Longest Day of the Year 2024 - When It Is & Interesting Fact About the Longest Day!

Longest Day of the Year 2024

Every year, many fascinating astronomical events occur, and one such event is the longest day of the year, which falls on 21st June 2024. This event is known as Summer Solstice or June Solstice. It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt towards the sun.  

As the longest day of the year is just around the corner, we have put together a few interesting facts about this amazing natural phenomenon. 

Why is 21st June Referred to as the Longest Day of the Year? 

The term Solstice comes from a combination of two Latin words – ‘Sol’ meaning Sun and ‘Sistere’ meaning to stand still. So, on 21st June, the sun reaches its northern most position and stands still directly over the Tropic of Cancer. It then reverses its direction and starts moving towards the south again.  

There are Two Types of Solstice 

Solstice is a unique astronomical event that occurs twice in a year; it happens once in the summers in June and again in winter in December. The December solstice happens around December 21 and on this day, the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn.   

During the summer or June solstice, it is summer in the UK, India, Canada, Russia and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere and it marks the longest day here in terms of daylight.  

On the same day, it is the winter solstice in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand and other countries in the southern hemisphere and marks the shortest day of the year in these countries. 

The dates of Year's Longest Day Can Vary 

Although June 21 is considered as the year's longest day, summer solstice has no fixed date, it can happen anytime between June 20 and June 22. The last time June solstice happened on June 22 was in 1975 and experts suggest that it won’t happen again until 2203.  

Beginning of the Summers 

Many astronomers and scientists worldwide use the June solstice date to mark the beginning of the summer season in the northern hemisphere and winter season in the southern hemisphere. However, the meteorologists believe that the summer starts about three to four days before the occurrence of June solstice.  

In many cultures in the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year is considered to be the midpoint of the summers and midsummer celebrations are common in many European countries.  

The Sun is Farthest from the Earth 

Many people have the false notion that since it is the summer season in the northern hemisphere, the Earth is closest to the sun during June solstice. However, the truth is the sun is farthest from the earth at this time of the year. 

The longest day of the day does not mean it is the day of earliest sunrise

Although the June solstice is the longest day in the northern hemisphere, it does mean that the day also marks the earliest sunrise in the region. In fact, the earliest sunrise happens a few days before and the latest sunset of the day happens a few days after June 21.  

This longest Day of the Year phenomenon happens because of the imbalance between time measured using clocks and the sundial.  

It is not the hottest day of the year 

Since June 21st is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere you may wonder if it is not going to be the hottest day of the year. However, the hottest day in the region often occurs a few weeks or months after the solstice. 

The year's longest day happens because the oceans and the landmasses take time to warm up, which allows for higher air temperature and this phenomenon is called the lag of the seasons.  

It is celebrated worldwide 

The June solstice holds a special place in many cultures worldwide and people celebrate the day with picnics, dance and music.  

You can use the occasion to plan a family holiday. There are many places to visit in June where the weather is pleasant and you can escape the heat. Discuss with your family where they want to go and head to your favourite summer destination. You can make the vacation more fun and exciting for your family by booking your stay at the resorts in india offered by Club Mahindra.  

The premium amenities at the resort, and the opportunity to indulge in a plethora of unique experiences will make your stay a memorable one.