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:

• 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. 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.)

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 !

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:

• When:

  • We have noticed that the Sun sets about 15 minutes earlier than the USNO‘s official prediction says, because of the horizon altitude.
  • The moment of the solstice/equinox doesn’t usually happen during this event, but I leave it here for you to know.

• Where: I will host Summer 2021’s Solstice Sunset watch live on Zoom from an undisclosed West Seattle location.

  • I want to support folks in continued social distancing to protect our children and unvaccinated vulnerable folks from SARS-Cov-2/coronavirus.
  • I recommend you find a nice outdoor space to watch the sunset from, and tune in to the participatory webcast for some social interaction and celebration of the turning of the seasons.
  • Please wear a mask and social distance from people until you discuss your combined comfort levels. Some people aren’t ready to give up masks, some people aren’t vaccinated, some people never worried about transmission in an outdoor setting. 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. (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 !

It’s time for the 36th seasonal sunset watch! (It’s our NINE year anniversary!)

I can’t wait to see you for a reasonably-timed sunset.

• When: Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at 7:10pm (so come at 6:30/6:45pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:22pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says, because of the horizon altitude.
  • The equinox moment is Tuesday, March 20, 2018 9:15am
• 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. (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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

U.S. Naval Observatory
Astronomical Applications Department

Seattle, King County, WA (Longitude W122° 20′, Latitude N47° 38′)

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Pacific Daylight Time
Sun
Begin civil twilight 6:41 a.m.
Sunrise 7:12 a.m.
Sun transit 1:17 p.m.
Sunset 7:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:53 p.m.

Moon
Moonrise 9:07 a.m.
Moon transit 4:02 p.m.
Moonset 11:09 p.m.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: New Moon on March 17, 2018 at 6:12 a.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on March 20, 2018: Waxing Crescent with 12% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

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 !

It’s time for the 32nd seasonal sunset watch!

• When: Monday, March 20 at 7:10pm (so come at 6:45pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:23pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says, because of the horizon altitude.
  • The equinox moment is Monday, March 20 at 3:29am
• 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. (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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Equinox Moment (Seattle): Monday, March 20, 3:29am
Equinox Moment (UTC):Mar 20 10 29

U.S. Naval Observatory
Astronomical Applications Department

Seattle, King County, WA (Longitude W122° 20′, Latitude N47° 38′)

Monday, March 20, 2017 Pacific Daylight Time
Sun
Begin civil twilight 6:41 a.m.
Sunrise 7:11 a.m.
Sun transit 1:17 p.m.
Sunset 7:23 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:53 p.m.
Moon
Moonrise 2:32 a.m.
Moon transit 7:13 a.m.
Moonset 11:54 a.m.
Phase of the Moon on March 20, 2017: Last Quarter at 8:58 a.m. (local daylight time)

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 !

It’s time for the 24th seasonal sunset watch!!

• When: Friday, March 20th at 7:10pm (so come at 6:45pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:22pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it.
  • The equinox moment is at 3:45pm… but we’re watching the sunset because of how the park lines up.
• 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, I’ll bring preschool activities to this one.

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. We’ll see if the sunset lines up with the placed marker. 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 sleet I’m staying home with some hot 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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

The following information is provided for Seattle, King County, Washington (longitude W122.3, latitude N47.6):

Solstice Moment: Friday, March 20, 2015 at 3:45 PM
Universal Time: Mar 20 22 45

Friday
20 March 2015 Pacific Daylight Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 6:42 a.m.
Sunrise 7:13 a.m.
Sun transit 1:17 p.m.
Sunset 7:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:53 p.m.

MOON
Moonset 6:53 p.m. on preceding day
Moonrise 7:20 a.m.
Moon transit 1:40 p.m.
Moonset 8:12 p.m.
Moonrise 7:54 a.m. on following day

New Moon on 20 March 2015 at 2:36 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

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 !

It’s time for the 22nd seasonal sunset watch!!

I’ll be doing three special things for this special sunset watch: First, I’m going to bring some preschool-focused activities. I’ve been testing out. I know it is nearly bedtime, but bring your 3-5-year-olds out for a special early-childhood edition of the sunset watch.

Second, I’m going to be available to answer questions about preparing for viewing the partial solar eclipse in October. I’ll do this part after the sunset and after the toddler activities have wrapped up a bit. That’s because you grown-ups and older kids have a slightly easier time waiting than the little ones. If you miss this chance to talk to me, I’ll have a few activities and talks in the local branches of the Seattle Public Libraries in the days leading up to the eclipse.

Third, I’m going to tell you all about MAVEN’s incredible entry into Martian orbit that will have happened about 24 hours earlier. Too much to do at once, I know, but I’m terribly excited about all of it.

• When: Monday, September 22, 2014 at 6:55pm (so come at 6:30pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:07pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it.
  • The equinox moment is at 7:29pm… but we’re watching the sunset not the sunrise because of how the park lines up.
• 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.

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. We’ll see if the sunset lines up with the placed marker. 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 sleet I’m staying home with some hot 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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

The following information is provided for Seattle, King County, Washington (longitude W122.3, latitude N47.6):

Monday 22 September 2014 Pacific Daylight Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 6:25 a.m.
Sunrise 6:56 a.m.
Sun transit 1:02 p.m.
Sunset 7:07 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:38 p.m.

MOON
Moonset 5:54 p.m. on preceding day
Moonrise 5:26 a.m.
Moon transit 11:57 a.m.
Moonset 6:19 p.m.
Moonrise 6:27 a.m. on following day

Phase of the Moon on 22 September: waning crescent with 2% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

New Moon on 23 September 2014 at 11:14 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

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 !

It’s time for the 21st seasonal sunset watch!!

• When: Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 9:00pm (so come at 8:45pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 9:11pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it.
  • The equinox moment is at 3:51am… but we’re watching the sunset not the sunrise because of how the park lines up.
• 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.

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle. We’ll see if the sunset lines up with the placed marker. 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 sleet I’m staying home with some hot 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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

The following information is provided for Seattle, King County, Washington (longitude W122.3, latitude N47.6):

Saturday
21 June 2014 Pacific Daylight Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 4:31 a.m.
Sunrise 5:11 a.m.
Sun transit 1:11 p.m.
Sunset 9:11 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:52 p.m.

MOON
Moonset 2:29 p.m. on preceding day
Moonrise 1:48 a.m.
Moon transit 8:38 a.m.
Moonset 3:38 p.m.
Moonrise 2:20 a.m. on following day

Phase of the Moon on 21 June: waning crescent with 29% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

Last quarter Moon on 19 June 2014 at 11:39 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

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 !

It’s time for the 20th seasonal sunset watch!! (Wow! That’s 5 years of these things …)

I’m going to try the special-for-preschoolers activities again, and hope the weather cooperates this time. If you’re bringing young’uns, come on over and say hi, we’ll have some special books and materials. If your kid would rather just run around in circles, that’s fine with me too. We’ll probably practice with toilet-paper-tube binoculars, and decorate them as well. The ground will be muddy, and I don’t have a good sized table to work at, so bring rain pants.

Non-preschoolers and adults are more than welcome, as usual. I’ll be available to answer questions about the new planet discoveries by Kepler (yay!), and all the usual bits.

• When: Thursday, March 20 at 7:12pm (so come at 6:45pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:22pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it.
  • The equinox moment is at 9:57am… but we’re watching the sunset not the sunrise because of how the park lines up.
• 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.

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the spring equinox sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle on Thursday the 20th. We’ll see if the sunset lines up with the placed marker. 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 sleet I’m staying home with some hot 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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

The following information is provided for Seattle, King County, Washington (longitude W122.3, latitude N47.6):

Thursday
20 March 2014 Pacific Daylight Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 6:41 a.m.
Sunrise 7:12 a.m.
Sun transit 1:17 p.m.
Sunset 7:22 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:53 p.m.

MOON
Moonrise 11:00 p.m. on preceding day
Moon transit 4:06 a.m.
Moonset 9:06 a.m.
Moonrise 12:06 a.m. on following day

Phase of the Moon on 20 March: waning gibbous with 83% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

Last quarter Moon on 23 March 2014 at 6:47 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

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 !

Ready to view Comet ISON? Here’s useful rise, set, and estimated magnitude for viewing from Seattle between now and March. I’ve color-coded it according to east of viewing. Magnitude (brightness) will change as we get more observations of ISON and see how it is responding to the Sun.

This is a useful table if you know what visual magnitude is. If you don’t, just go out too look for it on days that are highlighted yellow. Also, check out the “Special circumstances” for great viewing opportunities.

In this, I’m assuming a generic pair of binoculars can see down to about magnitude 10, and have a 5-7 degree field of view. Your binoculars may be different, but if you pull out a random pair that’s in your closet these assumptions probably aren’t that far off.

Yay!

This chart was created for viewing in Seattle by Jason Enevoldsen using XEphem and ephemeris data from NASA JPL.

~ A l i c e !

Back on. See you in a few minutes!

CANCELLED.

It’s pouring rain, and if you’ll look below, absolute soaking rain (not just drizzle) is a reason I might cancel the sunset watch. Sadly. Take yourselves and your toddlers out to splash in the puddles somewhere closer to home, then turn in for a nice warm drink and reading your favorite book.
I recommend: Kitten’s First Full Moon in honor of Moon festival this past week.

____________________

It’s time for the 18th seasonal sunset watch!! 

I’ll be doing two special things for this special sunset watch: First, I’m going to bring some toddler-focused activities. I don’t know exactly what they are yet – but I have some books, a fluffy stuffed solar system (only if it isn’t raining), and some dances we can do. I know it is nearly bedtime, but bring your toddlers and preschoolers out for a special early-childhood edition of the sunset watch.

Second, I’m going to be available to answer questions about preparing for viewing Comet ISON in November (or right now, if you’re ambitious). I’ll do this part after the sunset and after the toddler activities have wrapped up a bit. That’s because you grown-ups and older kids have a slightly easier time waiting than the little ones.

• When: Sunday, September 22 at 6:51pm (so come at 6:30pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:06pm, but at the last summer solstice we noticed that the Sun set about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says it does, so I’ve moved the time of our sunset watch up so we don’t miss it. Last autumn the timing seemed to line up correctly – what will it do this time?
  • The equinox moment is at 1:45pm… but we’re watching the sunset not the sunrise because of how the park lines up.
• 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.

Parent and Child at Sunset by Kazuhiko Teramoto, skyseeker

Come watch the fall equinox sunset at Solstice Park in West Seattle on Saturday the 22nd. We’ll see if the sunset lines up with the placed marker. 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 sleet I’m staying home with some hot 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:

Sun and Moon Data for One Day

The following information is provided for Seattle, King County, Washington (longitude W122.3, latitude N47.6):

Sunday 22 September 2013 Pacific Daylight Time

SUN
Begin civil twilight 6:26 a.m.
Sunrise 6:57 a.m.
Sun transit 1:02 p.m.
Sunset 7:06 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:37 p.m.

MOON
Moonrise 8:08 p.m. on preceding day
Moon transit 3:19 a.m.
Moonset 10:40 a.m.
Moonrise 8:42 p.m.
Moonset 11:43 a.m. on following day
Phase of the Moon on 22 September: waning gibbous with 88% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

Full Moon on 19 September 2013 at 4:13 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

This event is my part of the NASA’s Solar System Ambassador program, and thanks to West Seattle Blog for publicizing the last few!

Everyone is welcome, see you there!

~ A l i c e !