Heavy summer rainfall period

The Summer Solstice, a global astronomical phenomenon, is a significant event in the northern countries of the Earth, with traditions dating back to the pre-Christianization era. This event is also known as the "longest day of the year", as it marks the day with the most daylight.

The Earth, divided by the equator into a northern and a southern hemisphere, experiences the Summer Solstice when the sun reaches its highest point farthest north of the equator. This occurs between June 20th and 21st, with the exact date varying slightly each year. For instance, the Summer Solstice in 2027 will take place on June 21, 2027.

The sun's movement within 23.5 degrees south and north of the equator, due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, is what creates the seasons. These lines of latitude are called the tropics of the sun. The sun travels a quarter of a year from the equator to the southern tropic, then back to the equator, before crossing it twice between the solstices, marking the beginning of spring and autumn in the northern hemisphere.

On the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the days are as long as the nights, exactly 12 hours. Contrastingly, on the day of the summer solstice, the days become longer after the Solstice until they reach their shortest on the day of the Winter Solstice. After the Summer Solstice, the sun cannot move any further north and begins its journey back south.

Throughout history, the Summer Solstice has held various meanings and associations. In Christianity, it was associated with John the Baptist. However, in some groups during the Third Reich and the GDR, it was seen as a pagan custom.

The geocentric model, where the Earth was at the centre, was replaced by the heliocentric model, where the sun is at the centre. This shift in understanding has not diminished the fascination with the Summer Solstice, which continues to be celebrated and observed worldwide.