Summer is often the most anticipated season of the year. For many students, it means a break from school, but for the planet, it is a time of intense energy and growth. In the Northern Hemisphere, summer officially begins in June and lasts until September. During these months, the weather turns warm, the sun stays up longer, and the natural world is in full bloom.
The reason we have summer has to do with the Earth’s tilt. As the Earth orbits the sun, it leans at an angle. During the summer months, the part of the Earth where you live is tilted toward the sun. This means the sun's rays hit the ground more directly, which creates higher temperatures. The longest day of the year is called the summer solstice. On this day, we experience the greatest amount of daylight, sometimes lasting more than fifteen hours!
Plants and animals take full advantage of this extra sunlight. Trees are covered in thick green leaves, which they use to turn sunlight into food through a process called photosynthesis. Flowers bloom in bright colors to attract bees and butterflies. Many animals are busy raising their young during the summer because food is plentiful. You might see squirrels scurrying for nuts or birds teaching their fledglings how to fly.
For people, summer is a time for outdoor adventures. Whether it is swimming in a cool lake, hiking through a leafy forest, or enjoying a cold scoop of ice cream, there are many ways to stay active and beat the heat. However, it is important to remember that the summer sun is very strong. Wearing sunscreen and drinking plenty of water are essential steps to staying safe while enjoying the sunshine. From the buzzing of cicadas to the smell of fresh-cut grass, summer is a season that awakens all the senses.
