Mid-spring Sunset azimuth

Event Date: May 1st
Time: 7:59(.50) PM

Brief
  
   As we reach May-day, we are almost halfway through the spring season.  Starting at this time of year, the Sun starts to rapidly slow in its declination increase to north.  Between the start of June through the solstice, it only creeps up by another couple of degrees.  Until then, as this month [of May] progresses, we can still look forward to days noticeably growing longer, with the Sun setting about about 5 minutes later each week on average.  I mention the rate of change, after emphasizing the rapid change of increase--and length of daylight--between the March equinox late April, up to today.
   The image shows the celestial and ecliptic grids, celestial equator and ecliptic, with the Sun about to set north of west. 

click on image to enlarge: courtesy of Starry Night Pro Plus, version 6.4.3, by Simulation Curriculum Corp.

Detailed

As we approach summer, the setting azimuth of the Sun is increasing also: west is 270º, and northwest 315º.  The Sun's official setting azimuth as seen from our latitude is almost in between this evening at 290º.  Keep in mind however, that as further north a viewer moves, the closer to northwest the Sun sets; at furthest northern latitudes, the Sun sets close to the direct north azimuth, if not already circumpolar.  The celestial grid acts as a reminder of this, with the different-sized circles.
   One final thing to notice in the image, is the separation change between the ecliptic and celestial equator: it shrinks to the point of them almost being parallel.  Where the ecliptic longitude 90º mark is, very close to the r.a. 6h mark.  The gridline for the two overlap enough to give a distinguishable yellow color.  I talked about the r.a. and ecliptic longitude notation at the very beginning of this series on March equinox day.  For the June solstice coming up, just think mathematically...does it make sense?