Happy Summer Solstice!

Today is the beginning of the summer solstice, the first day of summer, and the longest day of the year.

The summer solstice is a result of the Earth's north-south axis being tilted 23.5 degrees relative to the sun. The tilt causes different amounts of sunlight to reach different regions of the planet.

Today the North Pole is tipped closer to the sun than on any other day of 2010. The opposite holds true for the Southern Hemisphere, for which today is the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Read more at National Geographic.

Chicago Festivals This Weekend

Fiestas Puertorriquenas: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/fiestas-puertorriquenas-humboldt-park/1080663/content

Chicago SummerDance Festival
June 17 : 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Argentine tango with Tango 21; music by Raul Jaurena & Tangata featuring Eduardo Nijensohn
June 18 : 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Merengue, bachata, cumbia and salsa with Lisa 'La Boriqua;' music by Carpacho y su Super Combo
June 19 : 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Jitterbug with Margot McGraw-Toppen and Riley Wimes Jr.; music by Outcast Jazz Band
June 20 : 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Rumba with BallroomChicago.com; music by Teddy Lee Orchestra

Taste of Randolph: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/taste-of-randolph-street-west-loop/1688119/content

Urban Festival: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/takin-it-to-the-marquette-park/1946834/content

Randolph Street Market Festival: http://chicago.metromix.com/events/fair_festival/randolph-street-market-festival-west-loop/1850882/content