Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

UPDATE 5/31: UWS Photo Of The Day: Manhattanhenge From 72nd & CPW

I’ve posted previously about the uniquely New York phenomenon of Manhattanhenge (local photographer Michael Huitt sent in this photo following last May’s occurrence).

Brilliant MUW reader Lourdes pointed out that it’s time of year again and I missed Day 1 yesterday, but have no fear — Manhattanhenge returns tonight at approximately 8:16 pm.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has a great write-up of the phenomenon on the Hayden Planetarium’s website, including this bit:

“[Manhattanhenge is] when the setting Sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan’s brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough’s grid. A rare and beautiful sight.”

If you do a Google Images search for “Manhattanhenge” you’ll see some fantastic photos and get a good idea of what to expect.

The photo above was taken on West 72nd Street, but any major crosstown street should provide good views.

Though the listed time for tonight’s event is 8:16 pm, it’s suggested you get arrive about 30 minutes before for optimal viewing. If you’re even a minute late, you miss the whole thing.

If anyone gets a good photo from the UWS, please send it my way (I’m looking at you, Pete L. & Michael H.).

If you can’t make it tonight, there will be two more occurrences later in the summer, on July 11th & 12th.

Filed under: Events, Manhattan, Nature, New York City, News, NYC, Photos, Seniors, Things to do, Upper West Side, Upper West Side Blog, UWS 1 Comment »
Tags: American Museum of Natural History, Manhattanhenge, Michael Huitt, Neil deGrasse Tyson, New York City, NYC, Upper West Side, UWS