Summer is finally here, with longer days of sunshine and warmer days taking hold.
The summer solstice marks the beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere. This day is known as the “longest day” because it has the longest daylight hours of the year.
According to Space.com, the summer solstice is the exact moment the sun reaches its highest point in the sky each year, and will occur at 4:25 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 21st. For several days before and after the summer solstice, the sun appears at its highest position at noon, with little change.
In fact, although some parts of the United States have been experiencing summer-like weather for several weeks, the real heat has generally not yet arrived. According to the National Weather Service, there is an average time difference between the summer solstice and the highest summer temperatures. Just as the hottest times of the day typically occur a few hours after noon when the sun is highest in the sky, so do the hottest times of the summer. This delay is due to the time required for the ground and water to warm up.
What is the summer solstice? what is it and why does it happen
Earth’s seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis. As a planet orbits the sun, its tilt continues to point in the same direction.
According to EarthSky, the summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. At this time of year, the northern hemisphere tilts towards the sun and receives the most direct sunlight of the year.
Don’t see the graphic? Click here to view it.
Why is the Earth crazy?
According to NASA, it is thought to be the result of collisions between various protoplanets and other large objects during the formation of the solar system billions of years ago. Therefore, instead of rotating on its axis straight up and down, the Earth is tilted slightly to one side.
Solstice and Equinox: What is the difference?
summer solstice They occur in June and December and mark the beginning of astronomical summer and winter. The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and the winter solstice occurs when the sun is at its lowest point.
vernal equinox It occurs when day and night are approximately the same length. They occur in March and September and mark the beginning of spring and fall in the northern hemisphere.
Sources: NASA, NOAA, Sciencefocus.com, EarthSky.org, National Weather Service
Contributed by Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY
