June marks the official start of summer – and one of the most fascinating astronomical events of the year: the summer solstice. This annual milestone happens when Earth’s tilt is at its maximum toward the sun, giving the Northern Hemisphere its longest day and shortest night of the year. This year, the summer solstice arrives on June 20th at 9:42 p.m. CDT.

But the solstice is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a powerful reminder of our planet’s rhythms – and our place within them.

The summer solstice happens because Earth is tilted about 23.5 degrees on its axis. As our planet orbits the sun, that tilt causes different regions to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. On the solstice, the Northern Hemisphere leans closest to the sun, bringing places like South Texas our most sunlight in a single day.

At the Edwards Aquifer Authority, this moment offers a chance to reflect on how closely connected we are to the natural world – especially when it comes to water. As temperatures rise, so does demand for water. The solstice is a timely reminder that conservation isn’t just a good habit – it’s essential.

Inside the EAA Education Outreach Center, our Global Perspective display offers a view of Earth that few people get to see: weather systems swirling across oceans and continents, and our planet’s surface dominated by blue and white – water and ice.

From this astronaut’s-eye view, you begin to see the solstice not just as a local event, but as part of a planet-wide pattern. A longer day in San Antonio is mirrored by a shorter one on the other side of the world. The solstice connects us all – through light, weather, and the shared resources we depend on.

Just like with our climate, what happens in one part of the world can impact another. That’s why protecting the Edwards Aquifer is about more than one region – it’s about contributing to a healthier planet overall.

 – As we enjoy these long summer days, it’s a great time to think about how we can care for our natural resources, like water! Simple steps – shorter showers, planting drought-tolerant Texas native plants, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth – can make a big difference.

This solstice, step outside, soak in the sunlight, and take a moment to reflect on how we’re all connected. Then take action – because every choice we make can help shape a more sustainable future for the planet and the aquifer.

Want to learn more about global connections, natural rhythms, and how water ties it all together? Come visit us here at the EAA Education Outreach Center and check out the Global Perspective display – you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Earth’s systems and our shared responsibility to protect them.

Want to learn more about the summer solstice? Please visit these resources below:

Weather.gov – https://www.weather.gov/dvn/Climate_Astronomical_Seasons

NASA – https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/summer-solstice-northern-hemisphere/ 

Environmental Protection Agency (WaterSense) – https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving

National Geographic https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/solstice/

ABC News – https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/summer-solstice-2025/story?id=122761311