Rock and Roll Saved My Soul

1) Why do we have a summer solstice, anyway? Okay, most people know this one. Earth orbits around the sun on a tilted axis. (Probably because our planet collided with some other massive object billions of years ago, back when it was still being formed.) So between March and September, Earth’s Northern Hemisphere gets more exposure to direct sunlight over the course of a day. The rest of the year, the Southern Hemisphere gets more. It’s why we have seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, “peak” sunlight usually occurs on June 20, 21, or 22 of any given year. That’s the summer solstice. By contrast, the Southern Hemisphere reaches peak sunlight on December 21, 22, or 23 and the Northern hits peak darkness — that’s our winter solstice. 2) How many hours of sunlight will I get on the 21st? That depends on where you live. The farther north you are, the more sunlight you’ll see during the solstice. Alaska-based climatologist Brian Brettschneider created this terrific gui...

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What is the summer solstice? There are two solstices each year - one in the winter and one in the summer. The summer solstice occurs when the when the tilt of Earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun and is directly above the Tropic of Cancer. Traditionally, the summer solstice period fell between the planting and harvesting of crops, leaving people who worked the land time to relax. This is why June became the traditional month for weddings. It might seem like a day to celebrate, but it actually signals the moment the sun's path stops moving northward in the sky, and the start of days becoming steadily shorter as the slow march towards winter begins.  Summer Solstice traditions: Why is Stonehenge so significant? Stonehenge in Avebury, Wiltshire is the most popular place for Pagans to celebrate the longest day because it famously aligns to the solstices. The rising sun only reaches the middle of the stones one day of the year when it shines on...

Why, to you, does it feel like summer zooms by and winter drags on forever? Sandy:  Winter we aren't as busy doing fun things all over. Summer we are outside having fun not stuck inside all the time Aisling:  For many summer goes by in the blink of an eye and winter seems never ending. This in my opinion is because time flies when you're having fun. Yes, there are winter outdoor activities but with the sun setting earlier in the winter & the cold temperatures, there's a lot more that's easier to do in the summer time. Sid:  Because most people find winter unpleasant so it feels like it's taking longer, but people enjoy summer so it feels quicker. Kate: For me, I think it's because you're cooped up inside more during the winter, so you're more likely to get cabin fever and it makes it seem like seem like time is going much slower. Time seems to go by so much faster when you're busier/more active. Facebook Weighs in: ...

Summer safety tips, staying hydrated, elderly care, pet care in the heat Aisling:  Summer Safety Tips 1. Always apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside, even if it is cloudy. Don't forget to reapply when needed!  2. Never leave children alone near any pools or bodies of water.  3. Take a CPR course just in case. You may just save someone's life! 4. When using bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, etc..always check to make sure they are in good working condition to prevent accidents.  5. Always wear safety gear when using bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, etc.  6. Make sure to wear a life jacket when you're on a boat, also make sure it is the correct size for your weight.  7. Drink plenty of water, especially on hot & humid days.  8. After coming inside check yourself for ticks. Sandy:  We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our furry companions, but being overeager i...