Does daylight get shorter after June 21?

Answered by Frank Schwing

The daylight does get shorter after June 21. June 21, also known as the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in terms of daylight hours. After this day, the amount of daylight gradually starts to decrease as we move towards the autumnal equinox.

The Earth’s orbit around the sun is not a perfect circle, but rather an ellipse. This means that our distance from the sun varies throughout the year. During the summer solstice, the Earth is at its maximum tilt towards the sun in the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in longer days and shorter nights. However, as the Earth continues its journey around the sun, the tilt starts to decrease slightly, causing the days to become shorter.

In the days immediately following June 21, the change in daylight is not very noticeable. We may only lose a few seconds of daylight each day. However, as we move into July and August, the rate at which daylight decreases starts to accelerate. By September, we are losing around 3 minutes of daylight per day.

This gradual decline in daylight can have various effects on our daily lives. For example, it affects our sleep patterns and our overall energy levels. As the days get shorter, we may feel more inclined to stay in bed in the mornings, as it is darker for longer periods. Additionally, the reduced daylight can also impact our mood and productivity, as exposure to natural light has been shown to have positive effects on our well-being.

Personally, I always notice a change in my daily routine as the days get shorter. I tend to wake up feeling more groggy and find it harder to get out of bed when it’s still dark outside. I also feel a slight sense of loss as the evenings start to darken earlier, as it feels like I have less time to enjoy outdoor activities or simply spend time in natural light.

To summarize, after June 21, the daylight does get shorter as the Earth continues its orbit around the sun. Although the decrease in daylight is initially gradual, it becomes more noticeable as we approach September. This change in daylight can impact our sleep patterns, mood, and overall daily routine.