June 21 signifies the summer solstice, known as the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, encompassing regions like Pakistan and India.
This astronomical event occurs due to the Earth’s axial tilt of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun.
During the summer solstice, this tilt positions the North Pole at its maximum tilt towards the Sun, resulting in the Sun reaching its highest point in the sky at noon.
As a consequence, areas in the Northern Hemisphere experience extended daylight hours, making June 21 the day with the most sunlight and the shortest night.
Cities closer to the equator witness relatively shorter daylight periods compared to those situated farther north, where the tilt’s effect is more pronounced.
Traditionally, the summer solstice not only marks the longest day but also serves as the official commencement of summer in many cultures.
Following the summer solstice, the Earth’s orbit continues, causing the days to gradually shorten as the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun. This progression leads up to the winter solstice in December, which represents the shortest day and longest night of the year for the Northern Hemisphere.
The solstices, therefore, serve as natural milestones in Earth’s annual cycle, reflecting the dynamic relationship between its axial tilt and its journey around the Sun. They have long been observed and celebrated across civilizations, marking significant transitions in seasons and daylight durations.
