The public is invited to observe sunrise and sunset on the day of the winter solstice among the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Faculty from the UMass Amherst astronomy department will discuss the astronomical cause of the solstice, and a telescope will be set up to observe the waning gibbous moon, Venus, and the surface of the sun. Heavy rain or snow will cancel the gatherings.

• Sunrise gathering 7:00 a.m.
• Sunset gathering 3:30 p.m.

The UMass Amherst Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road (Amity Street) about one-quarter mile south of University Drive. Visitors to the Sunwheel should be prepared for freezing temperatures and wet footing. Rain or blizzard conditions cancel the events. Donations are welcome to help with the cost of additional site work and future events.