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 !

I will be hosting live commentary over Zoom during the Entry, Descent, and Landing of Mars Perseverance.

When: Thursday, February 18, 2021 12:20pm-1:15pm

Where: Register in advance for this meeting (because it is public)

I will be livestreaming the splashdown via https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/timeline/landing/watch-online/ within the commentary. I will be chatting directly with you, and will attempt not to be talking over the NASA official commentators, but explaining some terms they use and answering your direct questions.

To watch the livestream of the launch on your own go to NASA’s Mars Landing site to get the best links from NASA.

Also, here are some great activities and information to get you started.

See you later this month!

-Alice

I will be hosting live commentary over Zoom during the Splashdown of Crew Dragon (the return to Earth of NASA’s #LaunchAmerica: the first launch of crew to orbit in a commercial spacecraft).

When: Sunday, August 2, 2020 11:15am Pacific Time

Where: Register in advance for this meeting (because it is public): https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkfuqvrz8tHtF1InWLMWB77rwAopWZc8cl

I will probably be livestreaming the splashdown via https://www.nasa.gov/live within the commentary. I will be commentating directly with you, and will attempt not to be talking over the NASA and SpaceX official commentators, but explaining some terms they use and answering your direct questions.

To watch the livestream of the launch on your own go to https://www.nasa.gov/live to get the best links from NASA.

Here’s my Twitter summary of why the launch was historic, and hence the return-to-Earth as well:

This is going to be a very big step. If I’m checking my history correctly, this will be the first crewed orbital flight of a truly-new design of spacecraft since the Space Shuttles first orbited in ~1981. I’m not dismissing SpaceShipTwo’s accomplishment of suborbital human spaceflight in 2018, but orbital is definitely different.

I am also not dismissing 神舟(Shenzhou) in 2003, though you have to admit that 神舟 is very, very, very similar to Сою́з(Soyuz). In trying to capture the significance of this upcoming crewed Dragon launch, the technology of 神舟 didn’t *feel* as new.

I guess I’m trying to say this *feels very different and very new. As we’re living in a time of heightened anxiety with the pandemic, things that *feel like risky new technology can *feel even newer or riskier. Let us not mistake *feelings for quantitative and scientifically-conducted risk assessment in any of our scientific endeavors right now, be they human spaceflight, quarantine advice, or the accelerated development of massive SARS-Cov-2 testing and vaccines.

See you in the morning!

-Alice

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 40th seasonal sunset watch!

40!!!

• When: Wednesday, March 20, 7:00pm (so come at 6:30pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:22pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 15 minutes earlier than the USNO says, because of the horizon altitude.
  • The equinox moment is Wednesday, March 20, 2:58pm
• 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′)

Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Pacific Daylight Time
Sun
Begin civil twilight 6:42 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 5:47 p.m. on preceding day
Moon transit 12:45 a.m.
Moonset 7:28 a.m.
Moonrise 7:08 p.m.
Phase of the Moon on March 20, 2019: Full Moon at 6:43 p.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 38th seasonal sunset watch!

• When: Wednesday September 19, 6:55pm (so come at 6:30pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:13pm, 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 Saturday, September 22, 6:54pm
• 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′)

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 Pacific Daylight Time
Sun
Begin civil twilight 6:21 a.m.
Sunrise 6:52 a.m.
Sun transit 1:03 p.m.
Sunset 7:13 p.m.
End civil twilight 7:44 p.m.
Moon
Moonset 1:15 a.m.
Moonrise 4:56 p.m.
Moon transit 9:31 p.m.
Moonset 2:10 a.m. on following day
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on September 16, 2018 at 4:15 p.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on September 19, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 76% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

Sun and Moon Data for One Day
U.S. Naval Observatory
Astronomical Applications Department
Seattle, King County, WA (Longitude W122° 20′, Latitude N47° 38′)

Saturday, September 22, 2018 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 7:37 p.m.
Moon
Moonset 4:11 a.m.
Moonrise 6:32 p.m.
Moon transit 11:49 p.m.
Moonset 5:14 a.m. on following day
Closest Primary Moon Phase: Full Moon on September 24, 2018 at 7:52 p.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on September 22, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 95% of the Moon’s visible disk.

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 37th seasonal sunset watch!

• When: Saturday, June 16 at 8:50pm (so come at 8:30pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 9:09pm, but we have noticed that the Sun sets about 10 minutes earlier than the USNO says, because of the horizon altitude.
  • The solstice moment is Thursday, June 21 at 3:07am
• 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

Sun and Moon Data for One Day
U.S. Naval Observatory
Seattle, King County, WA (Longitude W122° 20′, Latitude N47° 38′)
Saturday, June 16, 2018 Pacific Daylight Time
Sun
Begin civil twilight 4:30 a.m.
Sunrise 5:11 a.m.
Sun transit 1:10 p.m.
Sunset 9:09 p.m.
End civil twilight 9:50 p.m.
Moon
Moonrise 8:33 a.m.
Moon transit 4:18 p.m.
Moonset 11:54 p.m.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: New Moon on June 13, 2018 at 12:43 p.m. (local daylight time)
Phase of the Moon on June 16, 2018: Waxing Crescent with 13% of the Moon’s visible disk illuminated.

Sun and Moon Data for One Day
U.S. Naval Observatory
Astronomical Applications Department
Seattle, King County, WA (Longitude W122° 20′, Latitude N47° 38′)

Thursday, June 21, 2018 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 1:59 a.m.
Moonrise 2:37 p.m.
Moon transit 8:36 p.m.
Moonset 2:24 a.m. on following day
Closest Primary Moon Phase: First Quarter on June 20, 2018 at 3:51 a.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on June 21, 2018: Waxing Gibbous with 64% 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 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 35th seasonal sunset watch!

I can’t wait to see you for a chilly winter sunset. We’ll also watch for the fingernail-crescent of the Moon just after sunset.

• When: Thursday, December 21 at 4:05pm (so come at 3:45pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 4:20pm, 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 Thursday, December 21 at 8:28am
• 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′)

Thursday, December 21, 2017 Pacific Standard Time
Sun
Begin civil twilight 7:19 a.m.
Sunrise 7:55 a.m.
Sun transit 12:08 p.m.
Sunset 4:20 p.m.
End civil twilight 4:56 p.m.
Moon
Moonrise 10:09 a.m.
Moon transit 2:56 p.m.
Moonset 7:48 p.m.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: New Moon on December 17, 2017 at 10:30 p.m. (local standard time)

Phase of the Moon on December 21, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 11% 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 34th seasonal sunset watch!

We’ll also share eclipse stories and favorite moments or pictures from Cassini (RIP, now part of Saturn). If you drew a picture of the eclipse, either before or after I would absolutely love to see it.

• When: Friday, September 22 at 6:55pm (so come at 6:35pm)

  • Actual sunset is supposed to be at 7:06pm, 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 Friday, September 22 at 1:02pm
• 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): Tuesday, Sept 22 1:02pm
Equinox Moment (UTC): Sept 22 20 02

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

Friday, September 22, 2017 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 9:29 a.m.
Moon transit 3:09 p.m.
Moonset 8:40 p.m.
Closest Primary Moon Phase: New Moon on September 19, 2017 at 10:30 p.m. (local daylight time)

Phase of the Moon on September 22, 2017: Waxing Crescent with 7% 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 !