New York City residents and tourists gathered to witness Manhattanhenge, a unique astronomical event that occurs twice each year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s street grid.
This year, the first occurrence took place on Thursday, with the sun framed by skyscrapers as it descended below the horizon. A more complete view is anticipated on Friday, with subsequent events scheduled for July 11 and 12.
The term ‘Manhattanhenge’ was introduced by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in a 1997 article for ‘Natural History.’ Tyson, inspired by a visit to Stonehenge, drew parallels between the sun’s alignment in Manhattan and the ancient site’s solstice phenomena.
During his youth, Tyson participated in an expedition led by Gerald Hawkins, who proposed that Stonehenge served as an ancient astronomical observatory. Tyson noted that the sun’s rays striking Manhattan’s high-rises created a similar visual effect to that of Stonehenge on the solstice.
Unlike the builders of Stonehenge, the planners of Manhattan did not intentionally align the streets with solar events; the phenomenon occurred coincidentally.
Manhattanhenge does not coincide with the summer solstice, which falls on June 21 this year. Instead, it occurs approximately three weeks before and after this date, aligning with the east-west streets of Manhattan.
Observers have the opportunity to experience two versions of the phenomenon: on Thursday and July 12, half of the sun will be visible above the horizon, while on Friday and July 11, the entire sun will appear poised between buildings just before disappearing behind the New Jersey skyline.
To fully appreciate Manhattanhenge, viewers should head to the city’s prominent east-west streets, such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets. The farther east one ventures, the more striking the view becomes, as the sun illuminates the facades of buildings lining the streets.
It is also possible to observe Manhattanhenge from across the East River in Long Island City, Queens, providing a different perspective on this captivating event.
Manhattanhenge is primarily a self-organized event, with individuals congregating on the designated streets approximately half an hour before sunset to capture photographs as dusk settles in. However, the spectacle may be obscured on rainy or cloudy days.
Other cities with grid-like street layouts also experience similar sunset alignments. For example, ‘Chicagohenge’ and ‘Baltimorehenge’ occur when the sun aligns with the streets of Chicago and Baltimore, respectively, during the spring and fall equinoxes. ‘Torontohenge’ takes place in February and October.
However, Manhattanhenge is particularly notable due to the city’s towering buildings and the clear view of the Hudson River, enhancing the visual impact of the event.