By Carol Tannenhauser
Hope you got up on the right side of the bed on Thursday morning, because it was a long day — the longest of the year in the Northern Hemisphere — the summer solstice.
This year, it occurred on Thursday, June 20, which was the earliest summer solstice “since June 20, 1796, when George Washington was president and there were only 16 states in the Union,” according to USA Today.
The summer solstice happens because the Earth spins on its axis at a tilt as it revolves around the sun. “[It] occurs for Earth’s upper half when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted most closely toward the sun,” the Associated Press explained. “Around the same time, the Southern Hemisphere is at its most extreme tilt away from the sun, entering winter solstice and its shortest day of the year.” Six months later, the halves will reverse.
This summer solstice is accompanied by a special treat: a strawberry full moon, so named because it coincides with the short strawberry harvest season. It is the first full moon of the summer, and will reach peak illumination in the United States on Friday, June 21, at 9:08 p.m., E.T., according to NASA. The moon will appear full for about three days, from Thursday evening through Sunday morning, the agency said.
“This year’s strawberry moon is unique and more meaningful as it coincides with the summer solstice, a time of year with deep spiritual meaning for many cultures around the world who have celebrated the event over the years through hosting traditions or ritual ceremonies,” ABCNews reported.
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This is so cool. Thank you!