As of today, Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Northern Hemisphere is experiencing the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year with the most extended hours of daylight. This astronomical event occurs when the Earth's axis is tilted at its maximum toward the Sun, positioning the Sun at its highest point in the sky123. While some sources noted the solstice occurring on June 20 at 10:42 p.m. EDT, others confirm the date as June 21, aligning with the current date471517. For clarity, the solstice moment may vary slightly by time zone, but celebrations often span the entire day or even surrounding days.
What is the Summer Solstice?
The summer solstice happens annually between June 20 and 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting from the Earth's 23.44-degree axial tilt toward the Sun. This tilt causes the Sun to appear at its highest arc, delivering the longest period of daylight and the shortest night278. The term "solstice" derives from Latin words meaning "sun" and "to stand still," reflecting the Sun's apparent pause at its peak before days begin to shorten135. In the Southern Hemisphere, this same event marks the shortest day and the start of winter113.
Celebrating the Summer Solstice
The summer solstice has been celebrated across cultures for millennia, often symbolizing renewal, fertility, and abundance. Here are some ways it is observed globally and how you might join in:
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Stonehenge, England: Thousands gather at this ancient monument, aligned with the Sun's path during solstices, to witness the sunrise over the Heel Stone. English Heritage often livestreams the event for those unable to attend in person579.
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Nordic Midsummer Festivals: In countries like Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, celebrations include dancing around maypoles, wearing flower crowns, lighting bonfires, and enjoying saunas, marking the event as "Midsummer," which may occur between June 20-255912.
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Fairbanks, Alaska: Near the Arctic Circle, a unique midnight sun baseball game and festival take place under continuous daylight9.
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Personal Celebrations: You can celebrate by hosting a picnic, practicing yoga (such as 108 sun salutations), or simply spending time outdoors to soak up the extended sunlight. Historically, bonfires were lit to boost the Sun’s strength, a tradition you might adapt with a small fire or gathering589.
The solstice also holds spiritual significance for many, representing new beginnings and enlightenment, making it a time for reflection or creative pursuits59. Whether you join a large event or create your own ritual, today offers a chance to connect with nature and celebrate the peak of light in the Northern Hemisphere.
- https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/what-to-know-about-summer-solstice-the-longest-day-of-the-year
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice
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- https://www.earth.com/news/summer-solstice-2025-a-celebration-of-light-and-warmth/
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- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/20/summer-solstice-when-date-time-celebrate/
- https://www.scrippsnews.com/life/holidays-and-celebrations/summer-solstice-celebrations-are-underway-around-the-globe
- https://www.deseret.com/education/2025/06/19/summer-solstice-celebrations-around-the-world/
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/article/sunshine-abounds-as-the-summer-solstice-arrives/
- https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-summer-summer-solstice
- https://www.space.com/summer-solstice-when-what
- https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2025/06/21/history-of-summer-solstice/
- https://economictimes.com/news/new-updates/summer-solstice-2025-longest-day-of-the-year-is-today-what-it-means-rituals-its-spiritual-significance-and-link-to-stonehenge/articleshow/121985604.cms
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY7GNzfOEYs
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