Don't miss the final opportunity this year to experience Manhattanhenge, the captivating celestial event where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of New York City. This breathtaking spectacle draws crowds of onlookers eager to witness the urban canyons bathed in a warm, rosy glow.
Unfortunately, Wednesday's sunset was obscured by gloomy weather, leaving Manhattanhenge enthusiasts hoping for clearer skies on Thursday. Disappointed spectators, like restaurant server Kevin Andrade, who had taken the day off, expressed their sadness at missing the fiery sky show.
The term "Manhattanhenge" was coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, drawing inspiration from Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument where crowds gather to observe the summer solstice sunrise alignment. Like its ancient counterpart, Manhattanhenge attracts its own devoted followers who line streets like 42nd and 34th to witness the sun's descent, perfectly framed by the city's towering skyscrapers.
This mesmerizing urban phenomenon occurs twice around Memorial Day and again in mid-July. Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty, from the American Museum of Natural History, remains optimistic, noting past instances where the weather cleared just in time for the sunset alignment. Following her sold-out Manhattanhenge lecture on Thursday, a free public viewing party is scheduled, weather permitting.
While Manhattanhenge also occurs at sunrise during December and January, these events haven't garnered the same level of attention due to the early hour and colder temperatures. Other cities, including Boston and Toronto, experience similar solar alignments, but New York's version, with its iconic skyline and the Hudson River providing a unique backdrop, remains the most renowned. The closest equivalent is Chicagohenge, occurring during the spring and fall equinoxes.
Faherty highlights the unique beauty of Manhattanhenge, emphasizing the interplay of New York's iconic skyscrapers and the western horizon. In the age of social media, this visual spectacle offers a perfect photo opportunity, making it a celebrated event for the city.
