Jun 21, 2018
Summer Solstice 2018 (Northern Hemisphere)
This Doodle’s Key Themes
To-do list filling up? Been putting off that pesky task for far too long? Well, today’s the day to finally get it done — June 21 marks this year’s summer solstice: the longest day of the year for the northern hemisphere.
Each year on the summer solstice, the sun hits its annual altitudinal peak directly over the Tropic of Cancer. This year, that moment occurs at exactly 10:07 am UTC. When it happens, the tilt of the earth’s North Pole is at its closest to the sun, marking the first day of summer on the astronomical calendar.
Throughout history, the summer solstice has been the impetus for numerous cultural celebrations, many of which we see variations of today. From Astrofest in Croatia, to Midsommar in Sweden, to the Summer Solstice Celebration in Santa Barbara, U.S.A., the summer solstice remains a day of celebration around the world.
As you enjoy today’s extra bit of sunlight, check out what our neighbors to the South are up to on their shortest day of the year.
Happy Summer!
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