SUMMER SOLSTICE
1. Context
The longest day of the year, for anyone living north of the Equator, is June 21. The day is referred to as the Summer Solstice and it occurs when the sun is directly over the day is referred to as summer solstice and it occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer or more specifically right over 23.5 degrees north latitude.
2. Reasons for the occurrence of the summer solstice
- Since Earth rotates on its axis, the Northern Hemisphere gets more direct sunlight between March and September over a day, which also means people living in the Northern Hemisphere experience summer during this time.
- The rest of the year, the Southern Hemisphere gets more sunlight.
- During the solstice, the Earth's axis around which the planet spins, completing one turn each day is tilted in a way that the North Pole is tipped towards the Sun and the South Pole is away from it.
- Typically, this imaginary axis passes right through the middle of the Earth from top to bottom and is always tilted at 23.5 degrees concerning the Sun.
- Therefore, the solstice, as NASA puts it, is that instant in time when the North Pole points more directly toward the Sun than at any other time during the year. Solstice means "Sun Stands Still" in Latin.
- While the solstice occurs at the same time across the world, different countries experience it at different times according to their time zones.
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Image Source: Britannica
3. The Solstice Phenomenon
- This day sees the Earth receiving a greater amount of energy from the Sun.
- The maximum amount of sunlight received by the Northern Hemisphere during this time is usually on June 20, 21 or 22.
- In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere receives most sunlight on December 21, 22 or 23 when the northern hemisphere has its longest nights or the winter solstice.
- The amount of light received by a specific area in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer solstice depends on the latitudinal location of the place.
- The further north one moves from the equator, the more light one receives during the summer solstice.
- At the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set during the solstice.
- Summer solstice, however, does not necessarily mean the earliest sunrise or the latest sunset. That depends on the latitudinal location of the country.
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For Prelims: Summer solstice, Arctic Circle, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, North Pole, Tropic of Cancer, NASA, time zones
For Mains: 1. Examine the impact of the Summer Solstice on seasonal changes, agricultural practices and natural phenomena. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. On 21st June, the Sun (UPSC 2019)
A. does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
B. does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
C. shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
D. shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn
Answer: A
2. Consider the following pairs: (CTET Social Science 2022)
a) Summer Solstice - 21 June
b) Winter Solstice - 22 November
c) Equinox - 21 March
Which of the following pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
1. a and c only 2. a only 3. b and c only 4. a, b and c
Answer: 1
3. In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: (UPSC 2022)
A. First half of the month of June
B. Second half of the month of June
C. First half of the month of July
D. Second half of the month of July
Answer: B
4. Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why? (UPSC 2011)
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to the northern hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in the southern hemisphere as compared to the northern hemisphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A
5. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 2 only D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: C
6. Who discovered North Pole? (Rajasthan PTET 2011)
1. Amundson 2. Robert Peary 3. John Cobot 4. Captain Cook
Answer: 2
7. Which one of the following statements best describes the 'Polar Code'? (UPSC 2022)
1. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
2. It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
3. It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
4. It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
Answer: 1
8. The tropic of cancer passes through (ACC 122 ACT 2020)
A. India and Iran
B. Iran and Pakistan
C. India and Saudi Arabia
D. Iran and Iraq
Answer: C
9. The Tropic of Cancer passes through which one of the following countries? (UPSC CAPF 2018)
A. North Sudan B. Chad C. Mali D. Yemen
Answer: C
10. Which of the following is the name of the NASA programme to land first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024? (SSC MTS 2021)
A. Orion B. Apollo C. Artemis D. Nike
Answer: C
11. How many time zones are there on Earth? (Telangana Police SI Mains 2016)
A. 20 B. 22 C. 24 D. 26
Answer: C
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Source: The Indian Express
