Summer solstice 2024: History, Date, Celebrations During solstice, Countries That Celebrate It, Facts And Everything To Know
Date and Time: June 20, 2024
- The summer solstice marks the official beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
- On this day, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, resulting in the longest daylight hours of the year.
Key Facts:
- Earliest in Centuries:
- In 2024, the summer solstice occurs on June 20, making it the earliest solstice in over 200 years.
- The last time it fell on this date was in 1796!
- Daylight Delight:
- On the solstice, locations in the Northern Hemisphere experience approximately 15 hours and 13 minutes of daylight.
- It’s a day to celebrate the abundance of sunlight and the warmth of summer.
- Ancient Traditions:
- Cultures worldwide have celebrated the solstice for centuries.
- Festivals, rituals, and gatherings honor the Sun’s power, growth, and renewal.
Seasonal Lag:
- Despite the longest day, temperatures continue to rise due to seasonal lag.
- Earth’s oceans retain heat, leading to warmer weather even as daylight hours decrease.
Embrace the Light:
- Whether you’re enjoying outdoor activities, connecting with nature, or simply basking in the Sun’s glow, the summer solstice invites us to celebrate life and light.
Tilted Earth:
-
- Earth’s seasons occur because of its tilt.
- In the northern hemisphere, June 20 is the longest day, while in the southern hemisphere, it’s the shortest day.
Earliest Solstice Since 1796:
-
- The 2024 summer solstice is the earliest since 1796 due to it being a leap year.
- During leap years, solstices occur about 18 hours and 11 minutes earlier than the previous year.
Ancient Observations:
-
- About 6,000-6,500 years ago, nomadic cattle-herders in southern Egypt arranged stones that aligned with the path of the solstice sun.
- This touchstone helped them track the Nile’s flooding cycle and start their calendar.
