Seasonal Sunset Watches
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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 |
| 61 | June Solstice 2024 My sunset event will be Friday, June 21, 2024! (The Solstice is actually Thursday, June 20, 2024) |
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | 8:50 pm | 9:11 pm | 1:51 pm June 20 |
| 62 | September Equinox 2024 Sunday, September 22, 2024 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 7:00-7:12 pm (trees) | 7:22 pm | 5:44 am |
| 63 | December Solstice 2024 Saturday, December 21, 2024 |
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm | 4:05 pm | 4:20 pm | 1:20 am |
| 64 | March Equinox 2025 Thursday, March 20, 2025 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 7:00-7:12 pm (trees) | 7:22 pm | 2:01 am |
| 65 | June Solstice 2025 Friday, June 20, 2025 |
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | 8:50 pm (trees) | 9:11 pm | 7:42 pm |
- When:
- We have noticed that the Sun sets about 10-15 minutes earlier than the USNO‘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.
- Where: Solstice Park – 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.)
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.
This event is my part of the NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program, and thanks to West Seattle Blog for publicizing all of them!
Everyone is welcome, see you there!
~ A l i c e !
Hi Alice,
Will you be at the park this coming Winter Solstice(2021)?
Yes!
Hi Alice,
I appreciate your dedication to helping people understand astronomy. Last night’s Winter Solstice presentation is a great example. My neighbor’s daughters really “got it” after the final skit of the Earth with its axis always pointed in the same direction as it orbits the Sun.
Thank you!
Rick
Alice,
If the skies are clear is it worth staying in town (Seattle) to watch the Geminids or would you recommend getting out of town? “Worth” meaning would we be able to see a good showing?
Thanks,
Irene
Hi Alice,
I appreciate your site; glad I stumbled upon it and look forward to meeting up. See you tomorrow!
Cheers,
Helen
Hello! Will you be there today? 12/21/22 @4