The Sun Returns

Bertram Goodhue really knew what he was doing when he designed the Nebraska State Capitol. Not only does the building provide richly appointed chambers for the functions of government and inspire Nebraskans to build a better world; it also keeps time and tracks the seasons. The sun has returned to the rotunda. Today I noticed a small slice of sun illuminating the south white onyx railing in the rotunda. Just as the summer solstice took the sun out of the rotunda, one month later the sun has returned to briefly illuminate the south balcony onyx. It’s a rare sight, lasting only a few days each year before the sun moves north through the rotunda. Five month from now the winter solstice sun will illuminate the north balcony onyx railing. The onyx will appear as though it is the glowing embers of a fire. There’s a pleasant thought on a 102 degree July day—a glowing fire to warm on a cold winter day.