Blog Description - A collection of media articles and tweets highlighting 1) the dangers of sun glare while driving, 2) the issue of shadowing due to urban development, and 3) random fun sun facts.

Blog Purpose and Disclaimer - This blog compiles and shares public interest stories in an effort to educate and raise awareness. Sources, credits and links are provided for articles and images, and it is my belief that this blog complies with the fair dealing exception in Canada's Copyright Act. However, if you wish your item removed, simply ask.

Cheers, Ralph Bouwmeester

Monday, October 28, 2019

Torontohenge October 2019 – CBC News Article

Had the pleasure of being interviewed recently by Talia Ricci of CBC News for her piece about the special ‘Torontohenge’ sunset coming up on October 26. We talked about the how and why Torontohenge occurs and what makes it so special in downtown Toronto.  The article can be found at the link below.




Cheers, Ralph

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Torontohenge October 2019 – Best Photo Ops

The last Torontohenge of 2019 is coming up…


Save the date... 

October 26, 2019 - Sunset 6:17 PM EDT

Torontohenge is the name given for the phenomenon that occurs when the sun rises or sets in line with Toronto's major east-west streets downtown, giving photographers a great opportunity to capture the sun as its top edge grazes the horizon between the canyon walls of buildings on either side of the street.


Photo courtesy of Rudy Limeback @rudydotca

Although Torontohenge technically falls on the dates given below for 2019, great photos can be taken for about a week before the August and October dates and a week after the February and April dates as the sun hovers directly above the street.  Not great for driving, but quite a sight just the same.

The Torontohenge dates for 2019 are:

Sunrise
Sunset
Feb 15

5:48 PM
Apr 19
6:29 AM
Aug 24
6:32 AM
Oct 26

6:17 PM

So, since the sun currently sets north of the streets looking west, great pictures can be taken between now (Oct 17) and Oct 26th as the sun crosses the street just before sunset.

Toronto sunset times between October 17th and 26th range from 6:31 to 6:17 PM EDT, that is, about 1-1/2 minutes earlier per day.

See Toronto sunrise and sunset times here...

Warning for Drivers
Despite the opportunities for photographers, driving conditions for westbound motorists may be difficult for several weeks prior to October 26th due to glare from the sun prior to sunset.  The last hour of daylight is typically the worst.  Be prepared and extra careful.

Cheers, Ralph

2019 Halloween Sunset Times



Friday, October 4, 2019

Sun Glare and Traffic Safety – September 2019















Cheers, Ralph

Sun and Shade in Urban Development – September 2019







Cheers, Ralph

Miscellaneous Sun and Shadow Items – September 2019





Cheers, Ralph