You can celebrate the Winter Solstice sunrise just as they did 2,000 years ago, and it’s going to be breathtaking

Credit: Fort Ancient

Credit: Fort Ancient

Unless you knew the significance of what you were looking at, you might think it to be just another beautiful winter sunrise. With a little more context, you’d realize you are standing in a spot with ancient significance.

Fort Ancient Earthworks and Nature Preserve is inviting the public to celebrate the Winter Solstice Sunrise on Friday morning, Dec. 21. To the people who called the Miami Valley home some two millennia ago, the observance of the Solstice played a vital role in their lives. Every Winter and Summer Solstice, two Fort Ancient mounds will perfectly cradle the rising sun. It’s a breathtaking way to begin the shortest day of the year.

“The acknowledgement of the rising of the sun on the shortest day of the year reveals a traditional understanding about this twice-yearly positioning of the sun relative to the equator,” according to a Fort Ancient press release.

Fort Ancient Site Manager Jack Blosser will share the impressive history of Fort Ancient and give context to this astronomical event. The event is FREE to the public. Regular admission prices apply to visitors wanting to explore the museum.

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: Winter Solstice Sunrise at Fort Ancient

WHEN: 7:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21

WHERE: Fort Ancient, 6123 St. Rt. 350, Oregonia

INFO: fortancient.org

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