Autumnal Equinox at the Sunwheel
The public is invited to witness the passing of the seasons by joining Dr. Judith Young and Dr. Will Fischer of the UMass Dept. of Astronomy to watch the Sun rise and set over the tall standing stones in the UMass Sunwheel for the Autumnal Equinox of 2008.
The sunrise and sunset events will be held on BOTH MONDAY and TUESDAY, September 22 and 23, 2008. Visitors for the sunrise viewing should arrive at 6:45 a.m., and visitors for the sunset viewing should arrive at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. These gatherings will also celebrate 11 years of Sunwheel seasonal events for the public, which have attracted over 10,000 visitors.
For those interested in learning about the sky, there will be a presentation which will include the significance of the solstices & equinoxes, the cause of the seasons and 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, and be prepared for cool temperatures when the Sun is down, including waterproof footwear and insect repellent. The gatherings typically last 1 hour. In the event of rain, the gatherings will be canceled.
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.