The Lawrence Hall of Science

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

Sunstones II

Art & Installations

A celebration of solstices

Peer through and climb on to explore this 18-foot high granite, outdoor astronomical sculpture. Sunstones II links science with art, and even offers special viewing of astronomical events.

Watching our sunset’s location change as the seasons change

The position on the western horizon of the setting sun changes throughout the year. Each evening in winter and spring the sun sets a little farther north than it did on the day before. Each evening in summer and autumn it sets a little farther south than it did on the day before.

Through the ages, many cultures have used stone monuments to watch and measure the solstices and other astronomical events.

When can I see this effect?

On the summer solstice and the winter solstice the setting sun is at its extreme north or south position. Sight lines in the Sunstones II structure let visitors view the process of the sun ’s northernmost and southernmost setting at these solstices.

For a few days around the time of each solstice, the position of sunset changes very little from day to day. This is sometimes referred to as “the sun standing still” although the sun rises and sets as usual. The word ‘solstice’ comes from this idea of “the sun standing still.”

Support Provided By

Sunstones II was created by UC Berkeley astronomer David Cudaback and sculptor Richard O’Hanlon.

Sunstones II was made possible by private donations, and is dedicated to the memory of Isabella and Hans Karplus.

Plan Your Visit

Admission

General

Age 3+: $20

Kids under 2: FREE

Members: FREE

Learn More >

3D Theater

$5 + Admission

Planetarium

$5 + Admission

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