Solstice and Equinox (Suntrack) Season Model

This physical model simulates the Sun’s tracks across the sky at summer solstice, winter solstice, and the spring and fall equinoxes. A bead simulates the Sun moving from rising along the eastern horizon to setting on the western. The bead can be moved from track to track to demonstrate the solstices and equinoxes. The model is made to accurately represent the user’s latitude.

Many people are confused about the meaning of solstices and equinoxes. Verbal descriptions are often inadequate because they are difficult to envision or overly technical. Imagery is helpful, but some have trouble understanding the perspective of the imagery. This physical model was developed (over years) to enhance the teaching of the solstice and equinox concepts, as well as being helpful in understanding solar alignments of cultural and archaeoastronomy sites.