Vernal Equinox Sunset Observance
Catch the Sun at the Equinox Sunset Alignment at Kinstone
Note: this sunset alignment event is scheduled for the actual day of Equinox; please also join us for our sunrise alignment event that is scheduled for the day after Equinox.
Weather and snow conditions permitting, we will be outdoors as we stand and watch the sunset. If the weather is bad, we will cancel – watch for cancellation updates (if any) on the day of the event.
At Kinstone we have a unique alignment visible only at Equinox at sunset. Stand with us and the Enlightenment Stones (Atlas and Lancelot) as the sun aligns to shine through the perforations in Lancelot and cast a line of bright points of light onto Atlas. Come and see!
Spring (Vernal) Equinox is an astronomically significant solar event. It occurs when the sun is midpoint in its journey from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice. The sun appears to rise at due east and set at due west. It is traditionally seen as a time of balance. The light of day and the dark of night are equal. It is a herald of spring; a time for new beginnings, growth, and seeking the joy of the light.
COST: admission to Kinstone, $10/person, (pay in advance online OR pay in person in the Kinstone Visitor Center upon arrival – please arrive early enough to do that before proceeding to the location of the alignment and still get there before the event begins). No Registration Required.
Date: Friday, March 20, 2026 Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Come early, the Gift Shop and the Kinstone grounds will be open starting at Noon for this special day.
This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading to send Winter off with a flourish. Given fair weather and clear skies as the sun sets in the West, we will witness the light as it passes through the “Wise One” (Lancelot) and enlightens the “World” (Atlas). If the sunlight is strong enough and unobstructed by clouds on the horizon, we will see the alignment and some of us attending may be able to “catch the sun”. We will begin watching for opportunities to Catch the Sun immediately after our readings.
Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear, jackets, scarves, hats and gloves. Bring a camp chair or blanket to sit on, for your comfort, if you wish. Be prepared for it to be breezy and cool up here on the ridge (many people underestimate the wind and cold).
This event is outdoors and will be held only in good weather. If it is raining or snowing, this event will be cancelled. Cancellations will be posted only on this event page and on the corresponding Facebook event page at least four (4) hours before the scheduled start time for this event.
IMPORTANT: Anyone attending can try to “catch the sun” on a first-come basis. As many as we can get through will be given a chance to be photographed with their hands catching the sun – bring a friend who can be your photographer!
HAPPY SPRING!
Actual sunset is expected to occur at 7:19pm for our location on this date. However, with the topography specific to Kinstone, the time we witness it is always just a bit earlier than expected. Also, the alignment is seen starting around 30 minutes prior to the actual setting of the sun.
The exact time of the astronomical Vernal Equinox is 9:46am CDT on Friday, March 20th.
Photo credit: Kristine Beck
