Which solstice occurs around June 21?

Which solstice occurs around June 21?

• A. Winter Solstice
• B. Vernal Equinox
• C. Summer Solstice
• D. Autumnal Equinox

Answer: (C)

The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere happens around June 21, and that is the Summer Solstice. This occurs because the Earth's axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun, so at this time the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon, producing the most daylight of the year. In contrast, the Winter Solstice occurs around December 21 and has the shortest day, while the Vernal Equinox (spring) and Autumnal Equinox (fall) occur around late March/early April and late September/early October, respectively, and are days when daylight and night are about equal.

The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere happens around June 21, and that is the Summer Solstice. This occurs because the Earth's axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun, so at this time the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon, producing the most daylight of the year.

In contrast, the Winter Solstice occurs around December 21 and has the shortest day, while the Vernal Equinox (spring) and Autumnal Equinox (fall) occur around late March/early April and late September/early October, respectively, and are days when daylight and night are about equal.