June brings the summer solstice for those north of the equator, which is the winter solstice for those south of the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, this is when the Sun is above the horizon longer than any other day, making it the longest day of the year. In 2026, the solstice occurs on Sunday, June 21.

Earth’s tilted rotation is the culprit. The tilt is always in the same direction, with the North Pole always pointing toward Polaris, the North Star. And since that tilt stays the same year-round, when we’re on one side of the Sun in winter, the north part of the planet is tilted away from the Sun. But six months later, the planet moves halfway around its annual path, carrying us to the opposite side of Earth’s orbit, and the northern part of the planet now finds itself tilted toward the Sun. The June solstice is when this tilt is at its maximum. Summertime brings long days, lots more sunlight, and warmer temperatures.

The June solstice marks a moment in Earth’s orbit—a consistent astronomical signpost that humans have observed for millennia. Ancient structures from Stonehenge to Chichén Itzá were built, in part, to align with the solstices, demonstrating how important these celestial events were to many cultures. When you’re experiencing long summer days in Utah, find a quiet spot to watch the sunset and you’ll be participating in one of humanity’s oldest astronomical traditions.

If you’re around after sunset this month, you can indulge in another. The Milky Way, the bright central bulge of our galaxy, is visible in June and throughout summer. Join Moab Information Center, Utahraptor State Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, Arches National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument in the Southeast Utah AstroFest from June 4-7. Each night different locations will have park rangers presenting astronomy. Bring an extra layer and a red light to protect your night-adapted vision for a stellar evening.