Summer Solstice 2025: Why Today Is the Longest Day of the Year
Today, June 20, marks the 2025 summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. People across the globe celebrate this shift with festivals, rituals, and sunrise gatherings.
The word “solstice” comes from Latin and means “sun stands still.” That’s because the sun appears to pause before reversing direction in the sky. This solstice brings the most daylight of any day this year.
The phenomenon happens because of the Earth’s tilt. Our planet leans on its axis at about 23.5 degrees. During the solstice, the Northern Hemisphere tilts directly toward the sun. This causes longer days, shorter nights, and warmer weather.
Cultures have honored this moment for centuries.
Thousands gathered at Stonehenge in England today to witness the sunrise. The ancient monument aligns perfectly with the solstice sun. Around the world, people celebrate with music, food, and fire. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Indigenous tribes all marked this day with meaning.
Astronomers define summer as beginning with the solstice. Meteorologists, however, count June 1 as the start of summer. Despite that difference, both systems recognize the solstice as a turning point in the year.
Though today has the most daylight, the hottest days are still to come. That delay happens because land and oceans take time to warm up.
The solstice reminds us that Earth’s rhythm still guides our lives. Whether through science or celebration, people continue to honor the sun’s journey.
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