located at latitudes of 23.5°. The Arctic and Antarctic Circles are located at 66.5 degrees, respectively. Latitudes are used to calculate how far away from the Equator a location is.

The Earth’s axis, around which the planet rotates once every day, is tilted during the solstice such that the North Pole faces the sun and the South Pole faces away from it. Usually this imaginary axis is slanted at 23.5 degrees with regard to the sun and runs through the centre of the Earth from top to bottom. During the solstice, the sun never sets in the Arctic Circle.

Summer Solstice 2023

The astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the June solstice, which takes place on June 21. Many cultures around the world commemorate the solstice. Discover fascinating facts, folklore, and the solstice.

Summer Solstice Geography Behind

The tilt of the Earth is what causes the days to change in length. The Earth’s rotational axis is 23.5° inclined with respect to its orbital plane. Any area on the planet experiences varied lengths of days because of differences in the duration of sunshine caused by this tilt and other elements like Earth’s spin and orbit.

The majority of the year, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, receiving direct sunlight during the lengthy summer days. The days are shorter during the other half of the year when it tilts away from the Sun. The varying seasons on Earth are also a result of the tilt. Seasonal variations are brought about by the Sun’s journey from the northern to the southern hemisphere and vice versa as a result of these phenomena.

Summer Solstice Significance

Many cultures and traditions value it because it denotes the start of summer or winter in the opposite hemisphere. Numerous ceremonies, parties, and gatherings are held to mark the occasion. It was long believed, particularly in European countries that the Summer Solstice occurred in the middle of the summer. However, summer has officially begun in northern countries. This year’s summer solstice will coincide with an annular solar eclipse, which makes it even more amazing.

Summer Solstice FAQs

Is June 21 always the summer solstice?

The timing of the June solstice is not based on a specific calendar date or time; it all depends on when the Sun reaches its northernmost point from the celestial equator. Therefore, the solstice won't always occur on the same day. Currently, it shifts between June 20, 21, and 22.

What happens at summer solstice?

During the summer solstice, the earth's axis is tilted at its closest point from the sun. This means that in the northern hemisphere, the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It's also the longest day of the year - and the shortest night.

What are the 2 longest days of the year?

The two solstices happen in June (20 or 21) and December (21 or 22). These are the days when the Sun's path in the sky is the farthest north or south from the Equator.