Today is Actually the Longest Day of the Year in Northern California

You thought it was June 21, the summer solstice.

Wrong. 

Because of the Earth's tilt and its varying distances from the Sun, in northern latitudes, the longest day of the year falls almost a week after the solstice. In fact, along the 40th degree latitude, it's today, when the sun will set at 8:32 p.m.

Here is the explanation from Earthsky.org:

"The latest sunsets come after the summer solstice because the day is more than 24 hours long at this time of the year. In June and July, the day (as measured by successive returns of the midday sun) is nearly 1/4 minute longer than 24 hours. Hence, the midday sun (solar noon) comes later in late June by the clock than it does on the June solstice. Therefore, the sunrise and sunset times also come later by the clock."

So, the day is longer than 24 hours today. If the Earth weren't tilted, it would be the same here as on the clock. But the 23.5 degree tilt makes the days vary up and down the globe.

Keep the kids up late, head to the beach and take a sunset picture and post it under the boards section on Patch.

And here's a tip on how to see the green flash.