Summer Solstice 2024: Date, Time, and Significance
Dates and Times for Summer Solstice 2024
The summer solstice, also known as the June solstice, marks the official start of summer in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In 2024, the summer solstice occurs on the following dates and times:
Northern Hemisphere
Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 4:51 PM Eastern Time (UTC-4)
Southern Hemisphere
Thursday, December 22, 2023 at 11:33 PM Eastern Time (UTC-4)
Significance of the Summer Solstice
The summer solstice is a significant astronomical event that indicates the day with the longest period of daylight and shortest night of the year. It symbolizes the transition from spring to summer and marks the beginning of the warmest time of the year. In many cultures, the summer solstice is celebrated with festivals, rituals, and traditions that honor the sun and the changing seasons.
Impact on the Calendar
Due to the Earth's elliptical orbit around the sun, the exact timing of the summer solstice shifts slightly each year. This variation is caused by the extra time that accumulates over the solar year, which is longer than the calendar year. As a result, the equinoxes and solstices occur at gradually later times each year, until they reset to their approximate original dates during leap years.
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