It's the Summer Solstice this Saturday, the longest day of the year

Expect the Philippines to experience its longest—but not necessarily hottest—day this year on the summer solstice on Saturday, June 21.

 

PAGASA acting administrator Vicente Malano said this year's solstice may fall at 6:51 p.m. of June 21, Philippine standard time.

 

"Philippine nights are at their shortest and daytimes are at their longest around the Summer solstice," Malano said.

 

On June 21, sunset will be at 6:51 p.m. local time.

 

Malano said that, on this day, the Sun will be at its greatest declination of +23.5 degrees and will pass directly overhead at noon for all observers at latitude 23.5 degrees North.

 

He said this event "marks the start of the apparent southward movement of the Sun in the ecliptic."

 

The Huffington Post added June 21 will be "the longest day of the year."

 

"The occasion brings celebrations across the Northern Hemisphere, from Swedes who wear wreaths and dance around maypoles to modern-day Druids who flock to Stonehenge to Americans who enjoy their pool parties and cookouts," it said.

 

However, it said the longest day of the year may not necessarily be the hottest.

 

"ven though Earth's oceans and atmosphere soak up the most rays on the summer solstice, it takes them several weeks to re-radiate that energy back to us," it said. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News