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Summer Solstice the First Day of Summer

Today is the Summer Solstice the first day of summer. It’s the longest day of the year and by the accounts of the planets, the official start of summer. Many…

Sun Rises On The 2022 Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND – JUNE 21: People gather for sunrise at Stonehenge, on June 21, 2022 in Wiltshire, England. The summer solstice occurs on June 21st, it is the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The 2022 summer solstice arrives at 5:14 a.m. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Today is the Summer Solstice the first day of summer. It's the longest day of the year and by the accounts of the planets, the official start of summer. Many of us, however, would argue that it has felt like summer here for months already.

Memorial Day, for many is the unofficial kickoff to summer. The National Weather Service considers June 1st the start of summer, as well as hurricane season. But according the alignment of the planets, summer begins today.

[caption id="attachment_185733" align="aligncenter" width="429"]Summer solstice The sun shines longer today for Summer Solstice than any other day of the year.[/caption]


Because of the way the North Pole is tilted, those of us in the northern hemisphere will experience more sunlight today than any other day of the year.

The Summer Solstice has been celebrated around the world for centuries and considered a spiritual time for many people. Celebrations frequently involve bonfires, drum circles, singing, dancing and picnics. 

Perhaps the most famous celebrations are held at Stonehenge in England. It's opened this year for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

[caption id="attachment_275818" align="aligncenter" width="510"]Sun Rises On The 2022 Summer Solstice WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND - JUNE 21: People gather for sunrise at Stonehenge, on June 21, 2022 in Wiltshire, England.  The 2022 summer solstice arrives at 5:14 a.m. (Photo by Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)[/caption]

Stonehenge is a fascinating place and people flocked there this morning to see the sunrise.

In Southwest Florida we also love the sunsets. We have some magnificent ones here. The sunset in Key West on Mallory Square is legendary for it's nightly celebration, even when it is cloudy.

There are vendors, performers doing all kinds of crazy things like cats jumping through hoops of fire.

Sunny 106.3 wants to send you there to experience it for yourself. We've teamed up with the folks at Key West Express for a Sunny Celebration. Check it out and register to win right here

Gina Birch brings the sunshine to Sunny 106.3 every weekday morning from 6-10. She has worked in radio, television and print in Southwest Florida for nearly 30 years. During that time, she has become an advocate for numerous charities including those that support animals, children, women and wellness. In addition, she has written for numerous local, regional and national publications about food, wine and travel. Those are her longtime passions...along with shoes.