Astro After Dark at Harold Washington Library!

One of the more visually dramatic meetings of astronomy and architecture, "Chicagohenge" is when the bright orange rays of sunset and sunrise directly line up with Chicago's east-west facing streets. Occurring two times a year during the change of seasons at the spring and fall equinox, "Chicagohenge" harkens back to a long tradition of understanding our place in the universe through the sun's motion. In this interactive talk, local astronomer Luke Leisman will unpack this tradition, from ancient monuments to the skyscrapers of the Loop. He'll explore the astronomy of equinoxes and their fascinating (and sometimes surprising) role in cultures throughout history. He'll also discuss their impact on our lives today, and how to best view the upcoming fall 2024 Chicagohenge!Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email [email protected] to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.Image by Alberto Chavez via pexels.com