Today is the First Day of Summer in the Northern Hemisphere

Happy Summer Solstice!

Today marks the official beginning of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere — and the longest day of the year!

At 10:42 pm EDT (2:42 am GMT on June 21), the Sun reaches its highest, longest path across the sky for those north of the equator.

For thousands of years, people around the world have welcomed this moment — from sunrise ceremonies at Stonehenge to midsummer dances in Scandinavia. It’s a time to honor the Sun, celebrate nature, and recognize Earth’s graceful seasonal rhythm.

But what causes it? The summer solstice happens when Earth’s axial tilt — about 23.5° — leans most directly toward the Sun. This places the Sun directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, bringing maximum daylight to the north and kicking off astronomical winter in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Arctic, daylight can last a full 24 hours!

Wherever you are, take a moment to enjoy the sunshine — today, we celebrate light.

Today, June 21, 2025, marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere—a key astronomical event and the official beginning of summer.

The summer solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted closest to the Sun, and the Sun reaches its highest and most northerly point in the sky. This results in the longest day and shortest night of the year for everyone north of the equator.

How Long Is the Day?

Depending on your location, daylight can last for 15 to 20 hours, especially in higher latitudes like Scandinavia, Alaska, or northern Canada. In places closer to the equator, the change is less dramatic but still noticeable.

A Moment of Global Significance

At the moment of solstice, the Sun appears directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N latitude). This marks the turning point where, from now until the winter solstice in December, daylight hours will gradually begin to shorten.

Symbolism of the Solstice

The summer solstice symbolizes abundance, growth, vitality, and illumination. It’s a time often associated with celebrating life, nature, and the power of the Sun.

Enjoy the light, warmth, and energy this unique day brings—it’s the Sun’s grandest moment of the year in the sky above us.

Meanwhile, this happened to me! A few years ago, I was told to go home ( to the Philippines) because of the way I look.

Lastly, here's my Photo of the Day