UMass Amherst will host two hour-long public programs at the Sunwheel on Dec. 21 at 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., where astronomy faculty will explain the science behind the winter solstice and demonstrate horizon alignments. Stephen Schneider leads the morning session and Grant Wilson will join the evening event. A telescope may be available in the morning to view the waning gibbous Moon if weather permits. Presenters will also discuss why earliest sunset and latest sunrise occur weeks apart and why the longest solar day falls on Dec. 22.
Watch the Winter Solstice at UMass Amherst’s Sunwheel — Sunrise & Sunset Sessions on Dec. 21
The University of Massachusetts Amherst invites the public to two hour-long events at the Sunwheel on Sunday, Dec. 21, where astronomy faculty will explain the science behind the winter solstice and demonstrate horizon alignments you can observe in person.
Event Details
When: Sunday, Dec. 21 — 7:00 a.m. (morning session) and 3:30 p.m. (evening session). Each session lasts about one hour. Events will be canceled in the event of heavy rain or snow.
Where: The Sunwheel, located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, off Rocky Hill Road about one-quarter mile south of University Drive.
What to Expect
Astronomer Stephen Schneider will lead the morning session, and Grant Wilson will join the evening presentation. UMass astronomy faculty will describe Earth’s seasonal geometry relative to the Sun and Moon and explain the design and purpose of the Sunwheel.
On the solstice the Sun rises and sets at its most southerly points along the horizon, aligning with the Sunwheel’s southeasterly and southwesterly stones. Visitors can observe these alignments from roughly Dec. 16 through Dec. 26, when the Sun appears to rise and set from nearly fixed points on the southeast and southwest horizons for more than a week.
If weather permits, a telescope will be available during the morning session to view the waning gibbous Moon. Presenters will also explain why the earliest sunset usually occurs about two weeks before the solstice, why the latest sunrise typically happens about two weeks after, and why the longest “solar day” falls on Dec. 22.
Visitor Tips
Dress warmly and prepare for freezing temperatures and wet ground. Plan to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start to find parking and a viewing spot.
Note: Events may be canceled in case of heavy rain or snow. Check UMass announcements or local listings for last-minute updates.
