The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year
The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year
Updated at: June 21, 2026 at 10:30 AM
The Summer Solstice is a fascinating astronomical event that signals the official start of summer.
Derived from the Latin words 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still), the term describes how the Sunโs midday path appears to pause before reversing direction.
Occurring annually between June 20 and 22, it marks the moment when one of Earth's poles is at its maximum tilt toward the Sun.
Landmarks like Stonehenge were built to align precisely with the sun's position, helping early societies track essential agricultural cycles like planting and harvesting.
While we often celebrate the solstice as a 'day,' it is technically a specific, fleeting moment in time.
