Summer Solstice 2023: What You Need to Know About the Longest Day of the Year

Summer Solstice 2023: What You Need to Know About the Longest Day of the Year

The summer solstice is an astronomical event that marks the start of the summer season in the northern hemisphere and the winter season in the southern hemisphere. It occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted most towards the Sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. In 2023, the summer solstice will take place on Wednesday, June 21 at 3:58 pm BST (10:58 am ET / 7:58 am PT).

What causes the summer solstice?

The Earth orbits around the Sun in an elliptical path, and its axis is tilted by about 23.4 degrees relative to its orbital plane. This means that as the Earth moves around the Sun, different parts of the planet receive different amounts of sunlight throughout the year. The summer solstice happens when the northern hemisphere is tilted at its closest point towards the Sun, and the southern hemisphere is tilted at its farthest point away from the Sun. This causes the Sun to reach its highest position in the sky and to shine directly over the Tropic of Cancer, which is a line of latitude that runs through Mexico, northern Africa, India, China and other countries.

How long is the longest day of the year?

The length of daylight on the summer solstice depends on your location on Earth. The closer you are to the poles, the more daylight hours you will experience. For example, in London, UK, there will be about 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight on June 21¹, while in Reykjavik, Iceland, there will be almost 24 hours of daylight². On the other hand, in Sydney, Australia, which is in the southern hemisphere, there will be only about 9 hours and 50 minutes of daylight on June 21, as it will be their winter solstice.

How do people celebrate the summer solstice?

The summer solstice has been celebrated by various cultures and traditions around the world for thousands of years. Some of the most famous celebrations include:

- Stonehenge: This ancient stone circle in England is aligned with the sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice. Thousands of people gather at Stonehenge every year to watch the sun rise over the Heel Stone and to enjoy music, dancing and rituals.

- - International Yoga Day: This event was initiated by India in 2015 and has been adopted by many countries as a way to promote physical and mental well-being. On June 21, millions of people practice yoga outdoors or online with various themes and activities.

- World Music Day: This event was started in France in 1982 and has spread to over 120 countries. It aims to celebrate music as a universal language and a source of joy. On June 21, musicians of all genres and levels perform free concerts in public spaces or online.

- - Midsummer: This is a traditional festival celebrated in many northern European countries, especially Scandinavia. It usually involves bonfires, dancing, singing and feasting. Some people also believe that midsummer night is a magical time when fairies and spirits are more active.

What else can you do on the summer solstice?

The summer solstice is a great opportunity to enjoy nature and appreciate its beauty and diversity. You can also use this time to reflect on your goals and aspirations for the rest of the year. Here are some ideas for activities you can do on June 21:

- Watch the sunrise or sunset: 

Find a good spot where you can see the horizon and witness how the sun changes colors and shapes as it rises or sets. You can also take photos or videos to capture this moment.

- - Go for a hike or a bike ride: 

Explore your surroundings and discover new places or views. You can also challenge yourself by choosing a longer or more difficult route than usual.

- Have a picnic or a barbecue: 

Gather your friends or family and enjoy some delicious food and drinks outdoors. You can also play games or listen to music to make it more fun.

- - Read a book or write a journal: 

Find a cozy spot where you can relax and immerse yourself in a good story or express your thoughts and feelings. You can also choose a book or a topic that relates to summer or solstice.

- Do some gardening or plant a tree: 

Connect with the earth and help it grow and flourish. You can also learn more about the plants and animals that live in your area and how to protect them.

- - Make a wish or a gratitude list: 

Think about what you want to achieve or experience in the next six months or what you are thankful for in your life. You can also write them down or share them with someone.

Summary:

The summer solstice is the longest day and the shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. It occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted most towards the Sun. It happens on June 21 in 2023 and is celebrated by various cultures and traditions around the world. It is also a good time to enjoy nature and reflect on your goals and gratitude.