When do we experience longer daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere? When do we have shorter daylight hours?
In the Northern Hemisphere, there are longer daylight hours in the summer due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, and shorter daylight hours in the winter. The longest day occurs during the summer solstice and the shortest on the winter solstice, while equinoxes have equal day and night.
Longer Daylight Hours in Summer
During the summer solstice, usually around June 21, the Sun takes the longest path through the sky, resulting in the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when we experience longer daylight hours due to the tilt of the Earth's axis.
Shorter Daylight Hours in Winter
Conversely, in the winter solstice around December 21, the Sun has its shortest path through the sky, leading to the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. During this time, we have shorter daylight hours.
Equal Daylight Hours
During the equinoxes, which usually occur around March 21 and September 23, day and night are approximately equal in length in the Northern Hemisphere. This is when we have equal daylight and night hours.
Latitude and Daylight Hours
At higher latitudes, the variation in daylight hours throughout the year is more pronounced, with distinct seasons based on light. However, near the equator, the length of daylight remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with around 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night.