New Delhi: A solstice is generally defined as a phenomenon in which the poles of the Earth are most extremely inclined toward or away from the star it orbits. While the June solstice or the summer solstice (it denotes the day with the longest daylight) is the event of the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere has its winter solstice or the northern solstice, which is the day with the shortest period of daylight. To sum it up, the solstices take place twice a year and mark the change of season. It features the shortest and longest daylight hours of the year in the hemispheres.
What is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice takes place when one of the poles of the Earth is tilted to its maximum towards the Sun. On this day, the tropic of Cancer is tilted towards the Sun, which places the giant star constantly above the horizon and it does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle. It takes place twice in a year, once in each hemisphere and it is the day with the longest period of daylight and also the year’s shortest night. Also, it results in the shortest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.
The summer solstice signals the arrival of summer in many places. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is also known as the June solstice and it takes place on June 20 or 21. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is known as the December solstice and it takes place on December 21 or 22. The summer solstice has been a significant cultural moment in many countries since ancient times and many festivals and rituals are held on that occasion. In temperate regions, especially in Europe, the summer solstice marks the middle of summer and is also known as midsummer.
There are many monuments in Europe built in ancient times and also in Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas which are aligned with the summer solstice’s sunrise or sunset. While its significance varies from one culture to another, many countries celebrate the occasion with holidays, festivals, and rituals around that time with themes of fertility.
When is the summer solstice going to take place in India?
This year in India, the summer solstice is going to take place on June 21 at 8:09 pm IST. Hence, if you want to witness this spectacular phenomenon, here is a chance for you.
The summer solstice signals the arrival of summer in many places. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is also known as the June solstice and it takes place on June 20 or 21. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge