 ... Land of the Midnight Sun ... |
June 21, 2008Arcticulates ®Focusing on Alaska's BeautyAuthor: K. Fields~ Land of the Midnight Sun ~We are living up to that name today, June 21st--the first day of summer and our Solstice. So... it's official, today is the longest day of sunshine here in Alaska for this year, so tomorrow we start subtracting 6 minutes of daylight everyday. Photo Taken 11:38 PM, 21st of June in Alaska
The word "Solstice" is derived from two Latin words: "sol" meaning 'sun', and "sistere," to 'cause to stand still'. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, the sun rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense it... 'stands still'. Sun in The Tree Tops at 11:38 P.M. in Alaska
There are various activities that people do on this special day. Like having big picnics and town celebrations. The stores have the longest day of the year sales. Which doesn't make sense to me because, it is still a 24 hour day, it is just sunny all night long. Others just use the long day lit hours to go camping and fishing. There are some 'midnight sun' parties here and there. I have also wondered how they can use "Land of the Midnight Sun" as a slogan, and not use "Land of the Noon Moon too". Since we also experience darkness all winter and light all summer. Remember if this becomes popular it was started here first by K Fields of Alaska! HeeHee! Sunny Shady Wild Tundra Roses in Alaska
Here are a couple excerpts taken from: Answers.com Geography Dictionary: Solstice The time (21 June or 22 December) at which the overhead sun is furthest from the equator and appears to stand still before returning towards the equator. The longest day occurs at the summer solstice; the shortest day at the winter solstice. Archeology Dictionary: Solstice Literally, the sun stands still. The extreme positions of the sun at midsummer and midwinter when its eastern risings and western settings appear to take place in the same position on the horizon for three or four days in succession. See also: Summer Daze Later... K Fields See also: Car... Moose...Calamity
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