Summer Solstice

The summer solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, it falls around June 20 or 21. It marks the official start of summer. People around the world celebrate with festivals, bonfires, and outdoor fun.

What Causes It

The summer solstice happens because the Earth is tilted on its axis. In June, the North Pole is tilted toward the Sun. This means the Sun is high in the sky and the days are long. On the solstice, the Sun follows its longest path across the sky. After this day, the days slowly start getting shorter again.

Celebrations Around the World

In Sweden, people celebrate Midsummer by dancing around a maypole and eating strawberries. Thousands of people gather at Stonehenge in England to watch the sunrise. In Alaska, some towns hold baseball games at midnight because it is still light outside. Many cultures have celebrated the summer solstice for thousands of years as a time of joy and plenty.

Fun Facts

• In places near the Arctic Circle, the Sun does not set at all on the summer solstice.
• The word 'solstice' comes from Latin and means 'sun stands still.'
• In Sweden, Midsummer is one of the most important holidays of the year.

Did You Know?

At the North Pole, the Sun stays above the horizon for six months straight, from March to September, so every day feels like the summer solstice.