First Day Of Summer 2010: The Longest Day Of The Year (PHOTOS)

The first day of summer is today, June 21, 2010, also known as the summer solstice and the longest day of the year.

The sun will be shining throughout the day in the Northern Hemisphere, as summer solstice takes place due to the Earth tilting 23.5 degrees toward the sun.

This summer solstice, record-low Arctic ice has been a concern and solar energy has been a hot topic.

The Stonehenge ushered in summer solstice 2010 with more than 20,000 people. Vote on the most powerful photos from today's festivities below and feel free to share how you are celebrating the first day of summer in the comments.

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Britain Stonehenge Solstice

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People watch the sunrise as they celebrate the summer solstice at the Stonehenge monument, England, Monday, June 21, 2010. Thousands of New Agers and neo-pagans danced and whooped in delight Monday as a bright early morning sun rose above the ancient stone circle Stonehenge, marking the summer solstice. About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, southern England, to see the sunrise at 4:52 A.M. (1152EST), following an annual all-night party. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

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People watch the sunrise as they celebrate the summer solstice at the Stonehenge monument, England, Monday, June 21, 2010. Thousands of New Agers and neo-pagans danced and whooped in delight Monday as a bright early morning sun rose above the ancient stone circle Stonehenge, marking the summer solstice. About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, southern England, to see the sunrise at 4:52 A.M. (1152EST), following an annual all-night party. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

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Comments

[Tommygun264]

12:17 AM on 06/22/2010

The Pandorica will open and silence will fall.

[astraia]

11:46 PM on 06/21/2010

#9 stunning

[DeanOfTomatoes]

08:55 PM on 06/21/2010

I watched the sun rise this morning,while float fishing on a small lake in south central oklahoma.Rays of orange/yellow light burst through the branches of a huge cottonwood tree,triggering turkey gobbles,coyote yelps,and beaver tail slaps.It was a magical moment.
Happy Summer Solstice.

[ontariogirl]

09:40 PM on 06/21/2010

Sounds beautiful. Happy Summer Solstice to you too. Its 9:40pm and the sun is setting with purple and blue and pink colors in the sky. Beautiful hot weather. Love it.

[DeanOfTomatoes]

09:55 PM on 06/21/2010

Thank you ontariogirl.It was a beautiful moment.Then it got very hot,very fast.The wildlife vanished and i headed home to the air conditioner.
I am a fan of ontariogirl.

[lillibelle]

06:40 PM on 06/21/2010

Love photo #9. Here's to Druids everywhere!

Happy Summer Wishes to one and all,
A girl named in honor of a Druid princess

[AnitaStewart]

05:23 PM on 06/21/2010

A beautiful celebration!!! Always love to see the pics every year!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/21/first-day-of-summer-2010_n_619868.html