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SUMMER SOLSTICE

24th June, 2023

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What is Summer Solstice?

  • In Latin, it means sun stands still.
  • In northern hemisphere Summer solstice, 21 June, is considered the longest day of the year.
  • It also marks the shortest night at these places.
  • It happens when sun appears over 23.5 degrees north latitude.
  • On this day Sun shine directly over the Tropic of Cancer.
  • However at poles, the area receives less heat because sun rays are slanting.
  • As time zone of countries are different. They experience it at different times as local times vary.

Reason behind Summer Solstice

  • Due to rotation of earth around its tilted axis and revolution around sun, Earth experiences different seasons.
  • March to September is the time where Northern hemisphere is warm and experiences summer, June 20 to 22.
  • Due to tilt of earth axis, 23.5 degrees to its orbital plane, earth North Pole is inclined towards sun and South Pole is away from sun.
  • According to NASA, It is the only time when North Pole points more directly toward the Sun.

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended. Source: NCERT

Other Details

  • Southern hemisphere experiences Summer solstice during December 21 to 23.
  • Here sun rays fall directly over Tropic of Capricorn.
  • In the same period Winter solstice, longest night, is experienced in Northern Hemisphere.
  • For approximately 6 months the sun does not set during summer solstice at the Arctic Circle .

Must read Article:

Winter Solstice:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/explained-what-is-winter-solstice-which-made-december-21-the-shortest-day-of-the-year

PRACTICE QUESTION

Explain the phenomenon of Summer solstice in detail. Also mention the reasons why earth experiences Summer solstice. (150 words)

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/what-is-summer-solstice-what-causes-it-8680843/