News & Press

Summer is upon us

Sat, 1 Jun 2024 17:07:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, 1 June is the beginning of Summer in the northern hemisphere.

Meteorologists define northern Summer as the months of June, July and August; but astronomical Summer starts at the Summer Solstice - this year at 2051 UTC on 20 June, when the Sun reaches its most northerly latitude of 23º 26.1’.

The Sun will leave the northern hemisphere at the Autumnal Equinox - at 1243 UTC on 22 September, when it returns to the south.

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0100 UTC on 27 October, in compliance with an EU directive of 2002, which stated that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC (this assumes that UK continues to comply with that directive).

Further details from: Greenwhich Mean Time

Winter Solstice

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:18:00 GMT

In astronomical terms, Winter starts at the Winter Solstice.

  This year the Sun reaches its furthest point south of 23º26.1’ at 0327 UTC (~GMT) on 22 December. Astronomical Spring will follow at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun re-crosses the equator to the north - on 20 March 2024.  

But, in meteorological terms, Winter in the northern hemisphere covers the months of December, January and February.  

And European clocks should re-adopt Summertime at 0100 UTC on 31 March 2024 (Easter Sunday), in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC. At the moment UK still complies with this mandate. 

Further details from greenwichmeantime.com

Winter is upon us . .

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:35:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, Winter in the northern hemisphere covers the months of December, January and February.

  But, astronomically, Winter starts at the Winter Solstice, when the Sun reaches its furthest point south of 23º26.1’ - this year at 0327 UTC (~GMT) on 22 December. It will be followed by astronomical Spring, starting at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun re-crosses the equator at 0307 UTC on 20 March 2024.  

And European clocks should re-adopt Summertime at 0100 UTC on 31 March 2024, in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC.

  Further details from the Royal Observatory

Farewell Summer Time

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 11:37:00 GMT

Under an EU directive of 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks in UK revert to GMT (~UTC) on 29 October; changes either way occur at 0100 UTC while UK continues to accept the directive.

GMT, based on the angular position of the Earth around its axis, and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), based on over 400 atomic clocks with leap seconds added, should never differ by more than 0.9 seconds.

So UK reverts to its ‘natural’ time, centred on the Greenwich meridian and in the 15º longitude NATO time-zone ‘Zulu’ (Z), used in international travel, timing - and astro calculations.

European clocks should re-adopt Summertime at 0100 UTC on 31 March 2024 - Easter Sunday.

‘Daylight Saving Time’ in Canada and USA is not synchronised with Europe; they cease Summer Time a week later.

In meteorological terms, Winter in the northern hemisphere will start on 1 December for 3 months. But, astronomically, Winter starts at the Winter Solstice, when the Sun reaches its most southerly latitude of 23º 26.1’ on 22 December at 0327Z.

Further details may be found at the Royal Observatory

Autumnal Equinox

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 16:10:00 GMT

Astronomically, Summer finishes at the Autumnal Equinox.

This occurs when the Sun passes over the equator into the southern hemisphere - this year at 0750 BST (0650 GMT/UTC) on 23 September.  

Astronomically, Autumn will run until the Winter Solstice - at 0327 UTC on 22 December. Then Winter will last until the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun returns back to the northern hemisphere - at 0306 UTC on 20 March 2024.  

But in meteorological terms, Autumn is considered to be the months of September, October and November, with the other seasons following in 3-month periods.  

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0200 BST on 29 October, in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC. Currently, UK is continuing to observe that directive.

  Further details from the Royal Observatory

Farewell Summer . .

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:28:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, 1 September is the beginning of Autumn in the northern hemisphere. 

 Meteorologists define northern Autumn as the months of September, October and November; but many consider that Autumn starts at the Autumnal Equinox - this year at 0650 UTC/GMT (0750 BST) on 23 September, when the Sun returns to the southern hemisphere.  

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0100 UTC on 29 October, still in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC.  

Details from the Royal Observatory

The Summer solstice

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:16:00 GMT

The Sun reaches its highest northerly latitude on 21 June.

The Sun will be at its highest latitude of ~23.44ºN at 1458 UTC (1558 BST) on 21 June - the Summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.

This is the start of northern astronomical Summer although, in meteorological terms, Summer is defined as the months of June, July and August.

The Sun will cross the celestial equator to re-enter the southern hemisphere on 23 September - the autumnal equinox and end of astronomical Summer in the north. It will start its northerly journey again at the Winter solstice on 22 December.

As the Earth takes ~365.25 days to orbit the Sun, these times become around 6 hours later each year; hence, to keep dates and seasons consistent, a leap day is inserted every 4 years - the next to be in 2024.

And clocks in most of Europe will remain on ‘Summertime' (EST and BST) until 29 October. The EU stipulated in 2002 that all member states should adjust their clocks on the last Sundays in March and October, the change to occur at 0100 UTC. At the moment UK is adhering to the EU schedule.

Further details from the Royal Observatory

Summer is upon us

Tue, 30 May 2023 21:57:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, 1 June is the beginning of Summer in the northern hemisphere.

Meteorologists define northern Summer as the months of June, July and August; but astronomical Summer starts at the Summer Solstice - this year at 1457 UTC on 21 June, when the Sun reaches its most northerly latitude of 23º 26.1’.

The Sun will leave the northern hemisphere at the Autumnal Equinox - 0650 UTC on 23 September, when it returns to the south.

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0100 UTC on 29 October, in compliance with an EU directive of 2002, which stated that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC (this assumes that UK continues to comply with that directive).

Further details from The Royal Observatory

Summer Time

Sat, 25 Mar 2023 13:22:00 GMT

Although no longer in the EU, UK is still adopting the EU Directive for ’Summer Time’.

The EU 2002 Directive stated that Daylight Saving Time (DST) would be observed between 0100 UTC on the last Sundays in March and October. So, this year clocks in UK revert to British Summer Time (BST) on 26 March until 29 October.

In 2019, the European Parliament voted to remove Daylight Saving Time in the EU. The vote was passed and progressed to the European Council, but the Council has yet to start negotiations due to delays through Covid and the Ukraine war.

Meteorological Summer runs for 3 months from 1 June, with Astronomical Summer starting at the Summer Solstice, this year at 1557 BST on 21 June.

Image from the EU and further details from timeanddate.com

Astronomical Spring

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 11:51:00 GMT

Astronomically, Spring starts at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun crosses the equatorial into the northern hemisphere - at 2124 UTC (~GMT) on 20 March.

  Astronomical Summer then starts at the Summer Solstice - 1557 BST on 21 June, when the Sun is at its highest northerly latitude of 23º26’; it returns to the southern hemisphere at the Autumnal Equinox, at 0750 BST on 23 September.  

In 2002, the EU stipulated that all member states should adopt ’Summer Time’ between the last Sundays in March and October - the clocks to change at 0100 UTC. So, this year BST will apply from 26 March to 29 October, even though we are no longer within the EU . . 

Further details from Time & Date

Meteorological Spring

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:16:00 GMT

1 March represents the start of meteorological Spring in the northern hemisphere, covering March, April & May, with the other seasons following in 3-month periods.

But, astronomically, Spring starts at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator into the northern hemisphere - this year at 2124 UTC (~GMT) on 20 March. Astronomical Summer then starts at the Summer Solstice - 1557 UTC on 21 June, when the Sun is at its highest northerly latitude of 23º26’.

In 2002, the EU stipulated that all member states should adopt ’Summer Time’ between the last Sundays in March and October - the clocks to change at 0100 UTC. So, this year BST will apply from 26 March to 29 October. It is assumed that UK will continue to remain synchronised with the EU.

Further details from timeanddate.com

Quadrantid meteor shower

Wed, 4 Jan 2023 11:52:00 GMT

The Quadrantids are are one of the strongest and most consistent meteor showers.

The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Boötes, near the Big Dipper. The debris enter Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per second, vaporising and causing the streaks of light - the meteors.

The meteors peak on 3-4 January, but may be seen from 28 December to 12 January, peaking at around 110 per hour.

Further details from The Royal Observatory

Winter Solstice

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 16:45:00 GMT

In astronomical terms, Winter starts at the Winter Solstice.

This year the Sun reaches its furthest point south of 23º26.1’ at 2148 UTC (~GMT) on 21 December. Astronomical Spring will follow at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun re-crosses the equator to the north - at 2124 UTC on 20 March 2023.  

But, in meteorological terms, Winter in the northern hemisphere covers the months of December, January and February.  

And European clocks should re-adopt Summertime at 0100 UTC on 26 March 2023, in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC. At the momentUK still complies with this mandate. 

Further details from the Royal Observatory

Winter is upon us . .

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 19:53:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, Winter in the northern hemisphere covers the months of December, January and February.

 But, astronomically, Winter starts at the Winter Solstice, when the Sun reaches its furthest point south of 23º26.1’ - this year at 2148 UTC (~GMT) on 21 December. It will be followed by astronomical Spring, starting at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun re-crosses the equator at 2125 UTC on 20 March 2023.

And European clocks should re-adopt Summertime at 0100 UTC on 26 March 2023, in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC.

 Further details from the Royal Observatory

Leonids meteor shower

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 17:24:00 GMT

The Leonid meteors may be seen from 6 to 30 November, but peak on the 17/18th.

The space rubble responsible for the shower comes from the Comet Tempel-Tuttle, the dust-sized particles entering the atmosphere at around 70 km/sec. There can be up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak.

The meteors can appear in any part of the sky but if traced back, appear to come from the constellation of Leo - hence the name 'Leonids'. The best time to look for them is between midnight and dawn.

Further details from the Royal Observatory

Farewell Summer Time

Sat, 29 Oct 2022 09:22:00 GMT

Under an EU directive of 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks in UK revert to GMT (~UTC) on 30 October; changes either way occur at 0100 UTC. UK still accepts the directive.

GMT, based on the angular position of the Earth around its axis, and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), based on over 400 atomic clocks with leap seconds added, should never differ by more than 0.9 seconds.

So UK reverts to its ‘natural’ time, centred on the Greenwich meridian and in the 15º longitude NATO time-zone ‘Zulu’ (Z), used in international travel, timing - and astro calculations. The 24 lettered time-zones can be found at World Time Zones

European clocks should re-adopt Summertime at 0100 UTC on 26 March 2023.

‘Daylight Saving Time’ in Canada and USA is not synchronised with Europe; they cease Summer Time a week later.

In meteorological terms, Winter in the northern hemisphere will start on 1 December for 3 months. But, astronomically, Winter starts at the Winter Solstice, when the Sun reaches its most southerly latitude of 23º 26.1’ on 21 December.

Further details may be found at the Royal Observatory

Partial solar eclipse

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:17:00 GMT

On 25 October 2022 a partial solar eclipse will be visible in the northern hemisphere, roughly from India to Iceland.

As seen from London, the Moon will take a bite of up to 15% of the Sun's surface from 1008 to 1151, peaking at 1059 (all times BST).

Using a sextant is a safe way of observing the event; otherwise, a pinhole camera works well.

Further details from SPACE.com

Orionid meteor shower

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 17:07:00 GMT

The next few nights will see the annual shower of Orionid meteors.

The peak occurs on 21 October but they can be seen for several nights more. They are best seen radiating from the south from about 0200 BST; there can be up to 70 per hour.

The shower is associated with Halley's Comet and gains its name from its radiant lying in the constellation Orion the Hunter.

Further details from Astronomy

Autumnal Equinox

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:01:00 GMT

Astronomically, Summer finishes at the Autumnal Equinox.

This occurs when the Sun passes over the equator into the southern hemisphere - at 0203 BST (0103 GMT/UTC) on 23 September.  

Astronomically, Autumn will run until the Winter Solstice - on 21 December. Then Winter will last until the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun passes back into the northern hemisphere - on 20 March 2023.  

But in meteorological terms, Autumn is considered to be the months of September, October and November, with the other seasons following in 3-month periods.  

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0200 BST on 30 October, in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC. Currently, UK is continuing to observe that directive.

  Further details from the Royal Observatory

Farewell Summer . .

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:03:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, 1 September is the beginning of Autumn in the northern hemisphere. 

Meteorologists define northern Autumn as the months of September, October and November; but many consider that Autumn starts at the Autumnal Equinox - this year at 0104 UTC (0204 BST) on 23 September, when the Sun returns to the southern hemisphere.

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0100 UTC on 30 October, still in compliance with an EU directive since 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC.

Details from the Royal Observatory

The Summer solstice

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 20:26:00 GMT

The Sun reaches its highest northerly latitude on 21 June.

The Sun will be at its highest latitude of ~23.4ºN at 0913 UTC (1013 BST) on 21 June - the Summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.

This is the start of northern astronomical Summer although, in meteorological terms, Summer is defined as the months of June, July and August.

The Sun will cross the celestial equator to re-enter the southern hemisphere on 23 September - the autumnal equinox and end of northern astronomical Summer in the north. It will start its northerly journey again at the Winter solstice on 21 December.

As the Earth takes ~365.25 days to orbit the Sun, these times become around 6 hours later each year; hence, to keep dates and seasons consistent, a leap day is inserted every 4 years - as it was in 2020.

And clocks in most of Europe will remain on ‘Summertime' (EST and BST) until 30 October. The EU stipulated in 2002 that all member states should adjust their clocks on the last Sundays in March and October, the change to occur at 0100 UTC. At the moment UK is adhering to the EU schedule.

Further details from the Royal Observatory

Summer is upon us

Tue, 31 May 2022 20:58:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, 1 June is the beginning of Summer in the northern hemisphere.

Meteorologists define northern Summer as the months of June, July and August; but astronomical Summer starts at the Summer Solstice - this year at 0913 UTC on 21 June, when the Sun reaches its most northerly latitude of 23º 26.1’.

The Sun will leave the northern hemisphere at the Autumnal Equinox - 0103 UTC on 23 September, when it returns to the south.

And British Summer Time (BST) will cease at 0100 UTC on 30 October, in compliance with an EU directive of 2002, which states that ‘Summer Time’ will be observed between the last Sundays in March and October, clocks to change at 0100 UTC (this assumes that UK continues to comply with that directive).

Further details from The Royal Observatory

Summer Time

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 21:39:00 GMT

Although no longer in the EU, UK is still adopting the EU Directive for ’Summer Time’.

The 2002 Directive stated that Daylight Saving Time (DST) would be observed between 0100 UTC on the last Sundays in March and October. So, this year clocks in UK revert to British Summer Time (BST) on 27 March until 30 October.

Frustrations with DST clock changes had led the European Parliament to draft a law for the removal of DST. This was initially planned for 2021, but it did not happen as Europe was busy handling health and economic effects of Covid-19.

Meteorological Summer runs for 3 months from 1 June, with Astronomical Summer starting at the Summer Solstice, this year at 1013 UTC on 21 June.

Image from the EU and further details from timeanddate

Astronomical Spring

Sun, 20 Mar 2022 08:49:00 GMT

Astronomically, Spring starts at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun crosses the equatorial into the northern hemisphere - at 1533 UTC (~GMT) on 20 March.

Astronomical Summer then starts at the Summer Solstice - 1013 BST on 21 June, when the Sun is at its highest northerly latitude of 23º26’; it returns to the southern hemisphere at the Autumnal Equinox, at 0203 BST on 23 September.

In 2002, the EU stipulated that all member states should adopt ’Summer Time’ between the last Sundays in March and October - the clocks to change at 0100 UTC. So, this year BST will apply from 27 March to 30 October, even though we are no longer within the EU . .

Further details from Time & Date

1 March represents the start of meteorological Spring

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:01:00 GMT

In meteorological terms, Spring in the northern hemisphere covers March, April & May, with the other seasons following in 3-month periods.

But, astronomically, Spring starts at the Vernal Equinox, when the Sun crosses the celestial equator into the northern hemisphere - this year at 1533 UTC (~GMT) on 20 March. Astronomical Summer then starts at the Summer Solstice - 1013 UTC on 21 June, when the Sun is at its highest northerly latitude of 23º26’.

In 2002, the EU stipulated that all member states should adopt ’Summer Time’ between the last Sundays in March and October - the clocks to change at 0100 UTC. So, this year BST will apply from 27 March to 30 October. It is assumed that UK will continue to remain synchronised with the EU.

Further details from timeanddate.com