Summer Solstice is Here

The summer solstice Tuesday marks the official start of the summer season.

The solstice, which falls on June 20 or 21 each year, occurs when the Earth's North Pole is tilted the most toward the sun, and the sun is at its highest point. 

Solstice comes from the Latin word solstitium, meaning "sol" (the sun) and "stit" (standing), according to the National Weather Service. The sun's position at noon actually changes very little in the days surrounding the solstice, hence the concept of the sun "standing still." 

How will you be celebrating the solstice? I have a few suggestions; but as always we welcome yours, too. 

• Going to a game this month
• Enjoying a free concert (there are a bunch!) on the
• Hanging out in
• If you feel like leaving the area, give the Mount Vernon bike trail a whirl, one a low-humidty day it is a lot of fun.