A View of Manhattanhenge
July 13, 2011
Every year around the dates of May 28 and July 12 or 13 there is an event called Manhattanhenge. This event derives its name from Stonehenge, which measures the winter and summer solstices by aligning its stones with the sun just as it touches the horizon line. Manhattanhenge refers to the two days in the year before and after the summer solstice where the sun sets over New Jersey in the center line of certain streets. It is said that it can be clearly viewed from 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 57th among other streets. On July 13, 2011 the sun could be seen setting in the center line of 72nd Street. The city streets that were planned as part of the Commissioners' Plan of 1811 were offset by 29 degrees from true east-west. This offset created this phenomenon. The corresponding winter solstice Manhattanhenge occurs around December 5 and January 8 when the sun rises in the center line of certain city streets on the east side of Manhattan.
(Manhattanhenge over 72nd Street and Columbus)
I was fortunate enough to witness Manhattanhenge this year as I joined my friends, Mo and Francesco, on 72nd Street and Columbus. As I arrived at the intersection I could already see a small crowd gathering in the middle of the street. The sun was hiding behind some thin clouds, so we waited. As the sun revealed itself, a brilliant orange glow illuminated the entire west side. Squinting in the direct sunlight I snapped my photos in rapid succession. More people gathered in the middle of the street as they snapped photos with their phone cameras. I couldn't have asked for a better photo opportunity.
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