It's officially the longest day of the year in Cook County. Here's what it means.
Jun 20, 2025 09:14AM ● By Content Editor
Photo: Laura Durenberger-Grunow
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - June 20, 2025
If you step outside at 9:42 pm (Central Time) on June 20, 2025, you'll be experiencing the point when the Earth is tilted at its furthest point towards the sun (versus any other time of year).
This moment occurs on what scientists refer to as the Summer Solstice. The day also marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, while those in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing the shortest day of the year.
In Cook County, we enjoy a whopping 16 hours of daylight on June 20. (And yes, after today, the days will slowly start getting shorter.)
The reason we have solstices and equinoxes (and seasons) is that the Earth is tilted on an axis. As the Earth moves around the sun, that tilt shifts. The image below visually represents the Earth's tilt in relation to the Sun.
For many, the Solstices and Equinoxes are about more than just the amount of daylight we receive. Many cultures and religions celebrate these days throughout the year.
Here in Cook County, we can celebrate the Summer Solstice with the Summer Solstice Pageant and Wooden Boat Festival, which starts today and runs through the weekend.
You can also find some specific summer solstice traditions here.
By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - June 20, 2025
If you step outside at 9:42 pm (Central Time) on June 20, 2025, you'll be experiencing the point when the Earth is tilted at its furthest point towards the sun (versus any other time of year).
This moment occurs on what scientists refer to as the Summer Solstice. The day also marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, while those in the Southern Hemisphere are experiencing the shortest day of the year.
In Cook County, we enjoy a whopping 16 hours of daylight on June 20. (And yes, after today, the days will slowly start getting shorter.)
The reason we have solstices and equinoxes (and seasons) is that the Earth is tilted on an axis. As the Earth moves around the sun, that tilt shifts. The image below visually represents the Earth's tilt in relation to the Sun.
Image: NASA
For many, the Solstices and Equinoxes are about more than just the amount of daylight we receive. Many cultures and religions celebrate these days throughout the year.
Here in Cook County, we can celebrate the Summer Solstice with the Summer Solstice Pageant and Wooden Boat Festival, which starts today and runs through the weekend.
You can also find some specific summer solstice traditions here.
