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Summer equinox northern hemisphere11/20/2023 ![]() But they are actually different astronomical events in the same rotational cycle. You’ve probably heard the term equinox just as often as you’ve come across the word solstice, so you may think they’re interchangeable. Is a Solstice the Same Thing as an Equinox? In each of these events, it can seem that the sun is essentially “standing still” for a time, which is how it earned its name. This is because each solstice corresponds to either the day of the year with the most daylight hours, as in the summer solstice or the day with the least daylight hours, as in the winter solstice. ![]() The term derives from the Latin words sol (meaning sun) and sistere (meaning to stand still). And cultures throughout Northern Europe-and particularly within Scandinavia-observe the solstice with a celebration known as Midsummer, even today. The ancient Egyptians used the solstice as a marker to help predict any flooding of the Nile river each year. ![]() In ancient Greece, this day marked the start of the new year, rather than celebrating in January as we do today. It’s believed that neolithic humans observed the summer solstice as an important indicator for their crop cycles. While the summer solstice itself is astronomical in nature, cultures throughout history have looked to this day as a marker of good things to come. Is There Any Historical Significance to the Solstice? In other words, it’s the exact middle point of this cycle, and therefore it’s the longest day of the year in terms of daylight. And the summer solstice itself is the midway point in this sun-facing rotation. While it’s tilted toward the sun, this period equates to the longer, warmer days of spring and summer, thanks to the longer exposure to the sun’s rays. What this means is that the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun for half of the year-roughly March through September-and away from it the other half. ![]() But unlike a top, the Earth isn’t oriented exactly straight up and down the way we perceive it on a map it’s actually tilted 23.4 degrees in its orbit around the sun. This is how we generally mark a calendar day, and it’s why the times of sunrise and sunset shift a few minutes each day. Picture our planet as a top that rotates on its axis from west to east, with each full rotation taking a little less than 24 hours. Now you know when it will happen this year-but just what is a solstice? Scientifically speaking, solstices happen based on the tilt of the Earth. In those southern locations, June 21 this year will usher in the start of winter, while December 21, 2022-the date of this year’s northern winter solstice-will ultimately mark the summer solstice for those south of the Equator. Think of the two sides of the Equator like a seasonal Yin and Yang. This astronomical event will occur for all locations that lie north of the Equator, but the opposite is true for destinations that are south of that 0-degree latitude line. EST (or whatever time that may be in your own time zone). This year, the northern summer solstice occurs on June 21, 2022-and to be even more precise, it officially begins at 5:13 a.m. To help you make the most of it this year, here’s everything you need to know about the summer solstice. Its arrival signals warmer temperatures and longer days ahead-the hallmarks of that blissful summer season we spend all winter dreaming about.įrom backyard barbecues and swimming pool parties to extended trips to the lake or beach, the solstice means summer is truly here. This annual day in late June is a favorite among sun seekers each year, because it marks the official start of summer north of the Equator. The summer solstice is right around the corner, and those in the northern hemisphere have reason to celebrate.
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