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| The 2024 summer solstice is nearly here, and this year’s event will actually be the earliest in more than 200 years. |
Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.**
The 2024 summer solstice is nearly here, and this year’s event will be the earliest in over 200 years.
What does this mean, and why is this year’s solstice so early?
The historic moment will also be followed by another significant celestial event. Here’s what to expect:
When is the summer solstice?
The summer solstice will occur at approximately 3:50 p.m. CST on June 20 in Chicago, according to timeanddate.com. At that time, the Chicago area will experience its longest day of the year, with approximately 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 41 seconds of daylight—the most in a single day this year.
What is the summer solstice, and is it the first day of summer?
The summer solstice marks the time when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost point in the sky, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, officially kicking off astronomical summer. It’s also known as the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by the most extended period of sunlight.
While the solstice date can vary slightly each year, it typically falls between June 20 and 22. "Our solstices are caused by the slight tilt in Earth’s axis in relation to the plane of its orbit," explains the Adler Planetarium. This tilt, about 23.5 degrees off-vertical, results in different halves of the globe leaning towards or away from the sun throughout the year.
As the summer solstice approaches, daylight increases daily, while nights shorten. After the solstice, daylight gradually decreases until the winter solstice on December 21.
"The summer solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere when the northern half of the globe is tilted closest to the sun," the Adler said. "Conversely, it’s also when the Southern Hemisphere experiences its winter solstice, as the southern half is tilted furthest from the sun."
Why is this year’s solstice so early?
According to Accuweather, this year’s solstice will be the earliest in 228 years, with the last occurrence on June 20, 1796. "The exact day and time of the solstice vary slightly from year to year," the publication reported.
The Weather Network called the 2024 shift "exceptional," noting that the early solstice could be linked to it being a leap year. "Our calendar remains slightly out of sync with the solar year. Each leap year, the vernal equinox occurs around 40-50 minutes earlier than the previous leap year," the network reported.
Interestingly, the spring equinox fell on March 19 this year, marking only the second time in over a century it has occurred on that date and becoming the earliest spring equinox in 128 years. "Even accounting for the lack of daylight saving time back then, 2024’s summer solstice is still earlier," the Weather Network noted.
Looking ahead, the fall equinox will be the earliest since 1797, and the winter solstice the earliest since 1798. Future leap years will continue to see equinoxes and solstices occurring even earlier.
Why is it called a solstice?
The term "solstice" means that the arc of the Sun—or Sol—stops in the sky, originating from the Latin words "sol" (sun) and "stitium" (still or stopped), as reported by the Farmer’s Almanac.
Sunrise and sunsets during the summer solstice
Although the solstice marks the day with the most sunlight, it does not correspond with the earliest sunrise or latest sunset. According to timeanddate.com, the latest sunsets will occur in mid-to-late June, around 8:30 p.m. The city will see over 15 hours of daylight for most of the month, which will start to decrease after June 20. Fortunately, the area will continue to see sunsets after 8 p.m. through August 8.
Best place to catch the summer solstice sunrise
If you’re wondering where to see the sunrise on the solstice, you don’t have to travel far. Mixbook, a photobook company, surveyed 3,000 people to identify the 150 best places in the U.S. to witness the sunrise on June 20. North Avenue Beach in Chicago ranked No. 33 on the list.
North Avenue Beach offers a picturesque view of the sunrise over Lake Michigan, with a striking juxtaposition of natural beauty and the urban skyline.
Strawberry moon to follow summer solstice
Immediately following the summer solstice is the June full moon, known as the "strawberry moon," marking another historic sight. The full moon will reach peak illumination at 8:08 p.m. CT, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
"Since the 2024 June full Moon happens on the solstice, the very day the Sun is absolutely at its highest of the year, this month’s full Moon on the 21st is the very lowest full Moon, indeed, the lowest we’ve seen in years," the Almanac reported. "Because the Moon is so low, it will appear bigger than ever, a phenomenon known as the 'Moon Illusion.'"
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