Summer Solstice 2008: The Science Behind The Beauty

Live Science:

With 8 inches of hail falling in parts of Nebraska this week and Arizona reaching triple digit temperatures last week, it may seem rather arbitrary to call June 20 the first day of the summer this year, aka the summer solstice. But scientists really do have a reason.

It's all about Earth's cockeyed leanings and some celestial configurations that even the ancients understood.

Our planet is tilted 23.5 degrees on its spin axis. On June 20 this year (some years it's June 21), the North Pole is pointing toward the sun as much as is possible.

Read the whole story: Live Science

Comments

[wm1066]

12:46 PM on 06/21/2008

Another event that took place about the same time was the planet Mercury went Direct.
It had been in retrograde motion for the last three weeks, (This happens about three times a year)
At this time it is called "standing still" because the planet looks like its not moving, it is moving in its orbit but it is either going directly away from earth or coming right at earth. And at this time is when you should NOT sign up for anything or make grand pronouncements. Porter Goss was confirmed for the CIA during this event and look how well that went, Schumer and Feinstien confirmed Mukassey on that event and they will never be able to live that down. John Edwards gave up his bid for the presidency on a mercury direct and I think that decission will huant him. So when Mercury is going retrograde or going direct its a good time to do nothing and take a three day vacation.