Winter Solstice at the UMass Sunwheel
UPDATE:
Due to the winter storm and wind advisories, the following Sunwheel events have been canceled:
SUNSET EVENT at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21
SUNRISE EVENT at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22
SUNSET EVENT at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 22.
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 Winter Solstice of 2008. The sunrise and sunset events will be held on both Sunday and Monday, December 21 and 22, 2008. This is when the sun is at its most southerly position rising and setting for all observers on Earth.
These gatherings will also celebrate 11 years of Sunwheel seasonal events for the public, which have attracted over 10,000 visitors.
Visitors for the sunrise viewing should arrive at 7:00 a.m., and visitors for the sunset viewing should arrive at 3:30 p.m.
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 and phases of the Moon, the story of building the Sunwheel, and discussion of other calendar sites around the world, including Stonehenge and 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 freezing temperatures including waterproof footwear. The gatherings typically last 1 hour. The events are held in all weather except rain. In the event of rain, visitors are encouraged to visit the Sunwheel on their own at any time.
A $3 donation is requested to help with the cost of the additional stonework and future programming which are planned for the Sunwheel. Sunwheel T-shirts and sweatshirts will also be available for purchase.
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.