Wednesday, we arrived at the summer solstice. The first day of summer. The longest day of the year. It's science: astronomy event solstice, the sun of the day. This is the spiritual: the world and history, rituals and celebrations around the winter solstice. Summer solstice is the longest day of the year for the longest time in the sun, so we have more than 14 hours of light.

So this solstice? Earth is always tilted on its axis, 23 degrees <MD+,%30,%55,%70> half, said Carolyn <MD-,%0,%55,%70> Sumner, vice president of science in physics and astronomy, the Houston Museum of Natural History. Orbits the Sun in this position - and in the northern hemisphere, the slash in the sun would have been. "Right now the track, which are more prone to sun," said Eric Schlegel, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Texas at San Antonio. And when we arrived, the summer solstice. When the sun shines directly on the environment? No - not the United States. Tropic of Cancer, the line around the Earth, which is north of Cuba, where the sun above. Coming soon - and only there - in an environment without shadows. United States to monitor the northern part of the phenomenon. "Sunny Afternoon", when the sun is at the highest level The sky at different times across the country. What about the day for us? This means that a lot of intensity. "The higher the sun in the sky, so many days," Sumner said: "You are learning quickly the summer solstice - more." In other words, use more solar power. Generally, the winter solstice on June 21? Yes, but not later than June 20 this year. This is what the calendar says Schlegel. The plot <MD+,%30,%55,%70> <MD-,%0,%55,%70>-365 solar orbit for four days. Why is a leap year every four years, even with him. This means that the system will change from time to time to throw in the tropics. Why spiritual solstice time? "Of course, this was the longest day of the year is recognized throughout the world, the spiritual and religious traditions," said Emilee Dawn Whitehurst, president of the Rothko Chapel in Houston. In many cultures celebrate the winter solstice in agriculture: the recognition of the importance of sunlight for plant growth. Do not go out in the sun, which culminated during the year. Even today, the winter solstice recognition that short days, and now it is cold. The ancient Egyptians often solstice season was the beginning of the Nile, where the river overflowed the banks and soil enrichment. Rayman Incas celebrated Inti, the holiday season and a lot of sunny days after winter solstice. The ancient Greeks celebrated festivals - and are expected to attend the Olympics in this case. People continued to celebrate the winter solstice? Exactly. In the U.S., shows and summer solstice celebrations around the country, including Seattle, Santa Barbara and Long Island City, NY England is home to the famous festival in June each year, thousands gather at Stonehenge, on the eve of the summer solstice. Wait all night, and took the stone monument only exterior Heel Stone. All dances. There is a fire. Why such a celebration of Stonehenge? In this part of the world quite differently, says Sumner. "Further north on the road, instead of worrying about that the sun high in the sky," he said. "If the sun in the sky, the United Kingdom, the difference is amazing."