It’s time for the seasonal sunset watch, every solstice and equinox sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. Here are the details for the next several events:
| # | Date | Event Time | Expected Actual Sunset Time |
Official Sunset Time |
Equinox/ Solstice Moment Time |
| 55 | December Solstice 2022 Wednesday, December 21, 2022 |
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm | 4:05 pm | 4:20 pm | 1:48 pm |
| 56 | March Equinox 2023 Monday, March 20, 2023 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 7:00 pm | 7:22 pm | 2:24 pm |
| 56 | June Solstice 2023 Wednesday, June 21, 2023 |
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | 8:50 pm | 9:11 pm | 7:58 am |
- When:
- We have noticed that the Sun sets about 15 minutes earlier than the USNO [1]‘s official prediction says, because of the horizon altitude. We use the PeakFinder app to determine exact sunset time, but I only use that the day of the event..
- The moment of the solstice/equinox doesn’t usually happen during this event, but I list it here for you to know.
- How: I will host ongoing sunset watches live and in-person with Covid-19 precautions in effect [2].
- Please keep social distance or wear a mask. Let’s be polite and kind as we all navigate each other’s risk tolerances.
- I know that masks are no longer mandated. I am requesting that you wear one or step back from others to accommodate our community members who are at higher risk or cannot be vaccinated.
- I will be wearing a mask. I plan to bring a small sound system so that I will be easily audible without projecting my voice as much as usual.
- I encourage you to be vaccinated.
- I am vaccinated.
- We will be outdoors.
- I will leave if I feel that these safety guidelines are not being considered adequately.
- Please keep social distance or wear a mask. Let’s be polite and kind as we all navigate each other’s risk tolerances.
- Where: Solstice Park [3] – all the way up the hill from the tennis courts (or, if you’re not in Seattle, wherever you have a view of the western horizon!)
- Who: Everyone welcome, as usual, but consider your vaccination status when making your decision to attend. (Please do leash your dogs as we usually have a good number of people, kids, and other dogs around.)
[4]Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker
Come watch the sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. I’ll be there even if it is cloudy because sometimes the Sun peeks through just as it begins to set, but if it is driving rain or a thunderstorm I’m staying home with some tea!
If you’re interested – here’s the timing of various celestial events from Seattle, courtesy of the U.S. Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department. [1]
This event is my part of the NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program, and thanks to West Seattle Blog [5] for publicizing all of them!
Everyone is welcome, see you there!
~ A l i c e !