City of Brass

City of Brass

the longest day: summer begins

posted by Aziz Poonawalla

Today’s Astronomy Picture of the Day commemorates the beginning of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year – with a photo of the sun rising over Stonehenge. I am sure that Stonehenge will be a popular destination tonight (UPDATE: 20,000 people witnessed the sunrise).

It’s worth noting that the days start to get shorter from here on out – which is good news, since Ramadan begins in less than two months. Of course, in a few years Ramadan will be right atop the solstice, a fact that only the muslims in Australia have any reason to cheer.

Also, the covergence this year of Father’s Day with the summer solstice is fitting somehow. Before the long days of summer begin, we needed a boost of encouragement! My todo list for this summer is already longer than I care to admit…



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