Summer Solstice Pictures: From Stonehenge to Carhenge

Cultures around the world have a long history of celebrating the summer solstice.

Summer solstice will be a cause for celebration this weekend, as the date marks the start of summer for people across the Northern Hemisphere.

On June 21—the longest day of the year—the sun will be at its highest point in the sky.

The Earth's tilt is to thank for this demarcation of seasons: Summer solstice occurs when the North Pole is tilted directly toward the sun. (The Southern Hemisphere experiences its summer solstice in December, when the South Pole is directly tilted toward the sun.)

Signifying growth and life, the event has a long history of being recognized as a critical event in the calendar, and many cultures have developed celebrations and rituals to coincide with it.

Standing tall on the Salisbury Plain in

DON'T MISS THE REST OF THIS STORY!
Create a free account to continue and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles, plus newsletters.

Create your free account to continue reading

No credit card required. Unlimited access to free content.
Or get a Premium Subscription to access the best of Nat Geo - just $19
SUBSCRIBE

Read This Next

Did this mysterious human relative bury its dead?
This new birth control for cats doesn't require surgery
How the Zoot Suit Riots changed America

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet