Astronomers Saturday have confirmed that June 21 is observed as the longest day and the shortest night of the year, marking the peak of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, an event that also sparked widespread attention and discussion across social media platforms.
According to Renowned astrophysicist Professor Dr. Muhammad Javed Iqbal on this day, the Northern Hemisphere tilts closest toward the Sun, causing it to appear at its highest point in the sky and resulting in the longest span of daylight, lasting 13 hours and 41 minutes while the night was limited to just 10 hours and 19 minutes, private news channel reported. He added that this seasonal shift is a direct result of the Earth’s axial tilt and orbital path, which create variations in the length of days and nights throughout the year.
Dr. Iqbal further explained that after July 1, the duration of daylight will slowly begin to shrink, eventually balancing with night around September 22. He added that longer days and shorter nights are typical of the summer season in the Northern Hemisphere, with June 21 standing as the peak of this daylight pattern. The professor also elaborated that the Earth’s axial tilt and orbit around the Sun create these seasonal shifts, he said.
In summer, the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the Sun, resulting in extended daylight, he said, adding, in contrast, during the winter solstice, the tilt favors the Southern Hemisphere, leading to shorter days in the north.
In Karachi, a light morning drizzle brought a refreshing change, with overcast skies likely to persist and chances of more rain later in the day.
In Lahore, cool breezes and cloudy skies offered a welcome break from the recent heat. Meanwhile, overnight showers in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and nearby regions helped moderate the temperatures.