Summer solstice 2023: What you need to know
Summertime is officially here! Grab your sunglasses, lather on some SPF and enjoy the summer solstice. Today is the first official day of summer where you can see the sun at its highest point. (Do not literally stare at the sun though, please!)
What is the summer solstice?
What is summer solstice anyway? Today, Wednesday, June 21, at 10:58 a.m. EDT, the sun will be at its highest point in the sky. Today is also considered to be the “longest” since this is when we will see the most hours of daylight.
The summer solstice marks the first day of 'astronomical summer,' which refers to the Earth's position in relation to the sun. So, today, the Earth is tilted toward the sun, giving us the maximum intensity of those sun rays we all love so much.
Not only will the sun be making a special and celestial appearance today, but the moon will also have its own special event.
After the sunset on Wednesday, the waxing crescent moon will be joined by the planets Venus and Mars, which will create a beautiful spectacle in the western sky.
How much sunlight will we have today?
In short, we'll have the most sunlight today than any other. The sun rose this morning at 5:54 a.m., the highest point will be 10:58 a.m. and the sun will set around 9:01 p.m.
What happens after today?
After the solstice is over, we will slowly start to see a lack of daylight, and the days will become "shorter."
Each day, although you may not notice, will be a little shorter than the last and that is thanks to the summer solstice. On the bright side, if you enjoy longer nights with bonfires and s'mores, this is good news for you.
When is summer over?
The autumnal equinox is on Saturday, Sept. 23 this year.
Summer weather heading our way?
Looking forward to some summer rays this next week? You may be out of luck. The forecast for the next seven days shows possibility for showers and cloudy skies with some sun peaking through. The average temperature for the next week will be highs in the upper 70's and lower 80's, with lows around 60 degrees.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Summer solstice 2023: June 21 marks summer, longest day of the year
