The summer solstice (around June 21 in the Northern Hemisphere) has the longest period of daylight, while the winter solstice (around December 21) has the shortest. These events are caused by the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees.
What Is a Solstice?
A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice a year, marking the points of the longest and shortest days of the year.
Quick Answer
A solstice happens twice a year. The summer solstice, around June 21st, is the longest day of the year. The winter solstice, around December 21st, is the shortest day of the year. They are caused by the Earth's tilt on its axis as it orbits the Sun.
Related Questions
What is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time)?
UTC is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks. It's the successor to GMT and is based on atomic time for precision.
What is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
DST is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during warmer months to extend daylight into the evening.
What does GMT stand for?
GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time, the historic time standard based on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, London.
How many time zones are in the USA?
The USA and its territories use 9 standard time zones. The 4 contiguous US states time zones are Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern.