Previous Year Question

In the Northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the

first half of the month of June

second half of the month of June

first half of the month of July

second half of the month of July

Correct Answer: B

Detailed Solution

The longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere occurs at the Summer Solstice, which normally falls on 20 or 21 June. It therefore occurs in the second half of June.

Earth’s rotational axis makes an angle of approximately with its orbital plane, or is tilted approximately from the perpendicular to that plane.

At the June solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted to its maximum extent towards the Sun.

The Sun’s direct rays fall approximately over the Tropic of Cancer— north latitude.

The Sun follows its longest apparent path across the sky in the Northern Hemisphere. Consequently, daylight duration is maximum and night duration is minimum.

Areas north of the Arctic Circle may experience 24 hours or more of continuous daylight, producing the phenomenon known as the midnight sun.

At the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun and experiences its winter solstice and shortest day.

Therefore, the correct option is the second half of June.

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