Near the fall equinox, Washington's sunrises are perfectly aligned with its monuments.

During the weeks of the spring and fall equinoxes, sunrise aligns with the east-to-west arrangement of the Mall.

Hazy, humid weather provided perfect conditions to photograph a sunrise behind the Capitol and the National Mall on Sunday morning. The sun appeared well defined and was easy to shoot as it rose in the sky, dimmed by the soupy atmosphere, which reduced its brightness. Smoke from wildfires may have also contributed to shielding the sun’s light, adding color to the sunrise.

Twice a year, during the weeks of the spring and fall equinoxes, sunrise aligns with the east-to-west arrangement of the Mall. Often, cloud cover or fog spoils sunrise during this time of year. But, conversely, when the weather is too clear, the sun’s brightness floods the landscape with blinding light, which is challenging to photograph.

On Sunday morning, there were no weather spoilers. Instead, there was a beautiful sunrise over Washington. Note, the fall equinox occurs Wednesday, and sunrise and sunset will continue to align with the Mall for the next several days, making for good photo opportunities provided the weather cooperates.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/09/20/sunrise-washington-dc-autumn-monuments/?