On June 21, a full day for the sun

/ June 22, 2014

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The summer solstice puts an extra bounce in my step.

Really, the first official day of the season doesn’t mean much in Syracuse, N.Y. It’s been warm awhile. It’s staying warm awhile. (Knock on wood.) But that’s the cynical way of thinking, and I’m no cynic when it comes to June 21.

So this year, I planned something special to mark the day in the northern hemisphere when we are tilted closest toward that sun of hours, thus resulting in the earliest sun rise and latest sunset.

(Scientific variations of which I do not wish to investigate further actually throw the sunset part off by a moment or two, but I won’t quibble. For my purposes, June 21 will do just fine, thank you.)

The sun rises in Syracuse, N.Y., on June 21, 2014.

The sun rises in Syracuse, N.Y., on June 21, 2014.

So I woke up in time to go out in front of my house, point east, and take a picture at the time stated on the sunrise chart, 5:25 a.m.

Good morning, sun.

The sun sets on Syracuse, N.Y., on June 21, 2014.

The sun sets on Syracuse, N.Y., on June 21, 2014.

After a busy Saturday, I jumped in my car and drove two short blocks over to Norwood Park, offering the clearest view to the west, to take a picture at the stated time on the sunset chart, 8:47 p.m.

Good night, sun.

That’s a lot of light that first day of summer.

To be continued today.

Sun chart graphic from Syracuse Post-Standard e-edition

What did you do your first day of summer? Do you have a good story to about your favorite sunrise? Sunset?

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37 thoughts on “On June 21, a full day for the sun”

    • Big confession. I’ve never watched a single episode of ‘Friday Night Lights.’ I read the book about the love of Texas high school football and saw the movie with Tim McGraw in it, too. Go figure.

      Thanks for your kind words. I liked the sunrise picture better, too. The sunset didn’t have as much to bounce off.

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  6. The sky with the clouds in the morning, was a lovely photograph, Mark! The golden hued purple and blue sky are awesome in this picture!
    I admire how early you got up so early, on a Saturday! I get up this early during the week, (cause I ‘have to’ but you did it to be able to show the sunrise! Such a lovely idea, Mark!
    I take photos on my phone and with my camera, often of clouds and the way the sky looks, too. I think that sunsets are best, if you may have caught one on Cape Cod or by a body of water.
    My favorite thing was the whole family being together on Saturday, all 6 grands and my brother, his wife and family. Two of my children, son and oldest daughter looked so ‘spiffy,’ too. The niece’s wedding was the perfect first day of summer event! Mom thought she would want to stay ‘only an hour or two’ but we were there more than 6 hours!
    I am not always able to be happy about the heat, Mark, due to work conditions… but the sun shining is always my favorite part of summer! I have seen a few beautiful sunrises and sunsets in my time. I feel blessed!

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    • Sounds like perfect settings for you, the niece’s wedding, Robin. That your mom stayed for six hours means it was truly terrific. Wow! You are blessed by that day, my friend. I am very happy for you.

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  9. I love how late it stays light in the summer. I love summer period. June 21 marked the one year anniversary of the devastating Southern Alberta floods of last year and I went to a one-year celebration of recovery in Mission, an area a couple of blocks from where I live.

    I’m going to try to remember to take a picture of the sunrise and sunset on the longest day of the year next year! Love your pictures.
    Diana xo

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    • That was a significant way to mark the start of summer in Southern Alberta, Diana, to celebrate recover from a tragedy such as floods near your home. Congratulations to all who had a hand in the relief efforts.

      Thank you for your kind words about my pictures. I am thrilled about the concept of the long days and great weather, too!

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  13. wow, great pics and you really are dedicated. i am always excited about summer solstice, love knowing that it’s the longest day. i spent the day with people of all ages that i love. what better way to spend the longest day?

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