Summer Solstice 2023: Why is June 21 the year's longest day?

• Image Credit: Google

• Jun 21, 2023 | Dhupali Das

June 21 is recognized as the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere of the world...

Digital Desk: Every year, June 21 is recognized as the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere of the world, where summer is in the middle of the year, as opposed to the southern hemisphere, where summer is in December.

After half a year of arctic winter, the summer solstice marks the occasion to celebrate the start of summer or midsummer, when one of Earth's poles is at its most tilted towards the sun.

June 21 is the year's longest day and the shortest night. After this day, the days begin to shorten gradually and persistently.

But why is the summer solstice the longest day of the year? It is due to the Earth's pole tilting by 23.5 degrees more than usual. This tilt causes the Earth to receive more direct sunlight on its surface.

On the day of the solstice, the Sun reaches its northernmost point near the Tropic of Cancer, where it stays still before reversing direction and moving south again.

This year, it will take place on June 21 at 3:58 p.m. BST in the United Kingdom, 10:58 a.m. ET / 7:58 a.m. PT in the United States, and 8:27 p.m. in India.

Many cultures observe it lavishly. Here's how several countries celebrate the Summer Solstice.

England

People gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise as the alignment of the stones at that time offers an amazing view to behold. 

Sweden

The Summer Solstice is known as Midsommar in Sweden. To celebrate and welcome summertime, people gather around maypoles decorated with flowers.

Iceland

Known as the Midnight Sun festival in Iceland, as the country receives 24 hours of daylight throughout the day, many bonfires and exhibitions, among other things, last throughout the night.

Russia

In Russia, the celebration is known as White Night and is celebrated with pomp and splendour. Fireworks displays, musical concerts, and the Scarlet Sails event, in which large ships sail across the Neva River with vivid red sails, are all on display.

Norway

The festival is known as Slinningsblet in Norway, where bonfires are lit to commemorate the birth of John the Baptist. These fires are thought to cleanse the air of evil spirits.