The winter solstice watch

Celebrate the shortest day and the longest night of the year with our annual Winter Solstice Watch. This event marks a significant astronomical turning point as the Earth’s pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. We invite you to join us at the museum’s highest observation point to witness the early sunset and welcome the “return of the light.” It is a time-honored tradition that connects modern science with ancient history, exploring how civilizations throughout time have tracked this celestial milestone to mark the changing seasons.

As the long night begins, our astronomers will guide you through the crisp winter sky, which offers some of the clearest views of the entire year. With the Sun at its lowest noon altitude, the solstice provides a unique opportunity to discuss planetary motion and the mechanics of our solar system. We’ll provide warm refreshments and heated viewing areas as we use our telescopes to locate winter constellations like Orion and the Pleiades. It is an evening of reflection, education, and community, celebrating the quiet beauty of the midwinter sky.