Overview
- The solstice occurred at 10:24 on Sunday, June 21, marking the precise astronomical start of summer and the year's longest day for the Northern Hemisphere.
- In Italy ANSA reported the Sun rose at 05:36 and set at 20:51 on June 21, giving roughly 15 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.
- Astronomers explain the solstice happens when the Sun reaches its maximum declination and appears to 'stand still' before reversing toward the celestial equator.
- The calendar date of the solstice shifts because the event moves about six hours later each year and leap years reset that drift; the date has fallen on June 20 in 2020 and 2024 and will do so again in 2028.
- The Unione Astrofili Italiani coordinated 'Welcome summer! Sun day' activities on June 20–21 with local clubs running solar and nighttime observations in places such as Stigliano, Calenzano and Ravenna.