The first day of astronomical summer arrives Saturday, June 20, as the Northern Hemisphere reaches the summer solstice, the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and daylight reaches its annual maximum. For New Glarus that equals over 15 hours of sunlight. Assuming the skies are clear.

This year's summer solstice occurs at 9:42 p.m. CDT, marking the official beginning of summer in Wisconsin. While many people associate the season with the Fourth of July, vacations and warm weather, the solstice has been one of humanity's most important calendar markers for thousands of years.

For residents of New Glarus and across southern Wisconsin, Saturday will be the longest day of the year, with roughly 15 hours and 20 minutes of daylight.

Long before calendars, clocks and weather apps, people carefully watched the movement of the sun. Ancient civilizations recognized the summer solstice as a critical turning point in the year. The event helped determine planting schedules, harvest timing and religious observances.