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3 months ago
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Sky-gazers in NYC will be able to watch incredible sunsets along the Manhattan skyline that will perfectly align with the city's grid - a phenomenon called the Manhattanhenge - for two nights this week.
This month's astronomical celebration will begin with a half sun on the grid - a feat where half of the sun rests above the horizon with half below - tonight at 8:13 pm.
It will be followed by a full son on the grid tomorrow at 8:12 pm.
The American Museum of Natural History confirmed that New Yorkers can easily witness (and Instagram!) the Manhattanhenge from the main east and west thoroughfares: 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street.
But the rare effect can also be viewed from some of the city's other boroughs and other areas of Manhattan.
Manhattanhenge, an annual phenomenon that takes place every year in May and July, will appear in NYC streets tonight and tomorrow
The sunsets, which occurs when the sun perfectly aligns with Manhattan's city grid, will likely draw in hundreds of sky-gazers
People can catch a glimpse of the Manhattanhenge from the Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan and Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.
The AMNH explained on its website that the phenomenon occurs when the 'setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid.'
This setting creates a glowing light across 'Manhattan's brick and steel canyons,' which simultaneously lights up Manhattan's north and south sides.
Since the city's inception, locals have been able to witness Manhattanhenge along the city's streets that lie on a 29-degree clockwise tilt from true east-west.
Despite its early origins, the term Manhattanhenge itself was coined in recent years by Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2001.
In addition to May's viewings, New Yorkers will only have to wait a little more than a month before it happens again.
Everyone can witness the Manhattanhenge from the main east and west thoroughfares: 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street
On July 12, full sun on the grid will be visible at 8:20pm.
And the very next day, a half sun on the grid will be able to be seen at 8:21 pm for the final time of the year.
The AMNH also suggested on their website that anyone interested in watching the event should find a spot as far east as possible where they can also see New Jersey across the Hudson River.
Dr. Jackie Faherty recommended to New York Times readers that everyone who is planning to view the sunset find a wide road in the city.
'You have to be in the middle of the street to fully appreciate it,' said the astronomer.
English (US)