Blessed light, short night: Why Summer Solstice is significant

The Northern Hemisphere welcomes the Summer Solstice today, June 21 — the longest day of the year

Today, the North Pole axis faces the sun closely, giving countries above the Tropic of Cancer a longer day

People from North America, Asia and Europe will get to enjoy this extended daytime

The Summer Solstice marks the beginning of “astronomical summer”, which lasts until September

Apart from its astronomical importance, the Summer Solstice is also recognised as an eventful day by various cultures

Every year, thousands gather at Stonehenge, UK, to watch the sunrise