When Does Summer Start? The 2024 Summer Solstice The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2024, the summer solstice will occur on: * Saturday, June 22nd, at 1:58 AM CDT What is the Summer Solstice? The summer solstice is the astronomical event that occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky as seen from the Northern Hemisphere. At the solstice, the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north latitude). Why Does the Summer Solstice Mark the Start of Summer? The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer because it is the day when the Northern Hemisphere receives the most direct sunlight. This causes the days to be longer and the nights to be shorter. The hours of daylight continue to increase until the summer solstice, then they gradually decrease as we move towards the fall equinox. What to Expect During the 2024 Summer Solstice On the morning of the 2024 summer solstice, the Sun will rise in the northeast and set in the northwest. The day will be the longest of the year, with approximately 14 hours of daylight in Chicago. The Sun will be at its highest point in the sky at approximately 1:58 PM CDT. Tips for Enjoying the Summer Solstice Here are some tips for making the most of the summer solstice: * Spend time outdoors: Take advantage of the longer days and enjoy the warm weather by going for a hike, having a picnic, or swimming. * Celebrate with friends and family: Gather with loved ones to mark the arrival of summer. * Learn about astronomy: Attend a public lecture or visit a planetarium to learn more about the summer solstice and other astronomical events. * Embrace the longest day: Make the most of the extra daylight by engaging in activities you typically don’t have time for.The Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice As the start of summer approaches, the summer solstice, or the first day of astronomical summer, occurs on June 20th in Chicago. This marks the longest day of the year, with approximately 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds of daylight. What is the Summer Solstice? The summer solstice is when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost point in the sky. It’s the day with the longest period of sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice occurs every year between June 20th and 22nd. Why is it Called a Solstice? The term “solstice” means “that the arc of the sun – or Sol – stops in the sky.” It comes from the Latin words “solstitium” (sol + stitium), which mean “sun” and “still or stopped.” Sunrise and Sunset During the Summer Solstice While the summer solstice has the most sunlight, it’s not the day with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. According to timeanddate.com, the latest sunsets will occur in mid-to-late June, with the sun setting around 8:30 p.m. The area will continue to experience sunsets after 8 p.m. through August 8th. Best Place to Catch the Summer Solstice Sunrise in Chicago For those looking to witness the summer solstice sunrise, North Avenue Beach along Lake Shore Drive is a popular spot. It offers panoramic views of the sunrise over Lake Michigan and the striking combination of natural beauty and urban skyline. Top 10 Sunrise Spots in the US 1. Lake Tahoe, Nevada 2. Arches National Park, Utah 3. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona 4. Stone Mountain Park, Georgia 5. Key West, Florida 6. Everglades National Park, Florida 7. Adirondack Mountains, New York 8. Sedona, Arizona 9. Maroon Bells, Colorado 10. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Summer Solstice 2024: Preparations Begin Summer officially commences in the Northern Hemisphere with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. In 2024, this celestial event occurs on Saturday, June 22nd. Dawn of the Longest Day The summer solstice marks the moment when the Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum. This results in the longest period of daylight, typically around 15 hours in the mid-latitudes. Conversely, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day during the summer solstice. Astronomical Significance The solstice is a crucial point in the Earth’s journey around the sun. It represents the completion of the sun’s northward migration, which began at the winter solstice. After the summer solstice, the sun will gradually move southward again, leading to shorter days. Cultural Celebrations Many cultures around the world have long observed the summer solstice with festivals and rituals. The ancient Celts celebrated the solstice at Stonehenge, while ancient Egyptians held ceremonies centered around the River Nile. Impact on Daily Life The summer solstice has practical implications for daily life. With more hours of sunlight, people can enjoy extended outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. However, the additional sunlight also means higher temperatures and increased UV radiation, so it is important to take precautions against sunburn and heat exhaustion. Planning for the Solstice As the summer solstice approaches, consider incorporating solstice-inspired activities into your schedule. Attend a solstice festival, spend quality time outdoors, or engage in activities that symbolize growth and renewal. Embrace the Sun The summer solstice is a reminder of the sun’s power and the beauty of the changing seasons. As the longest day of the year, it serves as an opportunity to embrace the warmth, light, and endless possibilities of summertime.
