Summer has officially begun, heralded not only by Thursday’s solstice but also by a scorching heatwave. Fortunately, as temperatures cool later in the evening, Hoosiers will be treated to June’s Strawberry Moon, which soon reaches peak light. Here’s what you need to know.
When is the first day of summer?
The first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is Thursday, June 20, 2024. This is the date of this year’s summer solstice.
What happens on the summer solstice?
According to National Weather Service experts, the summer solstice is when the earth’s tilt toward the sun reaches its maximum elevation at noon. Anywhere north of the Tropic of Cancer, the sun is at its highest point in the sky, resulting in the longest day of the year.
How many hours of light are there at the summer solstice?
The solstice day, the longest day of the year, lasts approximately 15 hours. Sunrise for central Indiana was at 6:16 a.m. and sunset will be around 9:15 p.m.
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What does the solstice mean?
Solstice is a combination of the Latin words groundmeaning “sun”, and sister meaning “to stop”, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. It is derived from the Latin word solstice. Or, to put it another way: Solstice means “the sun stands still.”
Is June 20 still the first day of summer?
The first day of summer changes from year to year, arriving on June 20, 21, or 22. Indeed, Earth’s astronomical year actually lasts 365.25 days, writes Space.com. This is also when the moon will be at its highest this year.
First Day of Summer Weather Forecast for Central Indiana
Central Indiana will be mostly sunny and warm Thursday with a high near 93, according to the National Weather Service. Thursday night will be mostly clear with a low around 75.
Friday will be sunny and warm again with a high pushing 95. Skies in the evening will be mostly clear with lows around 74 — excellent conditions for viewing the full moon.
When is the full moon in June 2024?
The Strawberry Moon will shine at its peak illumination after the solstice on Friday, June 21, 2024. The phases of the moon in June are:
- 🌑 New Moon: June 6.
- 🌓 First quarter: June 14.
- 🌕 Full moon: June 21st.
- 🌗 Last shift: June 28.
Why is it called the Strawberry Moon?
Similar to the Pink Moon, June’s Strawberry Moon gets its name from the seasonal growth of plants, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many ripening berries were ready for harvest at this time in the northeastern United States. Other names for the June full moon of Native American tribes include the Birth Moon, Warm Moon, Flower Moon, and Green Corn Moon.
When is the best time to see the full moon in June 2024?
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, moonrise for the Indianapolis area will occur around 9:35 p.m. on Friday, June 21, crossing the meridian at 1:58 a.m. before setting at 6:22 a.m. Saturday.
What are the dates for the four seasons in 2024?
- Spring: March 19, 2024 (spring equinox)
- Summer: June 20, 2024 (summer solstice).
- Autumn: September 22, 2024 (autumn equinox).
- Winter: December 21, 2024 (winter solstice).
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John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at [email protected].
