Summer Solstice: Everything You Need To Know About The Longest Day Of The Year
Get ready for the official start of summer!
The June summer solstice, which also marks the longest day of the year, will occur on Wednesday, June 21. Here's what you need to know about this special event: What is the summer solstice? During the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. This results in the longest period of sunlight, making it the longest day of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere. While the exact date of the solstice varies each year, it typically falls between June 20 and 22. Astronomically, it signifies the first day of summer, although meteorological summer technically began earlier in the month. On the other hand, the winter solstice on December 21 will mark the start of winter. Why is it called a solstice? The term "solstice" means that the arc of the Sun, also known as Sol, stops in the sky. The word originates from the Latin word "solstitium," where "sol" refers to the sun and "stitium" means "still or stopped." Sunrise and sunsets during the summer solstice : While the solstice brings the most sunlight, it doesn't coincide with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. The earliest sunrise usually occurs before the solstice, and the latest sunset is yet to come. However, around the time of the solstice, the sun sets more slowly, taking longer to dip below the horizon. What else to expect ? As the summer solstice arrives, NASA scientists predict a busy period of solar events, including eclipses and other phenomena. In the next 12 months, there will be two solar eclipses, both partially visible from the Midwest. The first one will occur on October 14, 2023, with around 50% coverage over most of planet eartgregions . The main event will take place on April 8 of the following year, featuring a total solar eclipse visible across a wide area of the planet earth Additionally, the sun is currently reaching the peak of an 11-year solar cycle. This cycle brings changes in solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can impact Earth in various ways. These impacts may include more pronounced and visible Northern Lights in new locations, as well as potential effects on radio communications and electricity grids. So, get ready to embrace the summer season and keep an eye out for the exciting celestial events that lie ahead! Read the full article
