Western nevada College Celebrates Summer Solstice and Lake Tahoe’s ancient History
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Carson City, NV – Western Nevada College (WNC) recently hosted a Summer Solstice celebration, marking the longest day of the year with solar observations, and is spotlighting new research designating Lake Tahoe as North America’s oldest lake. The Summer Solstice event occurred on June 20, while a lecture on Lake Tahoe took place on June 26, offering educational opportunities for the community.
Summer Solstice Celebration at Jack C. Davis Observatory
The Jack C. Davis Observatory at WNC opened its doors on June 20 to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Attendees enjoyed free solar telescope viewing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a chance to safely observe and learn about the sun. The event also featured the observation of “local noon,” the moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky for the Carson City area.
Did You Know? The Earth’s axial tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees is responsible for the seasons and the occurrence of solstices. source: Space.com
In the event of inclement weather, the activities moved indoors, where thomas Herring answered questions from visitors about astronomy and the science behind the solstice.
Lake Tahoe’s Ancient History Unveiled
WNC Professor of Geosciences Winnie kortemeier presented her groundbreaking research on June 26 at the Tahoe Center for Environmental Sciences in Incline Village. Her lecture, titled “Lake Tahoe: The Science and the Hype of Being North America’s Oldest Lake,” detailed her 2024 discovery that Lake Tahoe is the oldest permanent freshwater lake in North America.
The event drew a large crowd eager to learn about the geological history of “Big Blue.” Kortemeier’s presentation covered the scientific evidence supporting Lake Tahoe’s age and its meaning in the region.
Pro Tip: When attending lectures, arrive early to secure a good seat and bring a notebook to jot down key information and questions.
Additional WNC Highlights
In addition to the Summer Solstice event and the Lake Tahoe lecture, WNC’s Child Development Center recently celebrated its annual preschool graduation, highlighting the center’s commitment to early childhood education. The ceremony recognized the students’ achievements in cognitive development, language skills, and socialization.
The Capital City Arts Initiative (CCAI) also invites the public to visit its new exhibition, “Fables and Myths,” at the Bristlecone Gallery on the Carson City campus. The exhibition, featuring artwork by Sue Cotter and Elaine Parks, will be on display through Sept. 10 and is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
College for Kids Summer Camps
WNC’s “College for Kids” program offers a variety of summer camps for children ages 8-14. These dynamic camps provide engaging activities and learning experiences for young students.In partnership with Skiing is Believing, a multi-disciplinary sports camp will be offered during multiple weeks in June, July, and August. Additionally, iLead, a camp combining outdoor exploration with team building, is scheduled for July 14-18 and July 21-25.
| program | dates | Ages | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Solstice Celebration | June 20 | All Ages | Solar telescope viewing and observation of local noon. |
| Lake Tahoe Lecture | June 26 | All Ages | Presentation on Lake Tahoe’s geological history. |
| College for Kids Sports Camp | June 23-27, July 14-18, July 21-25, Aug 11-15 | 8-14 | Multi-disciplinary sports camp in partnership with Skiing is believing. |
| College for Kids iLead Camp | July 14-18,July 21-25 | 8-14 | Outdoor exploration with team building and decision-making exercises. |
How does the Summer Solstice impact our daily lives?
What makes Lake Tahoe’s designation as North America’s oldest lake important?
Evergreen Insights
The Summer Solstice has been celebrated for millennia across various cultures, often associated with themes of renewal, fertility, and the power of the sun. Ancient monuments like Stonehenge are aligned with the solstices, indicating their importance in early human societies. Source: History.com
Lake Tahoe’s designation as North America’s oldest lake highlights the importance of preserving its unique ecosystem. Older lakes often harbor endemic species and provide valuable insights into long-term environmental changes. The Great Lakes, while vast, are relatively young in geological terms, formed after the last ice age approximately 10,000 years ago. Source: EPA
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of the Summer Solstice?
- The Summer Solstice marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.It occurs when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.
- How old is Lake Tahoe now believed to be?
- Recent research indicates that Lake Tahoe is the oldest lake in North America, with an estimated age of over two million years.
- What programs does WNC’s Child Development Center offer?
- The Child Development Center provides programs focused on nurturing cognitive development, language skills, physical growth, literacy, mathematics, and socialization in its students.
- How can I find out more about WNC’s College for Kids summer camps?
- Visit wnc.edu/continuing-education/personal-interest or call 775-445-4210 for more information and registration details.
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