University of Massachusetts Amherst

Witness the Autumnal Equinox

Join Dr. Judith Young, astronomy, to watch the sun rise and set over the tall standing stones in the UMass Sunwheel for the autumnal equinox September 22 and 23.

Visitors for the solstice sunrise viewing should arrive at 6:45 am and for the sunset viewing arrive by 6:00 pm.

For those interested in learning about the sky, there will be a presentation which will include the cause of the seasons, the sun’s path in the sky, the phases of the moon, and the story of the building of the UMass Sunwheel.

DRESS WARMLY, suitable for standing still on soggy ground. You may wish to bring a chair and/or blanket.

equinox

Directions & Parking

The UMass Sunwheel is located south of Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road. It can be reached from the center of Amherst, following Amity St. to the west. After crossing University Dr. at the light, continue on Rocky Hill Rd. for about 1/4 mile, and make your first right onto Stadium Dr.