Western Nevada College News
Community Celebrates Summer Solstice at JCDO
Jun 20, 2024
Jack C. Davis Observatory visitors celebrated the Sun on the first day of summer on June 20.
Sun-ny dispositions prevailed on the first day of summer at Jack C. Davis Observatory, which overlooks WNC's Carson City campus. Community members took time out of their busy schedules to learn more about the Sun and celebrate the Summer Solstice at the observatory.
These curious visitors learned that the Sun was at its farthest from the Earth at the exact Summer Solstice at 1:51 p.m. and, simultaneously, the Sun was directly above the Tropic of Cancer.
JCDO Director Dr. Thomas Herring and previous Director Robert Collier, who inspired the creation of JCDO in 2003, and volunteers from the Western Nevada Astronomical Society were on hand to answer questions about the Sun, assist with telescope viewing and showcase the observatory.
To magnify the vibrant day, visitors were treated to a double rainbow around the Sun shortly after the official solstice arrived.
JCDO hosts weekly Star Parties for the public on Saturday nights from dusk until 11 p.m. These weekly gatherings enable attendees to learn more about the universe and view the galaxy through an assortment of telescopes.
