Summer Solstice arrives in LA with rain

Daisy Dobrijevic (Space, 6/21/22); Pat Macpherson, Xochitl, Dhr. Seven (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Sun rises directly over ancient avenue leading away to NE on the solstice (Jessicaphoto/Getty)

PHOTOS: Summer solstice 2022 celebrated on Earth and in space (space.com)

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Summer solstice 2022 marks the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere

Summer officially began today (June 21) at 5:14 am EDT (0914 GMT), huzzah! And rain is in the forecast for drought-stricken Los Angeles.

From Stonehenge's circle of [rearranged and recently hoisted] standing stones, the sun will rise directly over an ancient avenue leading away to the northeast on the solstice.

Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. Summer as a meteorological season officially kicks off in the Northern Hemisphere today (June 21st), marking the longest day of the year. [It was sure hot enough in Los Angeles to believe it, but the day seemed no longer than it has recently.]

Finally, a pandemic-free summer of monkey pox

During the June solstice (or summer solstice), the sun reaches its highest and northernmost points in the sky. Delivering the maximum daylight hours of the year for the Northern Hemisphere and minimum daylight hours of the year in the Southern Hemisphere, according to Chris Vaughan, amateur astronomer with SkySafari Software who oversees Space.com's Night Sky calendar.

This year, the summer solstice officially occurred at 5:14 am EDT (0914 GMT), when the sun reached a point directly overhead of the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.5 degrees north).

• The brightest planets in June's night sky: How to see them (and when)

In addition to the longest day of the year and the start of summer, the June solstice also occurs at the moment the northern half of Earth is tilted toward the sun, resulting in the Northern Hemisphere receiving sunlight at the most direct angle of the year.

To determine how many hours of daylight we'll receive during the June solstice The Farmer's Almanac Sunrise and Sunset Calculator can be used.

As always, there are two sides to every story. While the Northern Hemisphere welcomes longer days and warmer temperatures, the June solstice marks the beginning of winter in the Southern Hemisphere when the sun is at its lowest point in the sky.

Throughout June, stargazers will be treated to other skywatching events including a rare "planet parade" where all five naked-eye planets will be visible in the predawn sky as they line up in their orbital order from the sun.

From left to right in the southeastern sky, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn will be visible in a row. (Mercury, which is usually hidden by the sun's glare, will become easier to spot as the month matures).

The best opportunity to see this spectacle may come on June 24th, as Mercury should rise about an hour before the sun, according to a press release from Sky&Telescope.

Throughout June, the moon will continue to journey past the morning planets. Calling in on Mars on June 22, Venus on June 26, then finally Mercury on June 27.

Hoping to capture a good photo of the moon as it approaches the morning planets? Our guide on how to photograph the moon has some helpful tips. Here's an overview of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography. As always, Space.com guides for the best telescopes and binoculars can help viewers prepare for the next great skywatching event. More

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