What is summer solstice: Everything to know about the longest day of 2024

The summer solstice is the day when the sun reaches its northernmost point in the sky, resulting in the longest day of the year for the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day for the Southern Hemisphere.

For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the solstice signifies the longest day of the year and the start of summer. For people in the Southern Hemisphere, the June solstice marks the beginning of winter, with its shorter days and longer nights.

In the Northern Hemisphere, people celebrate the summer solstice for its extended periods of daylight, cultural significance and, in latitudes above the Arctic Circle, the phenomenon of the midnight sun, where the sun remains visible throughout the night.

Here is everything you need to know about the longest day of the year.

What is summer solstice?

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This phenomenon results from the Earth's axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun, according to Space.com. This tilt positions the Northern Hemisphere most directly toward the sun, maximizing the duration of daylight hours.

At its peak during the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at solar noon. This position is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude.

The summer solstice also marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

When is the summer solstice 2024?

The summer solstice in 2024 will occur on Thursday, June 20.

What time is the summer solstice in Arizona?

According to Time and Date, the summer solstice in Arizona will start at 5:18 a.m. and end at 7:39 p.m., meaning that June 20 will be 14 hours and 21 minutes long. The peak of the 2024 summer solstice will be at 1:50 p.m. Arizona time.

Is summer solstice the longest day of the year?

Yes, the summer solstice is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, according to Space.com.

How much shorter does each day get after June 21?

In the days following the summer solstice, the reduction in daylight is gradual, decreasing by only a few seconds to around a minute per day, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. By July and August, the rate of daylight reduction becomes more noticeable, typically decreasing by a few minutes per day.

As we approach the autumnal equinox in late September, the rate of daylight reduction continues to increase until day and night become roughly equal again.

Is June 21 always the summer solstice?

June 21 is usually the summer solstice, but it can vary slightly depending on the year and time zone. The variation in the exact date occurs because the Earth's orbit around the sun isn't perfectly synchronized with our calendar year. So the summer solstice can occur on June 20, June 21 or June 22.

Is summer solstice the first day of summer?

Scientists have two ways of measuring seasons:

• Astronomical seasons are based on how the South Pole is oriented toward or away from the sun. Astronomical seasons start and end at roughly the same time every year but not necessarily on the same date from year to year.

• Meteorological seasons are divided into three-month increments based on the annual temperature cycle. Each meteorological season starts on the first day of a specific month and lasts for three months.

The summer solstice is the first day of astronomical summer. June 1 was the first day of meteorological summer.

What does the summer solstice mean spiritually?

The summer solstice symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness. The abundance of sunlight is often seen as a metaphor for spiritual illumination and consciousness, prompting celebrations that honor the vitality and life-giving energy of the sun, according to Spirituality and Health.

Spiritually, the summer solstice is a time for rejoicing in the bounty of nature and the cycles of growth and renewal. It fosters a deep connection to the Earth's rhythms, particularly the flourishing of vegetation during the peak of the growing season. Many spiritual traditions view this time as auspicious for rituals that express gratitude and set intentions for personal and collective growth.

The summer solstice is often celebrated with festivals, ceremonies and rituals such as lighting bonfires to symbolize the sun's power, performing dances or chants to honor cosmic energies and sharing communal feasts.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why summer solstice 2024 is the first day of summer