Northernmost sunset at solstice on June 21
Thursday, June 21, 2007.
Today is the June solstice, when the Earth’s north pole tilts most toward the sun for this year.
And the Earth’s south pole tilts most away. By tradition, the June solstice marks the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere and the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere.
Because the northern hemisphere tilts most toward the sun today, everyplace north of the Arctic Circle will receive 24 hours of daylight. If you look at a schoolroom globe – at about 67 degrees north of the equator – you’ll see that the Arctic Circle passes through Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Russia and Scandinavia.
Meanwhile, in the southern hemisphere, where today is the winter solstice, the region south of the Antarctic Circle will have 24 hours of night. Elsewhere around the world, the June solstice gives everyone the northernmost sunrise and the northernmost sunset of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the sun follows its highest arc across the sky. We’ll have our longest day and the shortest night of the year.
Solstice means “sun still.” At solstice time, the sun appears to follow the same path across the sky for a few weeks in a row. Yet, the solstice is actually a fleeting moment, and that moment happens today at 6:06 p.m. Universal Time. That’s when the sun will be northernmost for this year for all of us around the globe.
Everything you need to know about the summer solstice
To honor the June solstice, images of the sun
World map, showing current position of the sun
Solstice times and dates from 1992–2020
NEW! Find related content with Sphere
Thanks for a wonderful site. I used to listen to you on the radio and loved the program then also
Thank you Joe!
Hi Joe.
Thanks for visiting. Please come back often.
Bruce
My son’s birthday was yesterday, June 21st and he sure made the most of the longest day of the year.
Erika,
Happy solstice and happy birthday to your son! Two good reasons to celebrate.
Bruce