The Summer Solstice

NIWA and the corporate media would have everybody believe that we’re in the middle of summer. They are incorrect. We are, in fact, only three weeks into summer. I think we can all agree that the middle of summer (aka the height of summer) is the hottest phase of the season, and we all know (or should know) that we strike that stage in February. Is it any wonder that the so-called ‘experts’ at NIWA-MetService get their weather forecasts so wrong when they cannot even understand something basic like when the seasons start? The wintry weather that much of NZ has recently experienced must have some of these ‘experts’ at NIWA feeling a bit wet behind the ears with their ‘middle of summer’ beliefs. I mean, some areas even managed to get snow.

‘A head scratcher’: Chilly southerlies blow away expert predictions of summer heat

But I’m sure that won’t stop them continuing to paint the weather map of NZ in scary shades of red and spout their apocalyptic predictions about global warming, despite NIWA having form for manipulating raw data.

Setting The Standard For Data Tampering

But I digress…

While December 1st is often considered the ‘official’ start of the New Zealand summer, the true indicator of the season’s commencement is actually the summer solstice, also known as ‘The Longest Day’, which occurs around December 21st or 22nd. Contrary to conventional ‘wisdom’, the seasons are not determined by Pope Gregory XIII’s fallible numerical calendar on our walls (or by any manmade calendar), but rather by the immutable celestial calendar that is located in outer space, far beyond the reach of meddling academics, meteorologists, scientists, and theologians.

The celestial calendar has four markers to herald the start of each of the four seasons.

It couldn’t be much simpler.

The celestial calendar determines the seasons. It always has and it always will.

The solstice for the current summer occurred on December 21st 2024, around 10:20 PM NZDT – just over three weeks ago.

Time & Date/Calendar/Seasons

Understanding The Summer Solstice

The summer solstice marks the day when the Southern Hemisphere experiences the longest daylight hours and the shortest night of the year. It is a celestial event that occurs when the tilt of the Earth’s axis is inclined directly toward the sun. In New Zealand, this phenomenon usually transpires around December 21st or 22nd, making it a more accurate marker for the onset of summer than the arbitrarily set date of December 1st.

Meteorological vs. Astronomical Seasons

New Zealand officially recognises December 1st as the beginning of summer based on meteorological seasons, which are divided into three-month blocks. However, this method fails to align with the natural cycles dictated by the Earth’s position relative to the sun. Astronomical seasons, marked by events such as solstices and equinoxes, provide a much more accurate representation of the changing seasons and resonate more closely with the patterns observed in nature.

Significance For Farmers

The celestial calendar and its summer solstice hold particular significance for farmers, whose livelihoods depend on understanding and adapting to the natural rhythms of the land.

1. Temperature And Growing Conditions

The summer solstice aligns more closely with the rise in temperature and the arrival of optimal growing conditions for crops. Farmers rely on accurate seasonal markers to plan their planting, irrigation, and harvesting schedules, ensuring maximum yield and quality of produce.

2. Daylight Hours For Farming Activities

Longer daylight hours following the summer solstice provide farmers with extended periods for essential tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. This increased daylight not only enhances productivity but also influences the growth and development of crops.

3. Livestock Management

The longer days during the summer solstice impact livestock behaviour and reproduction cycles. Farmers can better plan for mating seasons and ensure that their animals have sufficient daylight hours for grazing, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the livestock.

4. Water Management

The alignment of summer with the solstice helps farmers anticipate water needs for irrigation. With the increase in temperature and longer daylight hours, the demand for water rises, and farmers can plan accordingly to ensure proper hydration for their crops.

Conclusion

Recognising the summer solstice as the true start of summer in New Zealand offers a more precise and ecologically grounded perspective. This shift is not just a matter of astronomical accuracy but has tangible implications for the agricultural sector. Farmers, custodians of the land, benefit from aligning their practices with the natural cycles, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural landscape. As New Zealand continues to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, embracing the wisdom of celestial events like the summer solstice becomes essential for a harmonious coexistence with the land.