Summer Solstice Date and Time 2024: Summer Solstice is an amazing astronomical event that marks the longest day of the year. For many parts of the world, it's a signal that summer has officially begun. Summer Solstice 2024 in India will occur on June 21st at 8:09 PM IST. But why does this happen, and what exactly is the Summer Solstice? Read below to know all about it.
Why the Summer Solstice Occurs
The Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees. This tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as the Earth orbits the Sun. During different times of the year, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight. As the Earth travels around the Sun in a slightly elliptical orbit, the tilt of its axis remains pointed in the same direction. This means that at different times of the year, either the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere is tilted more towards the Sun.
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The Summer Solstice occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted closest to the Sun. This happens around June 21st each year. On this day, the Sun's rays hit the Northern Hemisphere more directly than at any other time of the year. Because of this maximum tilt towards the Sun, the Sun appears at its highest point in the sky. This results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. In India, this means we experience more daylight hours than any other day of the year.
Summer Solstice Significance
The Summer Solstice is not only an astronomical event but also holds cultural and historical significance. It reminds us of the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations, celebrating the beauty and power of the Sun. In ancient times, people built monuments, such as Stonehenge in England, aligned with the solstices to mark the changing seasons. These celebrations often included feasts, dances, and other activities to honor the Sun and the onset of the summer season.
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