In th northern hemisphere, summer solstice is experienced on

Analyze the question: It asks for the date of the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.

Explain the concept: A solstice happens when the Sun's overhead (vertical) rays reach their farthest point north or south of the Equator. The Earth's axis is tilted at 23½°, so the overhead Sun moves between the Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23½°S) during the year.

Key dates in the Northern Hemisphere:

• March 21: Spring (vernal) equinox. The Sun is overhead at the Equator.
• June 21: Summer solstice. The Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23½°N). The Northern Hemisphere has its longest day and shortest night.
• September 22/23: Autumn equinox. The Sun is overhead at the Equator again.
• December 22: Winter solstice. The Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn (23½°S). The Northern Hemisphere has its shortest day.

Solution:

• A (September 22) is the autumnal equinox, so it is wrong.
• B (June 21) is when the Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, so it is correct.
• C (December 22) is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, so it is wrong.
• D (March 21) is the spring equinox, so it is wrong.

Answer: The summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is on June 21, which is option B.

Tip: Remember that "solstice" sounds like "stand still": the Sun appears to stop at its farthest point and turn back. For the Northern Hemisphere, June = Summer solstice and December = Winter solstice. The equinoxes (March and September) have equal day and night. Be careful: in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed.