Tag Archives: Solstice

Understanding the Summer Solstice: What You Need to Know About the Year’s Longest Day

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The peak of sunshine has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere with the Summer Solstice.

This Friday marks the longest day north of the equator, ushering in the joy of astronomical summer. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its shortest day and the onset of winter.

The term “bliss” derives from the Latin “sol,” meaning sun, and “stitium,” which translates to “stop.” This term encapsulates the sun’s annual journey, tracing its longest and most radiant arc in the sky. Unfortunately for sun enthusiasts, the days will gradually shorten until late December as the sun begins its retreat.

The solstice has been celebrated for centuries, with various traditions and monuments, such as Stonehenge, built to align with the solar path during this event. But what exactly occurs in the heavens? Here’s what you need to understand about Earth’s orbit.

Bliss signifies the extremes of day and night

As the Earth orbits the Sun, it tilts at an angle, causing uneven distribution of sunlight and warmth between the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.

The solstice represents a time when this tilt is most pronounced, leading to the greatest disparity between day and night.

During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer solstice, the upper half tilts toward the sun, resulting in the longest day and the shortest nights of the year, occurring between June 20th and 22nd.

In contrast, during the winter solstice, which transpires between December 20th and 23rd, the Northern Hemisphere turns away from the sun.

The equinox: a balance of day and night

The equinox occurs when the Earth’s axis and orbit align, granting both hemispheres an equal amount of sunlight.

The word equinox is derived from Latin, meaning equal and night, as it denotes the time when day and night are nearly identical in duration.

Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, or Vernal Equinox, can occur between March 19th and 21st, while the Autumnal Equinox can fall between September 21st and 24th.

At the equator, the sun is directly overhead at noon during the equinox, which is the only time when both the Arctic and Antarctic receive sunlight simultaneously.

Differentiating between weather and astronomical seasons

These represent two distinct interpretations of the year.

Astronomical seasons are based on Earth’s orbit around the Sun, while weather seasons are categorized by prevailing weather conditions. The latter divides the year into three-month periods based on temperature cycles, leading to spring starting on March 1st, summer on June 1st, followed by autumn on September 1st and winter on December 1st.

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Source: www.nbcnews.com

The Winter Solstice: Everything You Need to Know About the Shortest Day of the Year

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As temperatures drop, winter officially begins on Saturday.

Learn about the winter solstice, the start of astronomical winter, and the shortest day of the year.

What is the winter solstice?

The winter solstice marks the start of astronomical winter, different from the meteorological winter based on the calendar.

In middle school science class, you may have learned that the Earth rotates around the sun in a large circle and on its axis, creating day and night. The axis tilt causes varying sunlight amounts in the northern and southern hemispheres throughout the year.

The winter solstice refers to the moment when half of the Earth is furthest from the sun, resulting in the shortest day of the year. It also signals an increase in sunlight for the next six months.

When is the winter solstice?

In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice falls on December 21st, this year it is on December 21st. The summer solstice occurs around June 21st.

For people on the equator, their winter solstice is in June, and summer solstice in December.

What is the vernal equinox?

There are two vernal and autumnal equinoxes each year.

During the spring equinox, the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator, bringing equal sunlight and darkness.

The spring equinox in March marks the astrological end of winter, while the autumnal equinox in September marks the end of summer.

When is the next astrological seasonal change?

After the winter solstice, expect astronomical seasonal changes on specific dates:

Vernal Equinox (Spring): Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:01 a.m.

Summer Solstice: Friday, June 20, 2025, 10:42 p.m.

Autumnal Equinox (Fall): Monday, September 22, 2025, 2:19 p.m.

Can you see the winter solstice?

As the winter solstice approaches, the sun’s orbit sets lower in the sky, resulting in longer shadows. On the day of the solstice, the shadow will be the longest of the year at noon.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What is the date of the summer solstice in 2024 and what leads to the longest day of the year?

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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.

Due to the Earth’s tilt, sunlight falls directly on the Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstice. In the Southern Hemisphere, this marks the shortest day of the year, or winter solstice. – Image credit: Getty

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.

Starting in the late Middle Ages, Swedes began the tradition of erecting a Midsummer pole and dancing around it. The custom of decorating the pole with flowers and greenery was called a “maja”, which also came to be called a Maypole. – Image credit: Getty

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

Today is the summer solstice in 2024 – what causes the longest day of the year and when does it occur?

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Summer is here, officially starting today with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing more daylight than anywhere else. This marks the 2024 summer solstice, a significant day that has been celebrated for thousands of years. Whether for religious ceremonies or casual barbecues, the longest day of the year is a cause for celebration.

If you’re unsure about the summer solstice and its importance, especially at places like Stonehenge, we’re here to provide some clarity.

When is the Summer Solstice in 2024?

The summer solstice in 2024 falls on Thursday, June 20th at 9:51 pm BST (4:50 pm EDT New York time, 1:50 pm PDT Los Angeles time). Keep in mind that the summer solstice occurs at a specific moment, signifying the start of astronomical summer when the Northern Hemisphere faces the Sun directly.

It’s the longest day of the year, providing the most hours of sunshine in 2024. Expect at least 16 hours of sunlight in the UK and US. This is one of the two solstices each year, with the second occurring in December. The summer solstice always falls between June 20 and 22, coming a day earlier this year compared to 2023.

When are Sunrise and Sunset on the Summer Solstice?

On Thursday, June 20th, the sunrise in London, England is at 4:43 am BST, and the sunset is at 9:21 pm BST. Sunrise and sunset times may vary slightly depending on your location in the UK or US.

  • Summer solstice sunrise in New York City: 5:25 a.m. EDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset in New York City: 8:31 pm EDT.
  • Summer solstice sunrise in Austin, Texas: 6:30 am CDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset in Austin, Texas: 8:36 pm CDT.
  • Summer solstice sunrise in Los Angeles: 5:42 am PDT.
  • Summer solstice sunset in Los Angeles: 8:08 pm PDT.

While today is the longest day of the year, it doesn’t necessarily have the earliest sunrise or the latest sunset. The exact dates for these phenomena vary based on your latitude. In areas around the 40th parallel north, the earliest sunrise of the year occurred around June 14th, with the latest sunset around June 27th.

“This slight difference occurs because the Earth orbits the Sun in a slight ellipse, not a circle.” Dr. Darren Baskill“It’s a very exciting time for us,” says astrophotographer and astronomy lecturer at the University of Sussex. BBC Science Focus.

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What is the Summer Solstice?

The summer solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, directly hitting the Northern Hemisphere. This axis tilt of about 24 degrees causes opposite seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, with the summer solstice marking the longest day of the year. As the Earth orbits the Sun in an ellipse, the perihelion (closest point to the Sun) occurs in January, while the aphelion (farthest point) occurs in July.

Due to the Earth’s tilt, sunlight falls directly on the Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstice. In the Southern Hemisphere, this marks the shortest day of the year, or winter solstice. – Image credit: Getty

Although the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, peak temperatures usually occur in July or August as the Earth continues to release absorbed heat. The tilt of the Earth’s axis, not its distance from the Sun, causes the change in seasons.

Why is the Earth Tilted?

The Earth’s tilt resulted from significant impacts during the solar system’s formation 4.5 billion years ago. The current tilt allows for regions where the sun never sets during the summer solstice, like in the Arctic. This tilt contributes to the variety of seasons experienced on Earth.

How is the Summer Solstice Celebrated Around the World?

Celebrations of the summer solstice take place worldwide, from the Swedish midsummer festivities to Stonehenge in England. Stonehenge, built thousands of years ago, aligns with the rising sun on the summer solstice, attracting hundreds to witness the event every year.

Starting in the late Middle Ages, Swedes began the tradition of erecting a Midsummer pole and dancing around it. The custom of decorating the pole with flowers and greenery was called a “maja”, which also came to be called a Maypole. – Image credit: Getty

What is the Difference Between the Equinox and the Summer Solstice?

Equinoxes mark the change of seasons with equal day and night lengths, occurring in spring and autumn. Solstices, on the other hand, focus on sunlight, with the summer solstice being the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

Do Other Planets Have Solstices?

Every planet in the solar system has solstices due to axial tilts. Earth’s tilt is pronounced compared to other planets like Venus or Jupiter. Mars, similar to Earth, experiences seasons but with longer durations due to its elliptical orbit.

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. They have a background in astronomy and have contributed to various projects in the field.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How to Watch the Urid Meteor Shower During the Summer Solstice in 2023

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The Northern Hemisphere is currently in the midst of the Ursid meteor shower, which has a relatively short active period of just over a week. Last night’s winter solstice marks the peak of the Ursa Minor meteor shower, which is expected to produce approximately 5 to 10 meteors per hour. However, visibility may be affected by the almost full moon.

If you’re interested in exploring other celestial sights while waiting for the Ursid, consider checking out our beginner’s guide to astronomy for easy constellations to start with.

When will the Uruid meteor shower occur in 2023?

This year, the Uruid meteor shower will peak in the early hours of tonight, December 22-23, 2023, and will be active from December 17 to 26. The meteor shower may be less visible outside of the peak dates, and it’s expected to produce up to 10 meteors per hour, partly due to the influence of the almost full moon. This is in contrast to the Geminid meteor shower at the beginning of the month, which saw up to 150 meteors per hour.

According to astrophysicist Dr. Darren Baskill from the University of Sussex, “Just as the Geminid meteor shower, the best shooting star shower of the year, fades away on December 17th, the Ursa Minorids will take over. The crisp, cool nights this time of year are perfect for observing the night sky, as long as you stay warm.”

When is the best time to observe the constellation Urus?

The prime time to see shooting stars in the Ursid meteor shower is from midnight to 5 a.m. on December 23, 2023. This is when the radiant point is positioned highest in the sky, resulting in longer and more visible meteor trajectories.

At this time of year, the sky gets darker, and the moon sets as it nears 5am, increasing the chances of seeing meteors. Additionally, the Earth’s rotation shifts us in the direction of Earth’s orbital motion, facilitating the entry of meteors into the atmosphere and improving visibility.

Where should you look to see the Urshids?

The constellation Ursa Minor appears to radiate from a single point directly overhead, known as the “radiant,” located in the Ursa Minor constellation. Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, is a fixed feature of the northern sky and revolves around its poles once every 24 hours.

To locate the radiant of the Ursa Minorids meteor shower, follow these 5 steps:

  1. Find the Big Dipper and Ursa Major. Look for the prominent star map of the Big Dipper, also known as the Plow, part of the Ursa Major constellation. Note the distinctive shape of the ladle or pot.
  2. Identify the pointer star. Locate the two stars at the outer edge of the dipper’s bowl, known as the pointer stars, named Dube and Melek.
  3. Extend a line from the pointer star. Imagine a line extending from the two pointer stars away from the ladle.
  4. Find Polaris (North Star): Follow the imaginary line to reach the North Star, the North Star. It is located in the Ursa Minor constellation and is near the celestial north pole.
  5. Follow the handles: From the North Star, follow the handle of the Big Dipper to arrive at another ladle resembling the Big Dipper, just above which the radiant point is located.

Knowing the radiant’s location can help differentiate between the Ursids and Geminids, although Ursids are visible across the sky. If possible, aim to observe from a location that provides a broad view of the night sky.

How to maximize your chances of finding Ursids

You don’t need special or expensive equipment to observe meteor showers; your eyes are your best tools. Here are some tips for maximizing your chances of spotting the elusive Ursids:

  • Maximize darkness: Choose a location away from light pollution for the best visibility.
  • Adjust your eyes. Allow your eyes to adapt to the dark for 10 to 20 minutes to improve night vision.
  • Protect from the elements: Prepare for low temperatures with blankets and warm drinks.
  • Stay comfortable: Find an unobstructed view of the sky using a recliner or hammock.
  • Use a red light. If necessary, use a red filter for your phone or a red flashlight to avoid disrupting your night vision. The red part of the light spectrum does not interfere with night vision.

Where do Urid meteors come from?

The Ursid meteor shower is associated with Comet 8P/Tuttle, a contact binary comet consisting of two separate objects that are in physical contact with each other. This comet leaves behind debris that intersects Earth’s orbit to produce the meteor shower.

Comet 8P/Tuttle has a 13.6-year orbital period and follows a predictable orbit around the Sun. It is influenced by Jupiter’s gravitational pull similar to the comet 46P/Wiltanen.

How many Urid meteors can we see?

Under ideal conditions, expect to see 5 to 10 meteors per hour. However, the nearly full moon may limit visibility at the end of 2023.

How can you tell the difference between Ursa Minor and Geminid meteors?

The Ursa Minor and Geminid meteor showers originate from different parts of the sky, with Ursids appearing overhead and Geminids appearing in the constellation Gemini. Additionally, they move at different speeds, with the Ursa Minor meteor shower producing slow-moving meteors with short tails.

About our expert Dr. Darren Baskill:

Dr. Darren Baskill is an outreach officer and lecturer at the University of Sussex, with a background in Physics and Astronomy. He previously lectured at the Royal Observatory Greenwich and organized the Astronomical Photographer of the Year competition.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com