Solar System Summer

When is the slowest time to ride through the Solar System?

The smaller of the two loops is when we are furthest from the Sun, which occurs in northern hemisphere summer. This point of our ride through the Solar System is the slowest so you don’t see big changes in the Sun’s position happen quickly.

When is the summer solstice?

The Summer Solstice Is Here. What’s New With Our Sun? As we celebrate the longest day in the northern hemisphere, June 21, the sun is approaching the next peak in its 11-year cycle. Let’s check in with our home star →

Why does the sun appear higher in the sky during summer?

The Sun appears higher in the sky during the northern hemisphere summer, moving lower as we move into winter. The larger loop shows how the Sun’s position changes rapidly between measurements. At that time of year the Earth is closer to the Sun and therefore travels faster around it.

Why is summer in June in the northern hemisphere?

It is summer in June in the Northern Hemisphere because the Sun's rays hit that part of Earth more directly than at any other time of the year. It is winter in December in the Northern Hemisphere, because that is when it is the South Pole's turn to be tilted toward the Sun.

When is summer in the northern hemisphere?

Sometimes it is the North Pole tilting toward the Sun (around June) and sometimes it is the South Pole tilting toward the Sun (around December). It is summer in June in the Northern Hemisphere because the Sun's rays hit that part of Earth more directly than at any other time of the year.

Why does the Sun pause during the summer solstice?

Each successive day between the winter solstice and the summer solstice, the Sun appears to have climbed a little bit higher in the sky. On the day of the summer solstice, the Sun 'pauses' in its climb, as it reaches its highest point in the sky for the year (for whichever hemisphere is celebrating the first day of summer).