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The longest day of the year is upon us, but did you ever wonder what official astronomical event marks the first day of summer?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

Beams of sunlight over the Smoky Mountains by Richard WeisserAt approximately 1:45 A.M. EDT tomorrow morning (11:45 P.M. today PDT) the sun will be positioned directly above the Tropic of Cancer and summer will "officially" commence. This is the northernmost latitude position the sun will achieve this year.

The Summer Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere marks the day which has the longest period of daylight, and depending on how far north you live, the length of the day can be dramatic.

For instance, in Fairbanks Alaska (longitude W147.8, latitude N64.8,) the sun rose at 2:59 A.M. this morning (ADT) and won't set until 12:47 A.M. tomorrow! That's less than two hours of semi-darkness. If you were to travel slightly north to the Arctic Circle, the sun would not set at all!

Summer Flowers by Richard WeisserHere in Newnan Georgia (longitude W84.8, latitude N33.4):the sun rose at 6:30 A.M. and will set at 8:52 P/M. tonight, an rather modest longest day at 33 degrees latitude!

Do you want to know how long your sunlight hours will be in your area today or any other day? The United States Naval Observatory has a free calculator that will tell you everything you want to know about astronomical timelines!

Now, if you will excuse me, I will celebrate the solstice by mowing the lawn!

All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate of ERA United Realty Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser 770-827-6225.
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Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

Hey, isn't this also the day an egg willl stand on its end?

Jun 19, 2009 11:28 PM
Toula Rosebrock
Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ
Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

ToulaRosebrock,com

Hi Richard:

Summer Solstice is my favorite day of the year!

The longest day with the most daylight!!!

Have a great weekend.

Jun 19, 2009 11:59 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

<!--StartFragment-->Richard, Good points as I lived in AK for awhile. If you are a day person, you certainly have it made this time of the year. If not, Wait until winter. I will celebrate by just chilling today... <!--EndFragment-->

Jun 20, 2009 12:05 AM
Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

As we progress towards the shortest day of the year don't forget to use all the daylight and enjoy Summer.

Jun 20, 2009 12:09 AM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Richard, you should have enough daylight today to that lawn mowed. lol Looking forward to a great Summer. Have a great weekend!

Jun 20, 2009 12:27 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Dennis...

I think that's the equinox, but they will actually stand any day of the year! lol and thanks.

Toula...

More time to get the chores done! Have a great day!

Michael...

Alaska is TOO much of a swing for me. I'll stick with Newnan. Thanks.

Jun 20, 2009 12:35 AM
Gail MacMillan
Titusville, FL

Morning Richard....I was fortunate to spend a few weeks in Alaska during ourRV days and was amazed at watching sunset and sunrise within such a short time frame.  Don't think I would the reverse though.  Have fun mowing....love your pictures....Happy Fathers Day :-)

Jun 20, 2009 12:58 AM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Richard - if you really want to especially celebrate, you can come over hear and mow my lawn also! I spent the better part of 16 years living in the northwest. Because of daylight from 4 in the morning until 10 in the evening, grass would grow and inch a day or more. And there were more hours for golf!

Jun 20, 2009 01:19 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Richards,

I hope you have your yard mowed and are now free to really celebrate. Gorgeous pictures as always. Happy Fathers Day!!

Jun 20, 2009 01:26 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Richard...the summer solstice means I can get my work done and still have light to go fishing!

Jun 20, 2009 01:34 AM
Coleen DeGroff
Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors - Gainesville, FL
Haile Plantation Real Estate - Gainesville FL

Richard,

Happy Solstice right back at you!  Enjoy your Father's Day tomorrow.....

 

Happy Summer, everyone!!

Jun 20, 2009 01:44 AM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

All I can say is Jesse is going to have his blindfold on so he will be able to sleep.  Oh well he can go out and fish until sunset.  :-))

Jun 20, 2009 02:07 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Richard:  We'll be celebrating the summer solstice with cloud cover and rain here in Northern VA.  A soggy weekend for us where we really won't get to enjoy the max amount of daylight.

Jun 20, 2009 05:39 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I'm much more of a night time person to be honest. The longer the Sun is out, the longer I have to try and avoid it.

Jun 20, 2009 05:46 AM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

Richard, I did NOT know these details. Pretty neat! I may just have to look at that astronomical calendar -- I am intrigued!

Jun 20, 2009 08:28 AM
Tony Orefice
NorthGroup Real Estate/www.TonyORealtor.com - Concord, NC
Realtor- Cabarrus County, NC

Hi Richard,

Happy Summer!!

Now. I have to mow my lawn too!

Jun 21, 2009 12:25 AM