Kick off summer at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

The summer solstice on Friday, June 21, marks the start of summer and the longest day of the year.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. The word “solstice” comes from Latin solstitium – from sol (sun) and stitium (standing), reflecting the fact that on the solstice, the sun appears to stop moving in the sky as it reaches its northernmost point.

Celebrate the solstice by joining Lake Erie Nature & Science Center for its first Telescope Night of the season on Saturday, June 22, at 8:30 p.m.

“The sun will be above the horizon for over 15 hours and will not set until after 9 p.m., making it a great weekend to venture outside for evening stargazing,” says planetarium specialist and NASA Solar System Ambassador Bill Reed. “The waning moon will not rise until almost midnight, resulting in dark skies and ideal conditions for evening observing.”

Telescope Night participants will not only learn about the solstice, but will also discover the visible constellations and planets in the night sky. Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system, will be above the horizon as the sun sets and should be high enough for easy observing by 10 p.m. For those willing to stay out for a while, Saturn and its bright rings will be visible after 11 p.m.

Telescope Night is recommended for adults and children ages 6 and up. Tickets cost $8 per person and can be purchased at www.lensc.org or by calling 440-871-2900.

Morgan Paskert

Morgan Paskert is on staff at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Read More on Nature & Environment
Volume 11, Issue 12, Posted 9:43 AM, 06.18.2019