Seasonal Sunset Watches 2021+
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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 |
| 56 | March Equinox 2023 Monday, March 20, 2023 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 7:00 pm | 7:22 pm | 2:24 pm |
| 57 | June Solstice 2023 Wednesday, June 21, 2023 |
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | 8:50 pm | 9:11 pm | 7:58 am |
| 58 | September Equinox 2023 Friday, September 22, 2023 (different than East Coast) |
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | 6:55 pm | 7:07 pm | 11:50 pm |
| 59 | December Solstice 2023 Thursday, December 21, 2023 |
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm | 4:05 pm | 4:20 pm | 7:27 pm |
| 60 | March Equinox 2024 Tuesday, March 19, 2024 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 7:00 pm | 7:22 pm | 8:06 pm |
| 61 | June Solstice 2024 Thursday, June 20, 2024 |
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | 8:50 pm | 9:11 pm | 1:51 pm |
- When:
- We have noticed that the Sun sets about 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.
- How: I will host ongoing sunset watches live and in-person with Covid-19 precautions in effect.
- 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 if the event is crowded, and may put one on if I’m standing near you to have a conversation. I plan to bring a small sound system so that I will be easily audible through the mask.
- 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 – 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