Manhattanhenge, 2011

Posted on by Marcia Mayne

What’s Manhattanhenge?

As you may know, the city of Manhattan is laid out in a grid pattern. Twice a year, when the sun sets, it aligns perfectly with the east-west grid of certain main streets: 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets.

During Manhattanhenge, a viewer on one of these streets can watch the sun setting directly opposite in New Jersey.

Astrophysicist, Neil deGrasse Tyson of the American Museum of Natural History is credited with popularizing this phenomena.

This year, according to Dr. deGrasse Tyson, the remaining dates for Manhattanhenge July 11th and 12th (it was also possible to see it on May 30th and 31st). On July 11th, the full sun will be visible on the horizon, whereas on July 12th, only half will be seen.

So, if you’re in or around New York City in July, make sure to look out for Manhattanhenge.

But Manhattanhenge is not limited to Manhattan alone. According to Wikipedia, Chicagohenge will happen on September 25th, Torontohenge on October 25th, and Montrealhenge on July 12th.

 

 

12 comments on “Manhattanhenge, 2011”

  1. Yes, it was on the news and I was tempted to drive into the city to catch it… I didn’t but maybe next time. 🙂

  2. Isn’t it? I’ve put the July dates on my calendar — I don’t want to miss it.
    Thanks for stopping by, Faith!
    Marcia

  3. Put it on your calendar, Elizabeth!
    Say, if you’re coming into the city, maybe we can have a lemonade and watch together? Let me know,
    Marcia

  4. I haven’t heard of that before, that’s really fun! I google image searched “Manhattanhenge” and it looks really pretty!

  5. I’ve heard of this but am never in the city when it happens! Must mark calender and make sure I’m around next time!

  6. You should! I’m making sure I don’t miss next month’s. Will try to get there early and find a good spot to take photos.
    Thanks for dropping by, Jade!

  8. That would be so cool to see – but isn’t it way HOT in NY in July? :o) Still, it is NY, a definitely fun city.

  10. By the way, I don’t see a box for email subscriptions to your entire blog. I see it under each post for comments only… Please advice. 🙂
    Thank you!
    Elizabeth

  11. Hi Elizabeth, still working on that. I’ve downloaded it but it’s not showing up on my blog. Give me a day or so to figure out what’s what.
    Thanks for the suggestion.
    Marcia

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