Autumnal Equinox stargazing and storytelling at Watkins Lake
On Friday, September 21st, celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with an evening of stargazing and storytelling at beautiful Watkins Lake State Park. Washtenaw County’s Sarah Felder is excited to host an exploration of our local skyscape with stories from Ojibwe, Greek, Roman and Arabic traditions. As this is a nighttime event, please wear warm clothing and bring a flashlight. This event is for everyone! Note: While there is no fee to participate, a Recreation Passport is required for use of the parking lot.
The autumnÌýequinoxÌýis the moment when the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator, heading southward.ÌýAt the equinox, at the equator, the Sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west. Before theÌýequinox, the Sun rises and sets more to the north, and afterwards, it rises and sets more to the south.ÌýThe equinox traditionally marks the end ofÌýsummer and the beginning of autumnÌýin the Northern Hemisphere.ÌýDue to differences between the calendar year and the tropical year, the September equinox can occur at any time from the 21st to the 24th day of September. This year, the actual equinox will occur on Saturday, September 22Ìýat 9:54 pm (Eastern Time).
To get to Watkins Lake, turn left at theÌýSharon Hollow Road and Austin Road intersection west of Manchester, take Sharon Hollow south to Herman Road, then Herman west to Horning Road. Take a right on to Horning, and in .2 miles, turn right onto Arnold Road. The parking lot will be on your right, past the lake.
Illumination of Earth by Sun on the day of an equinox.
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