See the Summer Solstice 2018 in Photos and Videos

This year’s summer solstice has come and gone, with the first day of summer happening on June 21.

The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, which sits at 23.5 degrees north latitude. Today, this happened at 6:07 a.m. ET. Around the world, various cultures celebrate the day in their own way, with some honoring traditions from years past and others simply heading outdoors to take in the natural phenomenon.

Scroll through for a few glimpses of the annual occasion.

Around the world

The summer solstice represents many things to many cultures, including new beginnings, unions, fertility and the harvest. Among various traditions, crowns of flowers or garlands are a popular way to celebrate nature.

Sunrise at Stonehenge

Thousands of people gathered at the ancient site to witness the sunrise, with the rock formation open to the public on a rare occasion.

Stonehenge traditions

It’s speculated that Stonehenge was built with the summer solstice in mind, as the day sees the sun rise over the formation’s Heel Stone and arrive at the center of the Altar Stone.

Small-town celebration

This village celebration was complete with a wooden sculpture, flowers, a maypole and plenty of music.

Daylight at midnight

Though it was midnight in Alaska, you’d never know it from this photo. The further North you travel on the solstice, the longer you’ll see the sun, with the Arctic Circle experiencing almost perpetual daytime.

The nearly-midnight sun

Scotland experienced a similar phenomenon, with the sunset barely visible around 10 p.m. on the water.

New York City sunset

As the sun set on the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the sky was alight with brilliant colors across the globe, including this rainbow moment captured in New York City.

A peaceful evening

For some, their solstice tradition is simply sitting back and taking in nature’s beauty.

Photo Credit: Twitter / @woolismybread