The First Day of Astronomical Summer: Summer Solstice 2024

Today, Thursday, marks the beginning of astronomical summer with the summer solstice. At precisely 3:50 p.m. CDT, the sun will reach its highest point in the sky, signifying the exact moment of the 2024 summer solstice.

Often referred to as the “longest day of the year,” today will have the most daylight, even though it still contains the usual 24 hours. The days around the solstice also boast extended daylight hours. After today, the amount of daylight will gradually decrease until the winter solstice on December 21, 2024, the shortest day of the year.

Daylight Hours on the Summer Solstice

The length of daylight varies by location. Here’s how much daylight you can expect in different parts of Alabama and the United States:

Alabama:

• Huntsville: 14 hours, 29 minutes, 15 seconds
• Birmingham: 14 hours, 22 minutes, 41 seconds
• Mobile: 14 hours, 8 minutes, 7 seconds
• Auburn: 14 hours, 17 minutes, 52 seconds
• Tuscaloosa: 14 hours, 21 minutes, 1 second

United States:

• Anchorage, Alaska: 19 hours, 21 minutes, 29 seconds
• New York City: 15 hours, 5 minutes, 38 seconds
• Seattle: 15 hours, 59 minutes, 18 seconds
• St. Louis: 14 hours, 52 minutes, 8 seconds
• Los Angeles: 14 hours, 25 minutes, 32 seconds
• Miami: 13 hours, 44 minutes, 59 seconds

The Earliest Solstice Since 1796

This year’s summer solstice is notable for being the earliest since 1796, during George Washington’s presidency. According to USA Today, this early solstice results from the interplay between Earth’s orbit around the sun, its daily rotation, and the quirks of the Gregorian calendar. The solstice will continue to shift earlier each leap year until 2100 due to these astronomical and calendrical intricacies.

Meteorological vs. Astronomical Summer

While today marks the start of astronomical summer, it has felt like summer in Alabama for some time. Meteorological summer, which is used by weather forecasters and climatologists, began on June 1.

Enjoy the extended daylight of this special day, and remember that starting tomorrow, the days will begin to shorten gradually.