Amherst  

 Sundial: 523
State/Province:  Massachusetts Country:  USA
Dial Type:  Sun Alignment Condition:  Excellent
  Latitude and Longitude: 42° 22.465' N  72° 32.208' W
Location:
  • University of Massachusetts west of main campus near stadium and field off Rocky Hill Road. Address is 323 Rocky Hill Road.
 
Description:
  • On the fields of U-Mass is a work called "sunwheel" that is a modern presentation of an American Indian sun-wheel. A circle 130 feet in diameter has 14 major stones weighing 56 tons, 12 minor stones, and 4 flat stones at the center. 2 major stones mark the N and S cardinal points; a pair of portal stones mark the E and W points allowing an uninterrupted view of sunrise and sunset at the equinoxes; 4 stones mark sunrise and sunset at the solstices; and 4 more stones mark the extreme northern and southern positions of moon rise and moon set. Guided presentations can be arranged by calling 413-545-4311.
 
General Information:
  • Owner: Univ. Mass
  • Designer: Dr. Judith S. Young
  • Builder: Dr. Judith S. Young. Major stones from Chester Granite Co., East Otis MA
  • Construction Date: Nov 6-9, 2000
 
References:
  • Support provided by the Healey Endowment at U-Mass, and grants from NASA and NSF and private donations

Last Revised: 2019-09-09 20:13