During the winter solstice, the sunset is said to appear at a halt in the southernmost point on the horizon, a phenomenon that occurs annually during the summer and winter solstices.
The National Park Service invites the public to welcome the rising run and witness the setting of the sun at two ancient archaeological sites on Saturday, Dec. 21. The sunrise alignment will be at the Chaco Culture National Historic Park in Nageezi, New Mexico. The sunset alignment observation will be held at the Aztec Ruins National Monument.
According to the press release the capacity for the Chaco Canyon observation at the Kin Kletso Great House site will be limited to the first 100 visitors, on a first come first served basis. Visitors will be allowed through the gates of the historic park at 6:30 a.m.
Park rangers will be directing traffic to the Pueblo del Arroyo parking lot, where visitors will take a brief walk to Kin Kletso and a ranger will meet them giving a brief informative speech before the sun rises and instructions for where it is best to stand to observe the alignment.
Park visitors who wish to spectate the sunset event are asked to arrive at the Aztec Ruins National Monument visitor center by 4:30 p.m. to be escorted by rangers and volunteers to witness the alignment of the northern wall of the Aztec West Great House with the sunset position on the Southwestern horizon.
The events are free of charge, no reservations are required and visitors are advised to wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
To see a map with directions from Farmington to the park visit https://bit.ly/4gwdApy. To check the weather conditions or to see updates visit https://bit.ly/3VBou5n. For more information about the solstice event at Aztec Ruins call (505) 334-6174 for information about the Chaco Culture National Historic Park’s event call (505) 786-7014.
