Capture the universal synchronised sunrise and sunset this equinox
Ready to be part of something truly illuminating? Here’s how and why…
Equinoxes are the magic moments in March and September when all life on Earth is in balance.
EQ says at equinox, with 12 hours of day, 12 of night everywhere on the planet we are equal-under-the-sun. Simply by joining shutterbugs around the world you can prove it!
The brilliant EQ promo movie explains the equinox story beautifully – and ends with the sun setting into the Bristol Channel. Check it out, then add your picture to its story:
Mission: Capture sunrise or sunset over water1 this autumn equinox (Sept 21-23).
Golden hour: 6 AM or 6 PM local solar time².
The shot: a glowing hemisphere taken from anywhere on Earth (Pole to Pole, East to West).
Your shot will then be part of a worldwide tapestry showcasing this cosmic moment of balance.
What you need:
Camera and/or smartphone – with a compass³.
Flat horizon – water, ice sheet, plain – is best, but not essential¹.
Your unique local flair: landmarks, people, pure artistry.
Good weather – but if it’s cloudy, don’t despair as the sun can reappear below the clouds before setting!
OK – are you in? Here’s how to make solar history:
Commit to the challenge.
Rally your global, photo-snapping friends in photogenic places4.
Grab your gear, set your alarm, and get ready to capture global equality.
Dawn choristers – rise to the occasion! Night owls – venture out!
By the way, the shot here was taken earlier this week from the deck of a Brittany Ferry in the Bay of Biscay – but the sunset is north of west. The previous blog explains:
At equinox the sun will glide below Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic or Antarctic horizons: it will be the same image, the same (solar) time, the same due westerly direction. It accompanies Seamus Heaney’s encapsulation of EQ’s inspiration and purpose perfectly:
EQ stems from and pays into a big simple truth
But before you put that note in the diary, here are four important points, already flagged up, to remember:
-
The ideal shot is a flat horizon without mountains and buildings in the way; but if you are looking east at 6am or west at 6pm and the composition is breathtaking – go for it!
-
You need to check a website for local sunrise and sunset time. Why? Our clock time is in timezone chunks. That’s too vague – and there may be an hour’s summertime shift too.
-
If you’re up on a cliff, ship’s deck, or high building the horizon is further away; the higher you are, the more you need a camera with a powerful zoom to home in on the sun.
-
Finally, HERE is a (partial) list of global east (dawn) and west (sunset) hotspots.
© Martin Nelson. 28th August 2024
® registered to WMO Nelson
® registered to Equinoctial Days Ltd.