With the days getting progressively longer and warmer in the Northern Hemisphere, summer may appear to be well under way. However, though the meteorological season began on June 1, 2019, the astronomical season will not start until June 21, 2019. Also known as the June solstice, it is the day when the North Pole is most inclined toward the sun, which means that everyone living north of the equator will experience the year's longest day and shortest night. For Southern Hemisphere residents, the date heralds the official start of winter, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year.
Though all North Americans will enjoy at least 12 hours of daylight, residents of Fairbanks, Alaska, which lies just 140 miles south of the Arctic Circle, will be able to bask in the sunshine for the entire 24 hours! Across the pond, in the United Kingdom, the sun will last for over 18 hours, while those living in Stockholm, Sweden, will experience a 21-hour day. Those wishing for additional lengthy days will be thrilled to know that while the June solstice is the longest day of the year, the days before and after the event are only a few seconds shorter.