Ammon News - Jordan marks the summer solstice on Sunday morning, the official astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the President of the Jordan Astronomical Society, Ammar Al-Sakji.

Al-Sakji said the summer solstice will occur at 11:23 a.m. Jordan time, when the Sun reaches its northernmost apparent position in the sky and its rays fall directly over the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees north latitude.

He explained that the summer solstice brings the longest day of the year in Jordan, with daylight lasting approximately 14 hours and 14 minutes, while the night reaches its shortest duration. After this date, daylight hours will gradually decrease until the autumnal equinox.

He added that this year's astronomical summer will last about 93 days, 15 hours, and 40 minutes, ending with the autumnal equinox in the early hours of September 23.

Al-Sakji noted that the summer solstice is caused by the Earth's axial tilt of about 23.5 degrees as it orbits the Sun, not by changes in the distance between the Earth and the Sun. In fact, Earth is relatively farther from the Sun during this period than during some winter months.

He also pointed out that the day features the shortest shadows of the year at noon, as the Sun reaches its highest apparent position in the sky, around 12:38 p.m. local time.

The term "solstice," he explained, originates from Latin and means "the Sun standing still," referring to the apparent slowing of the Sun's northward movement before it begins its gradual journey southward in the coming months.

Observers can notice that the Sun's daily path becomes more arched during this period, rising from its northeastern most point and setting at its northwesternmost point, providing the longest period of natural daylight of the year.

Al-Sakji emphasized the historical significance of the summer solstice, noting that it has been associated for thousands of years with agricultural seasons and traditional celebrations in many cultures, and has influenced the design of several ancient astronomical and archaeological sites.

Jordan's summer skies are adorned with bright celestial objects and prominent constellations, particularly the Summer Triangle, offering an impressive spectacle for stargazers, he added.

The Jordan Astronomical Society continues its annual observations and measurements of the summer solstice from various locations across the Kingdom, documenting sunrise and sunset times, daylight duration, and astronomical angles for scientific and archival purposes.