On the equinox, the Sun does something that is easy to check with your own eyes: it rises almost due east and sets almost due west. Few astronomy observations are so simple, and none requires a telescope. If you want to observe the equinox sunrise, you only need a clear horizon, a compass or map and a little planning. This guide walks you through choosing a spot, finding true east and west, timing your visit, keeping a record and staying safe.
What you will see
On an equinox, the Sun is above the equator, so for most of the world:
- Sunrise happens close to due east, and sunset close to due west.
- Daylight is close to 12 hours, though a few minutes longer at most places.
- The Sun’s path across the sky is symmetrical, rising at the same angle at which it sets.
On other dates, the Sun rises north of east in the warmer half of the year and south of east in the colder half (in the Northern Hemisphere), with the opposite pattern in the Southern Hemisphere. By watching on the equinox, you capture the midpoint of that swing. Our guide to equinoxes explains why.
Step 1: Check the date and time
The equinox is an instant, not a full day, but the Sun’s position hardly changes over a day or two, so any morning or evening around the date works. For 2026, the March equinox is on 20 March and the September equinox on 23 September (UTC). You can see more in key equinox and solstice dates for 2026.
Look up the sunrise and sunset time for your location using an almanac, a weather service or an astronomy app. Plan to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early so you are settled before the first glow appears.
Step 2: Choose your viewing spot
The ideal location offers:
- A clear view of the horizon to the east for sunrise or the west for sunset, without tall buildings, trees or hills blocking it.
- A fixed viewpoint that you can return to on other dates, such as a bench, a doorstep or a marked spot on a hill.
- Recognizable landmarks on the horizon, like a tower, a distinctive tree or a ridge, which let you compare the Sun’s position over time.
- Safety and comfort. Make sure the area is safe at dawn or dusk, and bring a torch if you have to walk in the dark.
Elevated viewpoints help in cities. If your horizon is blocked, a rooftop or park may work better, if access is permitted.
Step 3: Find true east and west
Do not rely on a vague guess. Here are three ways to find direction.
Use a compass. A magnetic compass points to magnetic north, which differs from true north by an angle called magnetic declination. That angle depends on where you are and changes slowly over time. Look up the local declination from an official source, and adjust your reading.
Use a map or app. Open a satellite map, find your viewing spot, and draw or measure a line due east or west of it. Maps are usually oriented to true north.
Use the Sun itself. Watch the shadow of a vertical stick. The shadow is shortest at local solar noon, and at that moment it points along a north-south line (north in the Northern Hemisphere at mid-latitudes, south in the Southern Hemisphere). A line at right angles to it points east-west. This is a good way to mark a permanent east-west line in a garden.
Once you have the direction, mark it with a stone or a stake so that you can find it in the dark.
Step 4: Bring simple equipment
You do not need much.
- A compass or direction app
- Warm clothing and a hot drink
- A notebook and pencil, or a phone notes app
- A camera or phone (optional)
- A torch with a red light, if available, to preserve night vision
- A folding chair or blanket
If you plan to photograph the Sun directly, use the proper techniques and filters described below.
Step 5: Watch and record
At sunrise or sunset, notice and note:
- The time when the Sun’s upper edge first appears or fully disappears.
- The compass bearing of the Sun relative to your marker. Is it directly over your east line?
- Landmarks the Sun rises behind or sets beside.
- Sky conditions. Clouds, haze, colors and weather.
- Surroundings. Shadows, animal activity, temperature and light changes.
A bearing check can be done by lining up the Sun (without looking at it directly) with the line you marked, or by comparing the rising point with a landmark you measured earlier on a map.
Take a photograph at the same place with the same framing each time to compare later. Keep a sketch of the horizon with a mark where the Sun rose.
Step 6: Stay safe
Never look directly at the Sun, except in the few moments when it is very low and dim at the horizon, and even then take care and avoid prolonged staring. Atmospheric haze can make a low Sun seem harmless, but it can still harm your eyes, particularly if it brightens quickly. Do not use binoculars, telescopes or camera viewfinders aimed at the Sun without certified solar filters. If you want to photograph the Sun, use your camera’s live view screen rather than the optical viewfinder, and protect the sensor with a proper solar filter when the Sun is high.
Other safety tips:
– Let someone know where you are going if you will be alone and the location is remote.
– Watch for uneven ground in low light.
– Dress for cold and wind, which can be strong on hilltops.
Step 7: Compare through the year
The real fun begins when you repeat the observation at other times. Visit the same spot at intervals and note where the Sun rises.
- Around the June solstice (Northern Hemisphere), the sunrise point will be far to the north-east.
- Around the December solstice, it will be far to the south-east.
- Back at the next equinox, it returns to due east.
Over a year, you will have drawn a map of the Sun’s yearly journey on your horizon. This is the basis of many ancient calendar monuments. To explore the extremes of the cycle, see the solstices and equinoxes guide.
Tips for photographers
- Golden hour just after sunrise and before sunset gives warm, soft light.
- Use a tripod in low light to avoid blur.
- Include foreground interest like trees, buildings or water to add scale.
- Shoot a sequence at regular intervals to show the Sun’s movement.
- Consider planning tools such as sun-position apps and websites that overlay the Sun’s path on a map. See our review of best astronomy apps.
- Expose for the sky and let foreground details fall into silhouette, or take multiple exposures.
What if the weather is bad?
Clouds are common. Try the day before or after, because the Sun’s position is almost the same. You can also check your direction line using shadows later in the day, or simply enjoy the changing light. If you keep records, note the failed attempts too; they are part of the data.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sun really rise exactly due east on the equinox?
Almost. At most places it is within a degree or so, depending on your latitude, the local horizon and refraction.
Can I use my phone compass?
Yes, but calibrate it and be aware of magnetic declination and local interference from metal objects.
Is it safe to look at the sunrise?
A very low Sun is dimmer, but it is still dangerous to stare at it. Glance briefly and use proper filters for photography.
What time is the equinox sunrise?
It depends on your location and date. Check a local almanac or a weather service.
Equinox Explained: What Happens and Why It Matters
Best Astronomy Apps to Track Seasons and Sky Events
Conclusion
To observe the equinox sunrise or sunset, pick a clear horizon, find true east or west, arrive early, record what you see and stay safe around the Sun. Then come back at the next solstice and compare. Mark your viewing spot this week so that you are ready for the next turning point of the year.
