Summer Solstice Sunrise and Sunset Gatherings
Members of the university community and general public are invited to witness the passing of the seasons by joining Dr. Judith Young of the UMass Amherst Dept. of Astronomy to watch the Sun rise and set over the tall standing stones in the campus Sunwheel for the summer solstice of 2007.
Visitors for the sunrise viewing should arrive at 5:00 a.m., and visitors for the sunset viewing should arrive at 7:30 p.m. The sunrise and sunset events will be held on both Thursday and Friday, June 21 and 22, 2007.
For those interested in learning about the sky, there will be a presentation which will include the significance of the solstices and equinoxes, the cause of the seasons, the changes in the Sun's position in the sky during the year, the phases of the Moon, and the story of building the Sunwheel. There will also be an explanation of the Moon's 18.6-year cycle, since 2005-7 is the peak of this cycle, also called the Major Lunar Standstill. On June 22, the Moon will be 1st quarter, and located due South at sunset). Bring your questions, your curiosity, and dress warmly including waterproof footwear; the gatherings typically last an hour.
Bring your questions, your curiosity, insect repellent, and be prepared for cool temperatures when the Sun is down.
Visitors are also welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. The gatherings typically last an hour, and visitors are welcome to stay longer and ask questions.
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.