The summer solstice on June 21st marks the year's longest day and shortest night in the Northern Hemisphere.
This astronomical event is caused by the Earth's tilt, which allows the sun to reach its highest point in the sky.
Cultures worldwide celebrate the summer solstice with traditions and festivities
This year, the solstice begins at 4.51 pm EDT (2.21 am IST).
Places like Norway experience the "Midnight Sun" phenomenon, with nearly 24 hours of sunlight.
However, in the Southern Hemisphere, the solstice brings the shortest day and longest night.
The Earth's 23.5-degree tilt is what causes this seasonal variation in sunlight.
On the solstice, the sun's rays hit the Tropic of Cancer directly at noon
After the solstice, days gradually become shorter as Earth continues its orbit.
June 20th also marks the astronomical start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.