Scientists say that the sun’s heat has increased by 25 percent in the last 3.5 billion years. Americans bought nearly two million gallons of suntan lotion last year.

In some cultures, human sacrifices were made to keep the Sun God happy. Babylonians erected "ziggurats" or tall towers resembling obelisks that would bring them closer to the sun. Sunday received its name from the Latin "dies Solis" or day of the Sun, a day set aside by Roman Emperor Constantine I honoring the sun. During the Inquisition, Galileo was sentenced to life imprisonment for his support of Copernicus’ theory that the planets revolved around the sun.

Meanwhile, undaunted, Harrisburg sun worshippers ask: Where can we go to catch a few rays?

The most obvious choice is the banks of the Susquehanna River where Capitol employees and city workers escape offices during lunch form daily jaunts or to take lunch on the nearest park bench. The downtown local YMCA is situated perfectly for the exercise enthusiast to catch the breeze along the riverfront.

From Front Street the fit can walk across the Walnut Street pedestrian bridge to City Island. Well-known as the home of the Senators baseball team, the island is user-friendly for walkers, joggers, and rollerbladers. Visitors can play miniature golf, bat some balls in the batting cages, or go kite flying, ride the Pride of the Susquehanna, taking in the rays from her outdoor deck, or simply walk along the river enjoying the several shops. There is also a small beach for swimming.

The island has docks for private boats plus paddleboats and jet skis for rent. Sailing up the river and dropping anchor is also popular. Two tanned sailors supplied information regarding Party Island, the first and largest island north of City Island. "You must have a dog or kids to go there," they said. Apparently, Party Island is known among the sailing crowd as the place to go for families. However, you must arrive there in a vessel.

Harrisburg also has two public pools as well as several private pools and lots of public parks. Besides Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Harrisburg has the most city acres devoted to public parks.

For those who aren’t interested in "lying out" on rooftops or backyards, there is the modern solution of tanning beds. One popular spot is "Tansations" located at a few Movie Merchants video rental stores in the area. They have the latest tanning bed designs complete with surround sound and a wide variety of current tanning lotions. Sunscreens and self-tanning solutions have replaced the baby oil and iodine of yesterday, except for real, old-fashioned diehards. A new addition is their line of toe rings that are becoming quite popular when showing off your hard-earned tan.

Then there are the cafes and restaurants. In Camp Hill, The Cornerstone Coffeehouse just added a deck to their establishment, so now you can bask in the glow while sipping your iced mocha. Along the riverfront, The G-Man and Angelina’s are popular hangouts for lunch or dinner or just meeting for a brew. Wanda’s Deck and Beach Club on the Carlisle Pike has long been a main attraction for the sun lovers among us … or the lovers, anyway. Croc ‘N Berry’s, at the Union Deposit exit off I-83, offers a huge deck for diners’ delight. For the quieter types, Piatto in Carlisle has a lovely garden for dining.

For readers who want to escape the city, and can’t say no to a good roller coaster, a tan is available while roaming around Hershey Park. The Lightening Racer is 2000’s latest scream-inducing treat — the only wooden, dueling roller coaster in the country.

Also consider one of the many nearby Pennsylvania state parks. Three within an easy drive of Harrisburg are Memorial Lake, Pine Grove Furnace, and Gifford Pinchot.

Memorial Lake is a quaint park perfect for old-fashioned picnics with many secluded spots available. Although no swimming is permitted, the site offers canoeing, fishing, wind surfing, paddleboats, and rowboats. Memorial Lake can be reached from Exit 29 (Indiantown Gap) off Interstate 81. Then, follow Rte. 394 N and make a left onto Boundary Road.

If you are in the mood for a delightful country ride, visit Fort Hunter, north of Harrisburg on Rte. 443 East, making a right onto Boundary Road. There is a sweet miniature golf establishment located on that route, also known as Fishing Creek Valley Road. Rakestraw’s famous ice cream is sold nearby.

Pine Grove Furnace is a larger park with two lakes known for its historical aspects. It was the site of the Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works and offers a self-guided tour of the furnaces. Biking, swimming, camping, picnicking, boating, fishing and hiking are permitted. Part of the Appalachian Trail runs through this park and it is not unusual to see avid hikers stop at one of the guarded lakes for a dip before returning to the trail. A park store, bike rental facility, and two food and refreshment concessions are also available. Pine Grove Furnace can be reached from Interstate 81 south, Exit 11, then 8 miles south on Rte. 233.

Gifford Pinchot State Park is the area’s largest state park with 2,388 acres of land and a 340-acre lake. There are facilities for swimming, camping, boating, picnicking, fishing, and biking, and horseback riding. Quaker Race Beach is a large area with food concessions and a children’s play area, making it an ideal family choice. Pinchot Park can be reached via Interstate 83 S., Exit 15, Lewisberry, then follow Rte. 177 south. For more information about these parks or other state parks in the area, dial toll-free 888-PA-PARKS or check dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/herreg.html on the web.

Another park popular to sun lovers that cannot go unmentioned is Raystown Lake. Although it is further (about 100 mi.) from Harrisburg, many folks find it irresistible. Raystown Lake is Pennsylvania’s largest man-made lake measuring 8,000 acres and maintained by the US Army Corp of Engineers. It is a popular boater’s haven and has facilities for swimming, waterskiing, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, using a water trampoline, as well as camping and fishing. People who go here tend to become fans and return again and again. From Harrisburg, follow Rte. 22/522 to Huntingdon, then Rte. 26 south to Raystown Lake.

With these icky, sticky days of summer finally here and you find you want to avoid the sun, try drawing the shades, and sliding into your tub with several gallons of your favorite soothing ice cream. A nice mint, chocolate chip would do well. Now ... imagine our development of solar energy and achieving freedom from international oil. Maybe the sun is good for more than just a tan.