Soaking in the Magic of Solstice

Photo by Lindsey Gerlach / Forget Me Not Films / Max with his three Summer Solstice Paintings (2022)

Every year, twice a year, the Earth’s axis tilts towards or away from the Sun. An annual astronomical dance that every person on the planet is a part of. How much of a dance is experienced will depend on where they are located in relation to the Equator, Arctic Circle, or Antarctic Circle.

Illustration by Max Romey / Trailbound Sketches / The Earth’s astronomical dance around the sun (2023).

The highlight to this dance between the Sun and the Earth is when each respective pole (North or South) has their turn being closest to the sun. For the northern hemisphere (North Pole) this takes place on June 21st, for 2023 specifically, it will occur at 1458 UTC (UTC Converter). For the southern hemisphere (South Pole) it will occur at 0327 UTC on December 22nd.

In summary, one’s personal experience of the solstice is determined by where they reside on this magical planet. On June 21st, the closer you are to the Arctic Circle the longer the day, while if you reside along the equator, it’s essentially a non-event, and the closer you are to the Antarctic Circle, well it’s winter, and the shortest day. By December we all experience a flip-flop, with the exception of those living along the equator.

Photo by Max Romey / Trailbound Sketches / Flattop Mountain (Peak 2), Anchorage, Alaska (2022)

For Alaskans, the solstice experience sets it apart from the lower 48 states of America. While they, too, experience a longer day to play, celebrate, or be more productive (make hay when the sun shines) — it’s still far shorter than an Alaskan Summer Solstice. Where I live, Anchorage, we experience 22 hours of usable daylight. Enough light to get a lot done!

However, the midnight sun will hang in the sky long after sundown, making it one heck of a long sunset and worth experiencing if you can stay awake for it. Better yet, I recommend taking advantage of the longest day of the year to climb your favorite mountain, set up shop (with plenty of snacks and something warm to sip) and soak in the solstice experience. Chances are, you won’t be alone.

In the modern world, the longest day of the year is often a busy day for farmers, a chance to get more done, and an excuse to stay up way past your bedtime. However, for cultures all around the globe, it’s a celebrated community event. A shared experience for all who live here (on Earth). Meaning something different depending on where you live. It’s kinda wild, in fact.

Wild in how time, technology, and the complexities of life for many have overshadowed the significance of Solstice to different cultural communities. But also wild in how large communities of people still celebrate this magical scientific event that still holds mystical meaning. For me, the magic lies in the light of the day.

Summer Solstice Events & History:

Living in Alaska I have come to appreciate the role daylight has on how Alaskans spend their time. To be honest, so many consecutive long days of light can be, well, exhausting. Especially if you prefer to be active and think it’s a swell idea to climb a local mountain to then sit on top of that peak for 23+ hours to paint. Still having to hike back down. I don’t do that every day!

Alaskans are an active people and it’s no wonder that many endurance athletes find themselves living in this part of the country to take advantage of the longest days and pleasant summer temperatures. We need the darkness of winter’s months to rest and recover. Or at the very least, enjoy a slower pace, because if I’m being honest, we are still pretty active in the winter, too!

For 2023’s June Solstice (well, that week) I’ll be chasing and filming some of the world’s elite runners through the mountains of Nevada and California (photos below), where we’ll experience just shy 15 hours of continuous daylight. It’ll be warm and dry! Very warm and very dry. Granted there is still snow in the high peaks!

The real question is what will you be doing on either the longest or shortest day of the year? One activity that can always be enjoyed is sketching and painting. Whether it be the sun’s rays or a headlamp illuminating your lines and paint strokes. You don’t have to climb a mountain, either!

Some of the best celebrations of the Summer Solstice happen in backyards all across the globe. Meanwhile, some of the best Winter Solstices take place in cozy homes. I’m a little silly in that I enjoy climbing mountains with all my sketching supplies and cameras, but I must say, it’s quite a wild and magical experience if you are up for it!