Summer Solstice Science and Celebrations
Summer Solstice Science and Celebrations
Written by Kristine Manganelli (Somerset County 4-H Coordinator)
For those of us here in the New Jersey, the summer solstice is tomorrow, June 20. As the first official day of summer, it is also the longest day of the year, and when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. On this day, the Earth’s axis in the Northern Hemisphere will be tilted as close to the sun as it will be all year. This tilt causes more direct sunlight, accounting for the hot temperatures we get in the summer months. The tilt towards the sun also provides late evening sunsets, with daylight lasting 17 hours!
The summer solstice always happens between June 20 and June 22, depending on when the sun reaches its highest elevation from the equator in the Northern Hemisphere. From this point on, the days will start to slowly shorten until the shortest day of the year, known as the winter solstice. Earth’s axis is tilted about 23.4 degrees, and whether the northern or southern hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun, determines the season.
The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word solstitium— sol (Sun) and stitium (still or stopped), getting the name as the sun appears to stop moving in the sky when it reaches its northernmost or southernmost point.
I love that we get to experience all four seasons in our corner of the planet, but summer seems to be a favorite of many. The warmth and light draws us out of our homes and into nature. We reconnect with nature when we walk barefoot in the grass and find relief from the heat in the shade of a tree, or swim in a river. Thinking about the solstice reminds me that we are on a planet in space, orbiting around a giant, glowing star.
We often separate ourselves from the natural world with our technology and intelligence, but we are very much a part of it. The solstice shows us the continuous cycle that nature follows. No matter what, every year earth’s sideways lean and journey around the sun will trigger the changing of seasons, setting off countless natural cycles here on the ground. It is all quite immense and miraculous if you stop to consider just exactly what is taking place.
In fact, all throughout history, humans have been enthralled with the movements of the sun and moon, especially during the summer solstice. Holidays and rituals were created to observe this celestial event. In addition to celebrating the return of light after a long winter, this time of year also signifies the first crop harvests. Below are some examples of summer solstice traditions, and how you can celebrate at home.
Sunset at Stonehenge in England
Solstice events around the world:
England: Stonehenge is a structure of massive stones placed in a circular layout that dates back 3,000 years. Much about who built it or how it was possible for ancient humans lacking modern technology (even the wheel) to move and erect multiple ton stones, is a mystery. Incredibly, some of the stones came from 200 miles away in Wales. Theories include anything from rolling the stones using logs, to transporting the stones down waterways on rafts or by teams of oxen, or even that the stones were brought to the area as glacial deposits.
As ancient people used astrological events to track time, (our months are still based on the phases of the moon), it is believed that Stonehenge was a sort of calendar. It is believed that the stones were designed to align with the path of the sun across the sky during both the sunrise of the summer solstice and sunset of the winter solstice. On June 20, the sun will rise precisely between the stones as pictured above.
The grandeur of Stonehenge makes it clear that it was a site of great importance, and showed that its builders had strong interest in the sky. To this day, over ten thousand people gather at Stonehenge for the solstice every year to witness the incredible sight. Because of COVID-19, the in-person viewing has been canceled, but instead will be streamed live on English Heritage’s social media accounts.
Ancient civilizations around the world built temples that are associated with astrological patterns such as the Maya pyramids of Chichén Itzá in Mexico as well as the pyramids of Egypt, that align with the spring and fall equinoxes.
Scandinavia: After long, dark winters in countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, Midsommar or “Midsummer” is the biggest holiday next to Christmas. Because of their position so far North in the hemisphere, parts of these countries can be cloaked in darkness and may only see the light of the sun for a few hours a day in the winter. So it is no wonder that the return of light and summer is a time of great importance.
The celebration begins with the summer solstice and lasts for many days. Just as the winter darkness is longer in these areas, during the summer, the sun may not set at all, or only for an hour or two. To celebrate the light of the summer season, Scandinavians spend time with family, friends, and the whole community. Traditionally midsummer is thought to be a magical time, and is tied to an appreciation of nature for its abundance during the summer season. To honor nature, they make flower crowns and spend time outdoors. They also dance, sing and play games around the maypole, eat the first strawberries of the season, and have large bonfires.
Woman wearing a flower crown
Celebrate the summer solstice by:
Live-streaming the sunrise from Stonehenge
Spending time outdoors in nature
Going strawberry picking or eating strawberries
Looking for your shadow; When the sun is at its highest point in the sky during the solstice, your shadow will appear shortest
Making a flower crown (pictured above)
Having a family campfire