These are the main effects of the summer solstice over the Earth’s surface:
1. Maximum tilt towards the sun: The Earth’s tilt toward the sun is at its maximum during the summer solstice.
2. Highest sun elevation: The sun appears at its highest elevation in the sky on this day.
3. Longest day: For locations north of the Tropic of Cancer, the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours.
4. Noontime sun position: The sun’s noontime position changes very little for several days before and after the summer solstice.
5. Geographical significance: The sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° latitude North) during the summer solstice.
6. Extended daylight: Places north of the Tropic of Cancer experience their maximum number of daylight minutes around this time.
7. Temperature lag: Although it’s the longest day, it’s typically not the warmest day due to a lag between peak sunlight and peak temperatures. The warmest average temperatures often occur weeks after the solstice.
8. Energy accumulation: Even though daylight begins to decrease after the solstice, the Earth’s surface and atmosphere continue to accumulate more energy than they lose for some time, leading to rising average temperatures.
These effects demonstrate the significant impact the summer solstice has on daylight, temperature patterns, and overall climate across different parts of the Earth.