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The SunRing Solstice Observatory

The SunRing Solstice Observatory is a circular construction featuring Winter and Summer solstice sunrise lines intersecting the center of the circle and Sun Shadow Casters. Currently the Winter solstice sunrise line features four Circular Sun Shadow Casters. The Shadow Casters will project shadows appearing as concentric circles on the SunRing projection wall on the day of Winter solstice sunrise.

The idea for a solstice observatory came to me on the day of the Autumn Equinox in 2022. The design idea has undergone several iterations, originally I was thinking of a series of many long tubes (pipes), then just two Circular Sun Shadow Casters per solstice line before settling on the current four. The site remains under construction with considerable material upgrades and enhancements planned. Triangular Sun Shadow Casters are planned for the Summer solstice sunrise line.


The red clay bricks form a circle 18 feet in diameter


The four Circular Sun Shadow Casters along the Winter solstice line


The four Circular Sun Shadow Casters alignment as seen from the eventual solstice sun


The four Cicular Sun Shadow Casters alignment as seen from the other end


Shadow Caster shadows early morning November 3, 2023


Shadow Caster shadows early morning November 12, 2023


Shadow Caster shadows early morning November 17, 2023


Sunrise and Shadow Caster shadows early morning November 25, 2023
Adjustments to the vertical alignment of the Circular Sun Shadow Casters are expected as Winter Solstice approaches


© John S. Stokes III