Summer Solstice 2022: What and When Is It?

 

You have probably heard of the term ‘summer solstice’ before. It is mentioned every year in June, though a few people may not know what it actually is.

 

The summer solstice is simply the term for the longest day of the year. It is when the sun is highest in the sky, meaning that part of the world has daylight for longer periods. It also is unique in that the sun curves across the sky in an arch rather than traveling in a straight line.

 

The turning of the Earth is what causes the seasons, so the summer solstice in the UK and Europe is in June, whereas in Australia summer solstice is in December.

 

The date of the summer solstice varies slightly depending on whether or not it is a leap year. It will always fall on either June 20th or June 21st, and this year it will fall on the latter date – Tuesday 21st June 2022.

 

People celebrate the summer solstice for many reasons. Some religions celebrate it as a religious holiday, and others go to landmarks like Stonehenge to watch the sunrise and sunset and celebrate the day. It is the official start of summer astronomically, so people look forward to it just because of the promise of holidays and warm weather.

 

What will you do on the summer solstice this year? Let us know in the comments!