Summer Q&A

Everyone knows that summer happens—because it does. But, inside summer, there are many questions that need to be answered. So, in the following paragraphs, prepare to be amazed by the beautiful answers we uncovered.

What is SPF?

SPF, aka Sun Protection Factor, is a measurement system that measures how well a sunscreen will protect the skin (from UVB rays). These UV rays are radiation from the sun that can cause sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer. Sunscreen that will protect you from the sun well should have an SPF of 30 or higher.

What causes summer?

Summer is caused by the rotation of the earth around the sun (and the tilt of the earth’s axis). Not all countries experience the same “summer” that we here in New Jersey do.

What causes sand?

Sand used to be rocks, but becomes smaller particles due to erosion. Water from the ocean washes over rocks near the edge of the ocean , and slowly (like really slowly), breaks the rocks into smaller and smaller pieces. Sand also comes from shells that have been eroded by water or wind.

Is the sun brighter during the summer?

No, the sun is actually closer and brighter during the winter. If you were to search up a diagram of the earth's cycle around the sun, you would notice that the cycle isn't a perfect circle, but actually an ellipse. The reason it is hotter is because of the duration that the sun shines down on Earth. Days in summer are much longer than days in winter.

Why do we get a break during the summer?

We get a break because, originally, the US was made up of farmers who needed their children to get off of school to go to the farms to help during the summer. Now though, the break is kept to give children a chance to be social away from school and give a two-month (and a little more) gap before moving upgrades.

We at PEN want to wish everyone a happy and healthy summer 2023!