Welcome to the 2024 summer solstice, which marks the official start of summer and the longest day of the year. This year, the summer solstice occurs on June 20 at approximately 3:50 p.m. CT in Chicago. On this day, the Chicago area will experience the most daylight of the year, with around 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds of sunlight. It is also a day when shadows are at their shortest.
The summer solstice is a significant event as it is when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. This marks the first day of astronomical summer and is known for having the longest period of sunlight, making it the longest day of the year for those in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice typically falls between June 20-22 each year due to the Earth’s tilt in relation to its orbit around the sun.
In 2024, the summer solstice is the earliest it has been in over 200 years. This early timing has been attributed to various factors, including it being a leap year. As a result of the Earth’s tilt and orbit, the amount of daylight increases leading up to the summer solstice and gradually decreases afterward until the winter solstice on December 21.
The term “solstice” comes from Latin origins, meaning that the arc of the Sun stops in the sky. It signifies the sun’s highest point in the sky during the summer solstice. While the solstice marks the day with the most sunlight, it does not coincide with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset of the year.
Following the summer solstice is the June full moon, also known as the “strawberry moon.” This full moon will be visible on June 21 at 8:08 p.m. CT, coinciding with the summer solstice. The alignment of the full moon with the solstice creates a unique astronomical event, where the moon will appear larger due to its low position in the sky.
If you are interested in witnessing the sunrise on the summer solstice, you don’t have to travel far. Popular spots like North Avenue Beach in Chicago offer picturesque views of the sunrise over Lake Michigan. Additionally, there are several other locations across the U.S. where you can experience the sunrise, including Lake Tahoe, Grand Canyon National Park, and Key West, Florida.
As we celebrate the 2024 summer solstice and the arrival of the strawberry moon, take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty and astronomical wonders that occur during this time of year. Enjoy the extended daylight, and don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the stunning sunrise and moonrise on these historic days.
