As we welcome summer, the Northern Hemisphere is now experiencing longer daylight hours due to the 2024 summer solstice. This day has been celebrated for millennia, whether for religious reasons or simple festivities like barbecues. If you’re curious about the significance of this day, particularly at sites like Stonehenge, we have information to share.
When is the summer solstice in 2024?
The summer solstice in 2024 will occur on Thursday, June 20th at 9:51pm BST (4:50pm EDT New York time, 1:50pm PDT Los Angeles time). This precise astronomical moment marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere when it faces the sun directly, resulting in the longest day of the year with the most hours of sunshine.
When are sunrise and sunset on the summer solstice?
On Thursday, June 20th, sunrise in London is at 4:43am BST, and sunset is at 9:21pm BST. Timings vary slightly depending on the location within the UK and the US.
- Summer solstice sunrise times in New York City: 5:25 a.m. EDT.
- Summer solstice sunset times in New York City: 8:31pm EDT.
- Summer solstice sunrise times in Austin, Texas: 6:30 a.m. CDT.
- Summer solstice sunset times in Austin, Texas: 8:36pm CDT.
- Summer solstice sunrise times in Los Angeles: 5:42 a.m. PDT.
- Summer solstice sunset times in Los Angeles: 8:08pm PDT.
Although the summer solstice is the longest day, it does not always have the earliest sunrise or latest sunset, which vary based on the latitude.
What is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice represents the moment when the Northern Hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun, resulting in the longest day of the year. This tilt of the Earth’s axis causes different seasons in the hemispheres, with the summer solstice marking peak summer in the Northern Hemisphere and peak winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
Various celebrations of the summer solstice take place globally, with Stonehenge being a famous site for observing this phenomenon. People have gathered at this ancient stone circle to witness the sunrise aligning with the central altar stone, marking the arrival of summer.
What is the difference between the equinox and the summer solstice?
While equinoxes mark the change of seasons when day and night are approximately equal, solstices like the summer solstice focus on sunlight. The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the longest day of the year, contrasting with the winter solstice, which is the shortest day.
Do other planets have solstices?
Every planet in the solar system experiences solstices due to its axial tilt, with Earth’s tilt being more noticeable than other planets like Venus or Jupiter. The tilt of a planet’s axis affects its seasons, with Uranus being particularly tilted and experiencing extreme variations in sunlight.
Upcoming Summer Solstice Dates and Times, BST
- 2025: June 21, 3:42 AM
- 2026: June 21, 9:24 AM
- 2027: June 21, 3:10 p.m.
- 2028: June 20, 9:01 p.m.
- 2029: June 21, 2:48 AM
- 2030: June 21, 8:31 AM
About our experts
Darren Baskill is an Outreach Officer and Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Sussex. She has a background in astrophotography and astronomy, bringing expertise to the study of celestial events like the summer solstice.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
