NEW DELHI: New Yorkers are gearing up for the biannual spectacle known as Manhattanhenge, a unique event where the setting sun perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan. This phenomenon, named after the prehistoric Stonehenge, occurs twice a year and offers breathtaking views of the sun setting between the city’s skyscrapers.
Manhattanhenge draws crowds of locals and tourists alike, eager to capture the stunning alignment. Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, popularized the event and explains its significance: “What will future civilizations think when they find the remains of Manhattan? Will they surmise that we too were sun worshipers, trying to build a city that makes sense when the sun sets at a certain time? I don’t know.”
As per an NPR report, the best spots to witness Manhattanhenge are along the wider cross streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets. Viewers are advised to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and to bring cameras to capture the stunning visual. The next Manhattanhenge events are scheduled for May 29 and July 12, with optimal viewing times around sunset.
Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History highlights the cultural significance of the event: “Manhattanhenge is a reminder of how we are connected to the cosmos. It’s a beautiful confluence of urban design and celestial mechanics.”
While the main draw is the sun setting between the skyscrapers, the reflections on the glass buildings create an additional visual treat. Enthusiasts recommend checking the weather forecast, as clear skies are essential for the best experience.
Manhattanhenge is not only a visual feast but also a celebration of New York City‘s architectural grandeur and its unique interaction with the natural world. As the sun aligns with the city grid, it provides a moment of awe and wonder for all who witness it.
History behind Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge, a term coined by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, refers to the biannual event where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s grid. This captivating phenomenon occurs when the sun’s rays line up with the city’s street grid, creating a spectacular view framed by the towering skyscrapers.
The name “Manhattanhenge” is inspired by Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England famous for its alignment with the solstices. Just as the sun aligns with the stones at Stonehenge, creating a celestial event, the sun similarly aligns with Manhattan’s grid, producing a modern urban counterpart.
Manhattanhenge occurs due to the precise orientation of Manhattan’s street grid, which was established by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. This plan laid out the streets in a grid pattern with major thoroughfares running east-west. However, the grid is not perfectly aligned with the cardinal directions but is rotated 29 degrees clockwise from true east-west.
The phenomenon happens twice a year, around May 28-30 and July 11-13. During these times, the setting sun aligns with the main east-west streets, creating a striking visual effect.
(With inputs from agencies)
Manhattanhenge draws crowds of locals and tourists alike, eager to capture the stunning alignment. Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, popularized the event and explains its significance: “What will future civilizations think when they find the remains of Manhattan? Will they surmise that we too were sun worshipers, trying to build a city that makes sense when the sun sets at a certain time? I don’t know.”
As per an NPR report, the best spots to witness Manhattanhenge are along the wider cross streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets. Viewers are advised to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and to bring cameras to capture the stunning visual. The next Manhattanhenge events are scheduled for May 29 and July 12, with optimal viewing times around sunset.
Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History highlights the cultural significance of the event: “Manhattanhenge is a reminder of how we are connected to the cosmos. It’s a beautiful confluence of urban design and celestial mechanics.”
While the main draw is the sun setting between the skyscrapers, the reflections on the glass buildings create an additional visual treat. Enthusiasts recommend checking the weather forecast, as clear skies are essential for the best experience.
Manhattanhenge is not only a visual feast but also a celebration of New York City‘s architectural grandeur and its unique interaction with the natural world. As the sun aligns with the city grid, it provides a moment of awe and wonder for all who witness it.
History behind Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge, a term coined by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, refers to the biannual event where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s grid. This captivating phenomenon occurs when the sun’s rays line up with the city’s street grid, creating a spectacular view framed by the towering skyscrapers.
The name “Manhattanhenge” is inspired by Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England famous for its alignment with the solstices. Just as the sun aligns with the stones at Stonehenge, creating a celestial event, the sun similarly aligns with Manhattan’s grid, producing a modern urban counterpart.
Manhattanhenge occurs due to the precise orientation of Manhattan’s street grid, which was established by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. This plan laid out the streets in a grid pattern with major thoroughfares running east-west. However, the grid is not perfectly aligned with the cardinal directions but is rotated 29 degrees clockwise from true east-west.
The phenomenon happens twice a year, around May 28-30 and July 11-13. During these times, the setting sun aligns with the main east-west streets, creating a striking visual effect.
(With inputs from agencies)