Manhattanhenge: The Spectacular Cosmic Event That Illuminates New York City

Feature Photo by matt.richie on Instagram

Picture this: as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden light across the city, the skyscrapers of Manhattan part, revealing a breathtaking celestial display. This is Manhattanhenge, a twice-yearly phenomenon that draws crowds of photographers, tourists, and locals alike to the streets of New York City.

Photo by Ryan Duke on Instagram

When Concrete Canyons Align with the Cosmos

So, what exactly is Manhattanhenge? Let’s break it down. The term “Manhattanhenge” is a portmanteau of “Manhattan” (the borough) and “Stonehenge” (the prehistoric monument in England). The term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who is also the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City. Tyson popularized the term in reference to the phenomenon where the setting sun aligns with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s street grid, creating a stunning display of light and shadows. The name is a play on words, combining “Manhattan” with “Stonehenge,” the prehistoric monument in England known for its alignment with the sun during the solstices.

Manhattanhenge typically occurs around May 30th and July 12th, give or take a day. On these dates, the sun sets dead-center with the city’s grid, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. Imagine standing on one of Manhattan’s crosstown streets, watching the sun framed by a canyon of concrete and steel. It’s a moment when the natural world and the man-made world sync up, showing off their respective beauty and grandeur.

But wait, there’s more! A “half sun” version of Manhattanhenge happens a day or two before and after each “full sun” event. This means you have not one, but two chances to witness the sun slinking between the skyscrapers.

Photo by Johannes Hurtig on Unsplash

The Science Behind the Sunset

You might be wondering how Manhattanhenge comes to be. To understand this phenomenon, we need to dive into a bit of science (but don’t worry, we’ll keep it light and fun).

The key to Manhattanhenge lies in the tilt of the Earth’s axis. Our planet is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt causes the sun to appear at different points along the horizon throughout the year. Around the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), the sun appears at its northernmost point. Conversely, around the winter solstice (the shortest day of the year), it sits at its southernmost point.

Now, let’s zoom in on Manhattan. The city’s grid is not perfectly aligned with the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west). Instead, it’s rotated about 29 degrees east from true north. This slight tilt means that the sun sets directly in line with the east-west streets only a few times each year—specifically, around the dates of Manhattanhenge.

Photo by Lerone Pieters on Unsplash

A Photographer’s Dream: Tips for Capturing the Magic

Manhattanhenge is a photographer’s dream come true. The warm, golden light of the setting sun casts a magical glow on the city, creating silhouettes and shadows that are perfect for snapping pictures. But you’re not the only one who wants that perfect shot! The streets can get quite crowded during Manhattanhenge, so here are some tips to help you make the most of the experience:

1. Arrive early: Get to your chosen spot at least an hour before sunset. The best locations, like 42nd Street and 14th Street, can fill up quickly.
2. Stake out your spot: Once you’ve found the perfect vantage point, claim it! Set up your tripod, frame your shot, and be ready for the sun to make its grand entrance.
3. Bring the right gear: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls will give you the most flexibility for capturing the perfect shot. A telephoto lens can help you get up close and personal with the sun, while a wide-angle lens can capture the full expanse of the cityscape.
4. Play with settings: Experiment with your camera’s settings to find the ideal exposure. You’ll want a fast shutter speed to freeze the action, but you may need to adjust aperture and ISO to get the right balance of light and detail.
5. Go beyond the obvious: Sure, the sun setting between skyscrapers is the star of the show, but don’t forget to look around for other interesting scenes. People, architecture, and street life can all make for captivating subjects as the sun’s golden rays bathe the city.

Torontohenge: Photo by Dave Paul in Instagram

Beyond Manhattan: Cityhenge Phenomena Around the World

While Manhattanhenge may be the most famous urban solstice alignment, it’s not the only one. Cities around the world have their own versions of cityhenges, where the sun lines up perfectly with a street grid or landmark.

In Toronto, for example, there’s “Torontohenge,” which occurs when the sun aligns with the city’s east-west streets. In Chicago, “Chicagohenge” takes place when the sun lines up with the downtown grid. Even ancient cities like Rome have their own solstice alignments, with the sun casting its light through the oculus ofthe Pantheon on certain days of the year.

These cityhenges serve as a reminder that, despite our bustling urban lives, we’re still connected to the celestial rhythms of the universe. They offer a moment of wonder and reflection, a chance to appreciate the beauty of the natural world intersecting with human ingenuity.

Manhattanhenge: A Timeless Connection

Manhattanhenge is more than just a stunning visual spectacle—it’s a moment of connection between the cosmos and the city, between the past and the present. As you stand on a crowded street corner, with the sun’s last rays illuminating the faces of those around you, think of the countless people who have witnessed similar celestial events throughout history.

From the ancient builders of Stonehenge to the architects of Manhattan’s grid, people have always been fascinated by the movements of the sun and the stars. Manhattanhenge is a continuation of that fascination, a reminder that, even amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, we can still find moments of cosmic connection.

So, whether you’re a seasoned Manhattanhenge veteran or a first-time observer, take a moment to soak in the experience. Feel the warm glow of the sun on your face, admire the interplay of light and shadow, and marvel at the grand design of the universe, revealed for just a fleeting moment on the streets of New York City.