Thursday is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. The event has fascinated human beings for millennia.
KUOW listener Chris Corfman is one of them. He wants to know: Are any of Seattle's streets purposely aligned with the sunrise or sunset during winter and summer solstice?
We thought we'd talk to Woody Sullivan. He's an astronomer, astrobiologist, and professor emeritus at the University of Washington.
According to Sullivan, no Seattle streets are aligned to the solstice by design, but there are some parks to experience the solstice sunset:
Fremont Peak Park: This park has a sculpture that depicts seasonal solstices and equinoxes. It also offers clear views of the Olympic Mountains to the west.
Solstice Park: In addition to the tennis courts, Seattleites can hike up to a sundial at this West Seattle park.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park: Up in Shoreline, Richmond Beach Saltwater Park has yet another sundial—and plenty of Puget Sound beachfront.
KUOW's Katherine Banwell met up with Sullivan at the Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint, which also happens to be a great place to watch a sunset.
To check if streets may align with solstice sunrises or sunsets, click here.
