“Unlocking the Mystery of the Early Summer Solstice with Astronomer Jackie Faherty”

The summer solstice arrived earlier this year than it has in over two centuries, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. At 4:51 Eastern Time, the Earth’s North Pole was tilted closest to the sun, signifying the official start of astronomical summer. NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly spoke with Jackie Faherty, an astronomer at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, to discuss the significance of this early occurrence.

Faherty explained that the summer solstice occurred 50 minutes earlier this year compared to 2020 when it happened on June 20 at 5:43 p.m. The last time it occurred this early, George Washington was president. The shift in timing is due to the discrepancy between the calendar system and the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Leap years are used to correct this misalignment, but the system is not perfect, causing the solstice to occur earlier each year until it resets in 2100.

Observing the summer solstice, Faherty mentioned that the sun sets at its furthest point north on the horizon, gradually moving south in the following days. This change results in shorter days despite being in the summer season. Faherty suggested marking the sun’s position at sunset each day to witness the shift as the days grow shorter.

To celebrate the solstice, Faherty planned to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sunset in New York City, where the hot weather added to the summer vibe. The timing of the solstice at 4:51 Eastern Daylight Time coincided with Happy Hour, making it a perfect moment to welcome the start of summer.

As the days get shorter and the sun’s position changes, the summer solstice serves as a reminder of the Earth’s annual journey around the sun and the changing seasons. The early arrival of this year’s solstice offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the celestial event and the natural rhythms of our planet.