Watch the Sunset Alignment at Kinstone and Catch the Sun on the Autumnal Equinox
This Autumn Equinox and Sunset Alignment event is on the evening of Equinox as we say farewell to Summer by watching its last sunset together. The actual Equinox is at 7:05pm tonight – almost at the exact same time as sunset (which is at 7:03pm).
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! Join us to celebrate the coming of harvest-time and the golden season of autumn.
Autumnal Equinox is an astronomically significant solar event. It occurs when the sun is midpoint in its journey from Summer Solstice to Winter 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 winter; a time for settling in for the season of rest, rejuvenation and root work.
COST: admission to Kinstone ($10/person); arrive early and pay in the Kinstone Visitor Center before the event; No Registration Required
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
LOCATION: Meet at the stones known as “Atlas and Lancelot” at Kinstone, S3439 Cole Bluff Lane, Fountain City, WI, 54629
Actual sunset is expected at 7:03pm for our location. However, with the topography specific to Kinstone, the time we witness it is always a little bit earlier than expected.
This will be a quiet, meditative event with a short opening rite and reading to send Summer off with grace. 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 a line of polka-dots on Atlas and a select few folks may be able to “catch the sun” as it aligns with the perforations in Lancelot. 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 if weather permits. If it is raining or storming this event will be cancelled. Cancellations will be posted only on this event page and on the corresponding Facebook event page no earlier than 4 hours and not later than one (1) hour before the scheduled start time for this event.
Catching the Sun: It has become a tradition during the Equinox Sunset at Kinstone for us to try to “catch the sun”. As many as we can get through while the sun is bright will be given a chance to be photographed with their hands catching the sun – bring a friend who can be your photographer!
HAPPY AUTUMN!
Interesting fact: The exact time of the astronomical Autumnal Equinox is Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 7:05pm CDT.
