Yesterday was officially the longest day of the year, when the Northern Hemisphere got to revel in the sun’s warmth. People celebrated in various ways all over the world: thousands flocked to Stonehenge, evening picnickers enjoyed the extended day, dances and performances paid tribute to the fiery ball that sustains all life, and yogis led classes in Times Square.
Solstice is from the Latin sol, meaning sun and sistere, meaning to come to a stop or stand still. At the solstice, the sun comes to its most northern position. On that day, its zenith does not move north or south, but it stands still.
This year, there is particular reason to be excited. On August 21, there will be a total eclipse of the sun, when the moon will pass in front of the sun causing several moments of total darkness. This will offer an incredible opportunity to get to see the sun’s outer atmosphere, called a corona, that circles it like the outer rim of the iris in your eye.
Our solar system is vast, impressive, and precious. Take a moment to appreciate it!
For more information, check out: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/20/science/summer-solstice-june-21.html