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The summer solstice, a significant astronomical event, marks the official beginning of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, the solstice falls around June 21st.
Official beginning of the summer season. During this day, the Earth reaches the point in its orbit where the Earth’s axis is tilted at its maximum towards the Sun. This causes the sun’s rays to strike the Earth’s surface at a more perpendicular angle, concentrating more energy in the Northern Hemisphere and giving us the longest day and shortest night of the year.
Since ancient times, the summer solstice has been celebrated by many cultures around the world. Many ancient civilizations considered it a moment of great importance, linked to the cycles of nature and fertility. Rites and celebrations were organized to honor the Sun, a symbol of life and energy. The observation of the Sun and its celestial movements was fundamental for these cultures, who based their lives and agricultural practices on the cycle of the seasons.
Even today, the summer solstice continues to fascinate and attract the attention of many people. All over the world, events and celebrations are organized to celebrate this special moment.
From Stonehenge in England to Machu Picchu in Peru, ancient archaeological sites become pilgrimage destinations to witness the sunrise of the solstice. These sites, built according to precise astronomical alignments, testify to the importance that the observation of the sky held for ancient civilizations.
