Solstice

Get Ready to Celebrate the Summer Solstice in Style with Chicago's Full Moon Jam and More

Don't miss out on the epic Summer Solstice celebrations in Chicago featuring fire art, music, and a special Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach! 🌞🌕

The summer solstice is here, bringing with it unique celebrations and events in the Chicago area. One of the highlights not to be missed is the Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach on Thursday night. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees can immerse themselves in the magic of fire art and music with talented dancers and musicians. As the Earth's north pole tilts towards the sun at 12:51 p.m., Alaska time, marking the official start of summer, people in the Northern Hemisphere will experience the longest day of the year.

The summer solstice is a time when the Earth's upper half is tilted closest to the sun, creating the peak of summer vibes. This year, the solstice lands on June 20 at 4:51 p.m. EDT, signifying the arrival of the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere. NPR's Mary Louise Kelly chats with astronomer Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History in New York about this year's early summer solstice and the science behind the phenomenon.

In 2024, the summer solstice heralds the earliest start to summer in 228 years, making it a significant time for celestial enthusiasts. Coinciding with this event is the Dark Mofo solstice nude swim in Hobart, where a whopping 3000 participants shed their inhibitions, commemorating the winter solstice in a truly unique way. From naked plunges in the River Derwent to cheeky dips with thousands of others, solstice swims have become a quirky tradition for many.

As we marvel at the wonders of the summer solstice and its unique celebrations, it's fascinating to note that this year marks the earliest astronomical summer since 1796, according to the National Weather Service. Additionally, the summer solstice in 2024 will not necessarily bring the hottest temperatures of the year, debunking popular summer myths. The tradition of the Dark Mofo solstice swim, breaking records with thousands of participants, showcases the diverse ways in which people around the world mark this special time of the year.