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Summer solstice 2024 - 10 things to know with detail
Date: The summer solstice in 2024 will occur on June 21st, which is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Time of the solstice: The exact moment of the summer solstice in 2024 will be at 10:45 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), which is equivalent to 6:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time.
Duration of daylight: On the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the most daylight of any day in the year. In 2024, locations at higher latitudes, such as the Arctic Circle, will have 24 hours of continuous daylight.
Significance: The summer solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years as a time of abundance, fertility, and renewal. Many cultures and civilizations have held festivals and ceremonies to mark this important astronomical event.
Astronomical phenomenon: The summer solstice occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is most inclined towards the sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. It marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
Traditions and customs: Many traditions and customs are associated with the summer solstice, such as lighting bonfires, dancing around maypoles, and gathering herbs and flowers for medicinal and magical purposes.
Stonehenge: One of the most famous sites associated with the summer solstice is Stonehenge in England. Thousands of people gather at the ancient stone circle to watch the sunrise on the solstice.
Midsummer: The summer solstice is also known as Midsummer, a time when the natural world is in full bloom and the days are at their peak of warmth and light.
Solstice festivals: In addition to Stonehenge, there are many other solstice festivals and celebrations held around the world, including the Feast of St. John in Spain and the Native American Sun Dance ceremony.
Weather and activities: The summer solstice is a time for outdoor activities and enjoying the long hours of daylight. People often celebrate with picnics, barbecues, beach trips, and other summertime fun.