Vernal Equinox at the UMass Sunwheel
You are invited to witness the passing of the seasons by joining Dr. Judith Young of the UMass Amherst Department of Astronomy to watch the Sun rise and set over the tall standing stones in the UMass Sunwheel for the Vernal Equinox of 2008. The sunrise and sunset events will be held on both Thursday & Friday, March 20 and 21. Visitors for should arrive at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
These events will not only celebrate the Vernal Equinox, which occurs at 1:48 a.m. EDT March 20, but the events also mark 10 years of Sunwheel gatherings. During the past decade, over 8,000 members of the public have attended the seasonal Sunwheel events, and over 25,000 people have visited the Sunwheel.
For those interested in learning about the sky, there will be a presentation which will include the significance of the equinoxes & solstices, the cause of the seasons & the phases of the Moon, the story of building the Sunwheel, and discussion of other calendar sites around the world, including Stonehenge & Callanish. There will also be an explanation of the Moon's 18.6-year cycle, also called the Major Lunar Standstill. Bring your questions, your curiosity, dress VERY WARMLY, and be prepared for standing on wet, soggy ground. The gatherings typically last an hour. We will be treated to an exceptional sight at sunset on Thursday March 20, since the almost full Moon will rise around 6:30 p.m., just as the Sun is setting, so both the Sun and Moon will be visible in the sky at the same time. (The Full Moon on Friday March 21 will not be visible until well after sunset.)
In the event of rain, the gatherings will be cancelled.
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.