Islamabad (Lord Media): Today marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, including Pakistan. Known as the Summer Solstice, this day signifies the official start of summer. During this time, the North Pole is tilted towards the sun, making the sun appear farthest from the equator. In Pakistan, the duration of daylight will range between 14 to 15 hours.
Around the world, this day is celebrated with various traditions. For instance, in Sweden, it is observed as Midsummer, while in the UK, people gather at Stonehenge to participate in different activities.
In contrast, Antarctica in the southern hemisphere experiences 24 hours of darkness. Today marks the shortest day and longest night there, signaling the beginning of winter.
Interestingly, the longest day of the year can occur on different dates each year. For example, in 2024, it was on June 21, while in 2025, it will be on June 22. After this, the length of the day begins to decrease, leading to the shortest day in December.
It is important to note that the long days of summer do not mean the Earth is closer to the sun. In fact, the Earth is farthest from the sun during this time. The increase in temperature is due to the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
