Thursday, March 20
Sherman, Texas -- Austin College will observe the spring equinox on campus at the IDEA Center’s Oscar C. Page Atrium—the only solar observatory of its kind on a U.S. college campus. The event will take place from 1:15 p.m. – 1:35 p.m., and is open to the public, weather permitting.
The magic moment will occur at “solar noon” (actually 1:33 p.m. CDT), when a beam of sunlight passes through the gnomon hole in the roof, landing on the equinox marker on the atrium floor. A gnomon hole is an ancient device originally used to compute time. Markers designed into the IDEA Center’s floor symbolize the scientific contributions of early cultures. The vernal equinox and autumnal equinox are marked by a Chinese symbol, summer solstice is marked by the Greek/Macedonian symbol for the Sun, and winter solstice is marked by a Mayan symbol to recognize Native American contributions to astronomy.
Dr. David Baker, Professor of Physics and Physics Department Chair, will provide a scientific and historical overview of the spring equinox while attendees witness the progression of the sunlight beam toward the marker, which it will strike at precisely 1:33 p.m.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
