FIRST ALERT: The summer solstice is Thursday. Here is what you can expect
The Longest Day in Over 200 years
MYRTLE BEACH, SC – The heat of summer has already been felt for some weeks now, but Thursday will usher in the official start of summer with the occurrence of the summer solstice. This astronomical phenomenon represents the moment when the tilt of the earth toward the sun is at its maximum, resulting in the longest day of sunlight we’ve had in 228 years. Expect to enjoy 14 hours and 23 minutes of daylight on this remarkable day.
A Rare Phenomenon
The summer solstice – the day the earth is angled toward the sun, permitting the most direct rays – falls on Thursday. This accounts for the unusually long daylight duration. Sunrises were observed at 6:06 a.m, and the sun will not sit until 8:29 p.m, offering a protracted day of warmth and light. This is, indeed, the lengthiest day witnessed in over two centuries, an occurrence worth noting.
Strawberry Moon and the Summer Solstice
In a rare coincidence, the first full moon of summer aligns with the solstice. However, it’s key to note that this “strawberry moon” doesn’t refer to its hue. Don’t anticipate a pink moon. Rather, “strawberry” is a reference to the relatively brief harvesting window for strawberries in the northeastern United States. This moon is slated to set on Friday in a celestial farewell to this special solstice.
Public Engagement
Most Read topics recently show citizens are deeply concerned about their local issues, but we encourage everyone also to take a moment to appreciate this extraordinary natural spectacle. This longest day offers a unique opportunity to reflect upon the grandeur of our universe and our place within it. So, whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, the unmissable event of this year’s summer solstice promises something for everyone.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
