Sky Matters - Looking ahead to the summer solstice

THE longest day of the year occurs on June 21 — the summer solstice.

Since the winter solstice on December 21, the sun’s maximum height has been rising each day until the summer solstice, after which it starts to reach less high until the winter solstice — when the sequence starts again.

The solstice is usually on June 21, but it can occur between the 20th and 22nd. For those of you who wish to watch sunrise on June 21, be aware that it’s at 5.02am and liable to be chilly if it’s clear.