I grew up in the New York City of the 1950's and 1960's. In my school years I was fortunate enough (or unfortunate enough, however you view it) to take yearly school field trips to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan and a play (I don't remember what the play was). At some point I was taken to the Statue of Liberty. My public elementary school even took our class to the World's Fair in Flushing Meadows in 1964.
One thing I never knew about, though, in all my growing years, was a phenomenon which is now called Manhattanhenge. This celestrial event has been popularized by astrophysicist and educator Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tyson, as it happens, went to the same high school as I did. (Just not at the same time!)
Tyson coined the name "Manhattanhenge" in 2002, almost 30 years after I left New York City for good.
So I never have seen it. Me, the person who delights in photographing sunrises and sunsets, has never witnessed this event.
It happens that the sun, four times a year (twice for sunrise, and twice for sunset), aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid. For the sunset, it is two sunsets in late May and, again, two sunsets in mid July.
Last night, half of the sun would have been visible on the grid if the weather had been favorable. Tonight, the full sun will be visible, again, if the weather cooperates.
Here are dates and times for 2019.
Tyson says:
"For best effect, position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible. But ensure that when you look west across the avenues you can still see New Jersey. Clear cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 57th and several streets adjacent to them. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building render 34th street and 42nd streets especially striking vistas."
It also brings traffic to a standstill and crowds jostle for the best photographic angle. Yes, I've seen those photos, too.
Should I or should I not Manhattanhenge? Have any of my readers witnessed it?
Why didn't I know about this in 1970? Now, I would have to spend hundreds of dollars on a motel room and more money for the bus trip to see this, all the while hoping the weather cooperates.
Or that, by mid-July, it isn't 95 degrees and humid at sunset.
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| Florida in January - definitely not Manhattanhenge |
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| New York City skyline, December 25, 2018 |
I never knew about this at all. I'm planning my next trip back to Manhattan now!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, you should go! Sounds like something you'd never forget seeing in person.
ReplyDeleteThe weather is not going to cooperate tonight.
ReplyDeleteI work in the city, but I’m usually on my way home by the time the sun sets this time of year. I may try to see it in July.
I only heard about this for the first time on an episode of Younger. Last season, I think. Funny how no one else noticed in all that time. Because it would have to have been noticeable. I guess no one was paying attention?
ReplyDelete