Summer Solstice

Yes! Today is the summer solstice--the first day of summer and the farthest north the sun will move along the horizon. And a beautiful day it was, mild temperature, reasonable humidity and generally sunny. Plus a beautiful sunset. After last week's cool gray weather it was all especially nice.

It has been interesting watching the sun move along the horizon. During the spring the progression of the sunset along the horizon is very fast--noticeable almost from day to day. As we approach the solstice, the sun moves much slower and finally reverses direction (today). It will move slowly back to the south during the summer and as we approach the equinox, it will set due west. The total angle along the horizon is approximately +/-32 degrees.

So much for the astronomy lesson. Yea! Summer is here!