What You Need To Know About The Summer Solstice

As we had through the middle of June, the longest day of the year is knocking at our doorstep.

Officially, the longest day of the year, a.k.a. the summer solstice, will fall on Thursday, June 20th, at 2:50 PM for mountain time zones.

Following the summer solstice, the days will get shorter as we head through the rest of summer and fall returns.

But what makes the summer solstice so significant?

What Is The Summer Solstice

First and foremost, during the summer solstice, the earth's tilt toward the sun is at its maximum.

This causes the sun to appear at its highest elevation around noon, with very little change over the few days surrounding the summer solstice.

You might think that this would lead to the hottest day of the year, but it actually doesn't.

The hottest days of the summer will follow the summer solstice.

Interestingly enough, the summer solstice may be the longest day of the year, but it isn't the earliest sunrise or the latest sunset.

What Makes The Summer Solstice Significant

• Some religions believe that there are spiritual aspects that coincide with the summer solstice.
• Many cultures have parties and celebrations that coincide with the summer solstice.
• One of the most significant aspects of the summer solstice is how the summer sun and longer days affect our moods. As I'm sure you know, vitamin D is a critical element that our bodies need; the summer days certainly provide that.

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