Manhattanhenge 2012
Everyone was excited about yesterday’s Manhattanhenge the twice yearly (May and July) phenomenon during which the sun sets in perfect alignment with the east-west grid of certain main streets: 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets.
This year’s Manhattanhenge dates are May 29th and July 12th and 13th. Yesterday, with its beautiful sun, promised to make up for May’s dismal rain.
My niece and friends had planned to view the sunset from the overpass near Grand Central but just as we arrived, the police asked us to leave. The overpass would have been the perfect spot. We had no choice but to take to the busy 42nd Street, which is not closed to traffic.
Manhattanhenge 2012
At 42nd & Fifth Avenue, we spotted a couple intrepid photographers. One had set up his tripod right on the yellow line in the middle of the busy intersection. Of course, as the lights changed he was forced to moved.
When the traffic stopped again, everyone, myself included dashed back into the street to get a view and take some photos. This is what I got before the cars started honking.
Unfortunately, yesterday’s Manhattanhenge was almost totally obscured by a thick clouds. Normally, you’d see something that looks like this.
Manhattanhenge, image from the Internet
Manhattanhenge doesn’t occur only in Manhattan. If you live in Chicago, Toronto or Montreal, you have your own henge.
Have you experienced Manhattanhenge?
About Marcia Mayne
Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.
Twitter: artisdiary
says:
Hearing about it for the first time! Does round pretty interesting, its a pity that the clouds obscured the views. Maybe next time you will have a better experience!
Arti recently posted..Where to Stay in Tokyo: Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi
It’s actually quite interesting. Thanks, Arti, hope I’ll get a chance to catch it next year.
Twitter: artisdiary
says:
I am sure you will catch it next time and we will witness it through your eyes!!
Have a fantastic week Marcia:)
Arti recently posted..Expedia Japan Office Meet: An Afternoon to Remember
Thanks, Arti. I hope so too.
Hope you have a great week, Arti.
I love how adaptive and creative this is. In such a built-up environment people getting excited about where the sun sets.
Narelle recently posted..bikes, boys, and being mum
You’re so right, Narelle. People still make time to experience something that’s natural.
Wow! That looks really cool! I bet you have had such a great time there! That place must have such a great atmosphere, your shots are really nice!
Grete recently posted..Blumendekoration und Palisaden für den Garten im Sommer
That looks really cool! I bet you have had such a great time there! That place must have such a great atmosphere, your shots are really nice!
Grete recently posted..Mein 30ster Geburtstag ist schon seit langer Zeit um…und?
Thanks, Grete. You’re right, it was pretty exciting. Everyone rushing out into the street when the lights changed, the police chasing us off the overpass.
Twitter: vangrizz
says:
I’ve never heard of Manhattanhenge either, but now I’m somewhat fascinated. I can just picture all the photographers running out into the middle of the street to get the perfect view. Too bad about the clouds though, because the last picture is stunning!
Steve recently posted..How NOT to Fly Families Together
It was exciting to see that. I’m already planning for next year and hoping the weather cooperates.
Twitter: usedyorkcity
says:
I was really pumped up about catching it in May, but the rain made it not so different than any regular NYC sunset. Definitely hoping to catch a bright Manhattanhenge next year!;-)
Jess recently posted..The New York Botanical Gardens Presents “Monet’s Garden”
Hope the weather cooperates and you get to see it next time, Jess.
Twitter: krrobi
says:
—Oh000, the photo of the tangerine sun between the buildings is Smashing!
My Inner Chick recently posted..BLOG LIKE GAGA
Thanks, Kim! I wish we’d gotten to see one like it for this year’s Manhattanhenge.
Hi Marcia, nice blog!
I live in NYC and I haven’t seen Manhattanhenge:( Seems like I’m always away somewhere everytime it occurs. Have to try to catch it next time.
Marisol recently posted..Santorini Part 2: Days after Our Tiny, Skinny Greek Wedding
Thanks, Marisol! Hope you get to see Manhattanhenge next year.
How cool! I didn’t even know this was a thing. Now I have to look up when the Chicago version is.
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..The unforgettable experience of flightseeing and landing on a glacier
You’ll have to check out the Chicago one, Scott. I’m sure it’ll be impressive.
How cool! I had never heard of that before but I am sure it would have been amazing to see in person.
Spencer recently posted..Ten Top Hotels in Ibiza
It is, Spencer. So far, I’ve only seen photos, though. But seeing people lining up to catch it was exciting.
Twitter: www.totsymae.com
says:
It’s so cool and amazing how everyone is drawn to this sunset. With it resting against those buildings, it’s reminds of the creators of both; man and nature.
Spectacular sunsets always remind us how beautiful nature can be. There was so much ooohhhing and awwwhing that evening. You’d think there was a little baby in the crowd.