Summer Solstice in the Tropics

Posted by Katharine M. J. Osborne Jun 22, 2007

There were many reasons I was excited about moving to Hawaii, but one in particular was particularly interesting. I'm waving my science nerd flag here! When I moved from the mainland in January, I thought about how I could fulfill a childhood dream - standing directly beneath the Sun.

The Tropic of Cancer cuts through the state of Hawaii, so I knew I would be able to experience the Sun directly overhead sometime near the solstice. For several days, a little after noon, I've gone outside and just looked at the shadows. What few there are, are directly beneath trees and cars. Everything seems so illuminated - it really is quite beautiful. It isn't something I think most people think about, since we are so exposed to unnatural light that comes from directly above, but if you get the chance, stop and take a look for a moment.