Overview

• The solstice occurs at 10:42 PM EDT on June 20, marking the official start of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and astronomical winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Earth’s 23.5 degree axial tilt directs the Sun’s rays most directly toward the Tropic of Cancer, creating the longest day and shortest night north of the equator.
• Cultural events at ancient sites such as Stonehenge will be livestreamed while North American celebrations unfold at replicas from Washington’s Maryhill to Times Square.
• The Met Office has issued amber heat-health alerts across England as temperatures may reach 33–34 °C and overnight lows risk becoming the year’s highest.
• From this point forward, daylight hours will gradually decrease in the Northern Hemisphere until the winter solstice in December.