Summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is arriving this Thursday, marking the official start of the summer season. But what makes this year’s solstice even more special is that it is the earliest one in 228 years.
The summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted closest to the sun, resulting in the longest period of daylight for the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the solstice falls on June 20th, which is the earliest it has occurred since 1796.
The early arrival of the summer solstice is due to the way the Earth’s orbit around the sun is slightly elliptical. This causes the solstices and equinoxes to shift by a few days each year. In fact, over the course of 400 years, the summer solstice can vary by as much as 2 days.
This year’s early solstice means that we will have even more daylight to enjoy during the summer months. The extra sunlight provides ample time for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and swimming. It also means that plants and crops will have more time to grow and thrive, leading to a bountiful harvest season.
The summer solstice has long been celebrated by various cultures around the world as a time of renewal and abundance. In ancient times, people would gather to observe the sun’s movement and pay tribute to its power. Today, many still mark the occasion with festivals, rituals, and ceremonies to honor the changing of the seasons.
So as we welcome the summer solstice this Thursday, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the significance of this celestial event. And let us embrace the long days of sunshine and warmth that lie ahead, as we soak up the energy and vitality that the summer solstice brings.
