NEW DELHI: New Yorkers are gearing up for the biennial spectacle known as Manhattanhenge, a unique event where the sunset perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan. This phenomenon, named after the prehistoric Stonehenge, occurs twice a year and offers stunning views of the sunset between the city’s skyscrapers.
Manhattanhenge draws crowds of locals and tourists alike, eager to capture the awe-inspiring expanse. Neil deGrasse Tysondirector of Hayden Planetariumpopularized the event and explains its significance: “What will future civilizations think when they find the remains of Manhattan? Will they guess that we too were sun worshippers, trying to build a city that makes sense when the sun sets on a certain time? I don’t know.”
According to an NPR report, the best vantage points to witness Manhattanhenge are along wider intersecting streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets. Viewers are advised to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and bring the camera to capture the amazing view. Upcoming Manhattanhenge events are scheduled for May 29 and July 12, with optimal viewing times around sunset.
Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty of the American Museum of Natural History emphasizes the event’s cultural significance: “Manhattanhenge is a reminder of how we are connected to the cosmos. It’s a beautiful marriage of urban design and celestial mechanics.”
While the main attraction is the sunset 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 feast of New York Cityarchitectural grandeur and its unique interaction with the natural world. As the sun approaches the grid of the city, it offers a moment of awe and wonder to all who witness it.
The story behind Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge, a term coined by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, refers to the biennial event where the sunset perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s grid. This fascinating phenomenon occurs when the sun’s rays line up with the city’s street grid, creating a spectacular view framed by 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 the Manhattan grid, producing a modern urban counterpart.
Manhattanhenge occurs because of the precise orientation of Manhattan’s street grid, which was created by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. This plan laid out the streets in a grid pattern with main streets 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 occurs twice a year, around May 28-30 and July 11-13. During these times, the sunset coincides with the main east-west roads, creating a wonderful visual effect.
(With data from agencies)
Manhattanhenge draws crowds of locals and tourists alike, eager to capture the awe-inspiring expanse. Neil deGrasse Tysondirector of Hayden Planetariumpopularized the event and explains its significance: “What will future civilizations think when they find the remains of Manhattan? Will they guess that we too were sun worshippers, trying to build a city that makes sense when the sun sets on a certain time? I don’t know.”
According to an NPR report, the best vantage points to witness Manhattanhenge are along wider intersecting streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets. Viewers are advised to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and bring the camera to capture the amazing view. Upcoming Manhattanhenge events are scheduled for May 29 and July 12, with optimal viewing times around sunset.
Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty of the American Museum of Natural History emphasizes the event’s cultural significance: “Manhattanhenge is a reminder of how we are connected to the cosmos. It’s a beautiful marriage of urban design and celestial mechanics.”
While the main attraction is the sunset 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 feast of New York Cityarchitectural grandeur and its unique interaction with the natural world. As the sun approaches the grid of the city, it offers a moment of awe and wonder to all who witness it.
The story behind Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge, a term coined by renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, refers to the biennial event where the sunset perfectly aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s grid. This fascinating phenomenon occurs when the sun’s rays line up with the city’s street grid, creating a spectacular view framed by 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 the Manhattan grid, producing a modern urban counterpart.
Manhattanhenge occurs because of the precise orientation of Manhattan’s street grid, which was created by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. This plan laid out the streets in a grid pattern with main streets 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 occurs twice a year, around May 28-30 and July 11-13. During these times, the sunset coincides with the main east-west roads, creating a wonderful visual effect.
(With data from agencies)
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