Summer Solstice ESL Lesson
The Summer Solstice marks a significant moment in our yearly cycle, celebrated across various cultures and countries. It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the year. This astronomical event takes place between June 20th and 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere, heralding the official start of summer. It’s not just a change in season; the solstice is deeply embedded in human culture, influencing ancient architecture, rituals, and modern-day festivities.
Vocabulary
- solstice /’sol stis/ – the 2 times of the year when the sun is at its greatest distance from the earth’s equator
- equator /’ee kway dr/ – the imaginary (not real) line the divides earth into 2 parts
- hemisphere /’hem is feer/ – hemi means to divide into two, sphere means a round object like the earth. Hemisphere means one half of the circle. The northern hemisphere means above the equator or (middle) of the earth.
- ancient /’ayn shent/ – very old
- come to pass – happen
June 21st (or 22nd) is the summer solstice for the northern hemisphere*. Solstice in Latin means “sun standing still.” On that day it seems like the sun is standing still because there is more daylight than on any other day. It is the first day of summer and a special day for many groups of people.
Many ancient cultures had ceremonies on solstice. They celebrated light and fire. Many people also thought it was a time for love and growth. Nowadays many places around the world have parades or parties.
The great English writer, William Shakespeare, said** whatever you dream on this night will come to pass. Have great dreams on June 21! And if you are in the northern hemisphere, enjoy the longest day of the year.* Summer solstice is on December 21 (or 22nd) in the southern hemisphere. June 21 (or 22nd) is the southern hemisphere’s Winter solstice.
** in his play A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Practice Quiz on Summer Solstice
Below is a set of five practice questions to test your understanding of the Summer Solstice. These questions cover its definition, effects, cultural significance, and more. Try to answer these questions based on what you’ve learned so far to gauge your comprehension and readiness to explore more about this astronomical event.
Check Your Understanding – True or False.
Check your answers below.
1. Solstice means that it looks like the sun doesn’t move.
True or False
2. Summer solstice is on July 21.
True or False
3. Many ancient people celebrated summer solstice with fire.
True or False
4. Nowadays no one celebrates solstice.
True or False
5. Shakespeare said whatever you dream about on June 21 will happen.
True or False
Frequently Asked Questions about Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is the day when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of daylight. It occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is closest to the Sun, typically between June 20th and 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere.
The variation in the date of the Summer Solstice each year is due to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun not being a perfect circle. This orbit, combined with the 365-day calendar year, means the exact time of the solstice can shift slightly each year.
Celebrations of the Summer Solstice vary globally, reflecting local customs and traditions. In Sweden, people celebrate with a Midsummer festival involving dancing around a maypole. In Stonehenge, England, people gather to watch the sunrise align with the stones.
During the Summer Solstice, the Sun travels its longest path through the sky, and the North Pole is tilted directly towards the Sun. This results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year in terms of daylight hours.
No, the Summer Solstice is not typically the hottest day of the year. There is usually a lag between the longest day of the year and the warmest average temperatures. This lag is due to the time it takes for the Earth’s land and water masses to heat up.
Answer Key:
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True