To bring in the new season, we have compiled a list of interesting Autumn facts for you to enjoy!

• During Fall, the days shorten therefore the sun does not stay in the sky for as long.
• Due to the lack of sunlight, leaves can no longer maintain support for itself. Leafs become weak and fall to the ground.
• Due to the wide variety of trees in the Northeastern U.S., this is one of the best areas in the world to view colorful leaf displays.
• Autumn starts on or around September 15 and lasts until about December 20.
• The color change in fall foliage is due to chemical changes.

• The Summer Solstice occurs on June 20th or June 21st every year. This day marks midsummer and is also the longest day of the year.
• Although the sun is hottest at mid-day, the warmest temperatures occur during mid-afternoon because the Earth continues to retain heat from the sun quicker than it dissipates.
• Wearing light colors will keep you cooler because light colors reflect light while dark colors absorb light.

The following facts are from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics about summer travel:

• 97% of summer trips are to domestic locations with only 3% of trips to international destinations.
• The average summer long-distance trip is 284 miles away one-way.
• 2% of summer trips are by bus, 7% of trips are by plane and 91% are by car.

Facts about the “Year Without a Summer”, 1816:

• In 1816, due to the large volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora, there was a historic decrease in solar activity which resulted in extremely low temperatures during summer months particularly in the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe.
• In July and August, lake and river ice was observed as far south as Pennsylvania.
• Some days could see temperatures in excess of 90F dropping close to freezing within hours.

Boston in early June after a snowstorm