Shorter than the days
Explanation
The variation in the duration of day and night is determined by the Earth's revolution around the Sun and the inclination of the Earth's axis relative to the plane of the ecliptic.Detailed Analysis:
- Summer Solstice Conditions: On or around June 21, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun. The Sun's rays fall vertically overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N).
- Impact on Day Length: Because the North Pole is inclined towards the Sun, the circle of illumination cuts the parallels of latitude in such a way that a larger portion of the Northern Hemisphere stays in the light. This results in longer daylight hours compared to darkness.
- Conclusion: Consequently, during the Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, days are at their longest and nights are shorter than the days. The length of the day increases with increasing latitude north of the equator.
Key Takeaway: The Summer Solstice marks the longest day and shortest night of the year for the hemisphere tilted towards the Sun.