CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Midlothian Library has a special feature built into its roof that creates a stunning effect on each solstice and equinox.
According to Chesterfield County Public Library, there are four spaces painted on the ground just outside the library that are labeled for the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, as well as the summer and winter solstice.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an equinox occurs when the sun crosses Earth’s equator and the lengths of day and night are equal.
During the solstice, the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon and the daylight hours are either the longest or shortest of the year.
The library’s roof is designed so that, on each solstice and equinox, the sunlight and shadows perfectly align with the painted boxes.
(Photo: Chesterfield County Public Library)
Visitors who wish to see the feature at the next event can swing by on Monday, Sept. 23, to see the autumnal equinox space light up.
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Midlothian Library has a special feature built into its roof that creates a stunning effect on each solstice and equinox.
According to Chesterfield County Public Library, there are four spaces painted on the ground just outside the library that are labeled for the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, as well as the summer and winter solstice.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an equinox occurs when the sun crosses Earth’s equator and the lengths of day and night are equal.
During the solstice, the sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon and the daylight hours are either the longest or shortest of the year.
The library’s roof is designed so that, on each solstice and equinox, the sunlight and shadows perfectly align with the painted boxes.
(Photo: Chesterfield County Public Library)
Visitors who wish to see the feature at the next event can swing by on Monday, Sept. 23, to see the autumnal equinox space light up.