Stunning photo: ‘Salkhenge’ sunset aligns on spring equinox
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — It’s a phenomenon that only occurs twice a year, on the spring and fall equinoxes.
Known as the “Salkhenge” sunset, it happens when the setting sun perfectly aligns with the Salk Institute’s “River of Life” water feature, which runs through the center of the travertine courtyard.
According to Jonas Salk, the founder of the institute, the river “represents the trickle of knowledge produced by this facility, spilling out into the body of knowledge, symbolized by the ocean.” He explained further, saying it creates a sense of “connection to a higher purpose.”
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On Tuesday, March 19, 2024 — the first day of spring — the “Salkhenge” was captured once again, offering a stunning display of a fiery sunset centered with the flowing river.
The event can be compared to the famous “Scrippshenge” sunset, which occurs when the setting sun dips toward the horizon, perfectly aligning between the support beams of the Scripps Pier in La Jolla.
Founded in 1960, the Salk Institute is an independent, nonprofit research institution that’s located in La Jolla. Salk himself challenged architect Louis Kahn to “create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso” as he wanted the institute to be a place where scientists and artists could find “inspiration.”
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As far as the courtyard area, it’s a masterpiece created by architect Luis Barragán as “a façade to the sky.”
According to a representative with the organization, Salk scientists are “making life-changing discoveries in the fields of aging, cancer, neuroscience, immunology, climate change, and other areas to benefit global health and well-being.” The institute currently has more 50 operating research labs.
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