SUMMER SOLSTICE
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What is Summer Solstice?
- In Latin, it means sun stands still.
- In northern hemisphere Summer solstice, 21 June, is considered the longest day of the year.
- It also marks the shortest night at these places.
- It happens when sun appears over 23.5 degrees north latitude.
- On this day Sun shine directly over the Tropic of Cancer.
- However at poles, the area receives less heat because sun rays are slanting.
- As time zone of countries are different. They experience it at different times as local times vary.
Reason behind Summer Solstice
- Due to rotation of earth around its tilted axis and revolution around sun, Earth experiences different seasons.
- March to September is the time where Northern hemisphere is warm and experiences summer, June 20 to 22.
- Due to tilt of earth axis, 23.5 degrees to its orbital plane, earth North Pole is inclined towards sun and South Pole is away from sun.
- According to NASA, It is the only time when North Pole points more directly toward the Sun.
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Other Details
- Southern hemisphere experiences Summer solstice during December 21 to 23.
- Here sun rays fall directly over Tropic of Capricorn.
- In the same period Winter solstice, longest night, is experienced in Northern Hemisphere.
- For approximately 6 months the sun does not set during summer solstice at the Arctic Circle .
Must read Article:
Winter Solstice:
PRACTICE QUESTION Explain the phenomenon of Summer solstice in detail. Also mention the reasons why earth experiences Summer solstice. (150 words) |