Q. In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the :
a) First half of the month of June
b) Second half of the month of June
c) First half of the month of July
d) Second half of the month of July
Correct Answer: b) Second half of the month of June
Question from UPSC Prelims 2022 GS Paper
Explanation :
Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere is known as the summer solstice, which marks the official beginning of summer. This occurs when the North Pole is tilted closest to the sun, resulting in the maximum number of daylight hours for locations in the northern hemisphere.
Date and Time
The summer solstice typically falls within the second half of the month of June, usually on June 20th, 21st, or 22nd, depending on the year and local time zone. The exact date and time of the solstice can vary slightly each year due to the Earth’s elliptical orbit and its axial tilt. However, it consistently occurs within that timeframe.
Longest Day of the Year
Therefore, the correct answer is the second half of the month of June. This is when the northern hemisphere experiences the longest day (most daylight hours) and the shortest night of the calendar year.
