Summer Officially Begins With 2021 June Solstice
Marking the longest day of the year.
The Northern Hemisphere has officially entered the summer season with the June solstice coinciding with Father’s Day this year.
At approximately 11:30 p.m. EST on June 20 (03:30 a.m. GMT on June 21), the sun reached the northernmost point of the celestial equator. This means that the sun had to travel longer to rise and set, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. It also appeared directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. While marking the beginning of summer, the summer solstice signals the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
With social distancing restrictions due to the ongoing pandemic, the sunrise at Stonehenge was broadcasted online. Watch the livestream down below. The winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere with the sun at its lowest point in the sky, is set to occur on December 21.
