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, times are Pacific:
| # | Date | Event Time | Expected Actual Sunset Time |
Official Sunset Time |
Equinox/ Solstice Moment Time |
| 65 | September Equinox 2025 Monday, September 22, 2025 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 6:50-6:55 pm (trees) 7:12 pm (horizon) |
7:06 pm | 11:19 am |
| 65 | December Solstice 2025 Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm | 4:05-4:15 pm | 4:20 pm | 7:03 am |
| 65 | March Equinox 2026 Friday, March 20, 2026 |
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | 6:50-6:55 pm (trees) 7:12 pm (horizon) |
7:22 pm | 7:46 am |
| 65 | June Solstice 2026 Sunday, June 21, 2026 |
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | 8:50-8:56 pm (trees) | 9:11 pm | 1:24 pm |
- When:
- We have noticed that the Sun sets about 10-15 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.
- Where: Solstice Park [2] – 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. Consider your health 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.)
[3]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 [4].
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 !