Manhattanhenge
http://www.dearastronomer.com/
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons – Roger Rowlett/David Kernow
Today people in Manhattan can view what Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has appropriately dubbed “Manhattanhenge”.
The phenomenon is a result of the grid layout of Manhattan’s city streets, specifically the streets that follow the 1811 Commissioners plan that laid out a grid offset 29.0 degrees from true east–west. The image to the left depicts Manhattanhenge from 42nd Street and was shot at 8:23 p.m. on July 13, 2006.
Memorial day isn’t the only time this phenomenon takes place! While the event usually occurs in the evenings on or around May 28th, is also happens around July 12th/13th. Around December 5th and January 8th, the phenomenon occurs in the early morning. The dates can, and usually do, vary from year to year.
According to Dr. Tyson:
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.
The times listed for best viewing are as follows: ( Try to arrive a half-hour beforehand):
Half Sun on the grid:
Monday, May 30 — 8:17 P.M. EDT
Tuesday, July 12 — 8:25 P.M. EDT
Full Sun on the grid:
Tuesday, May 31 — 8:17 P.M. EDT
Monday, July 11 — 8:25 P.M. EDT
If you’d like to read more about the “Manhattanhenge” phenomenon, Dr. Tyson provides additional details at the “http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/resources/starstruck/manhattanhenge, or you can watch an excellent PBS/NOVA video at:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/dispatches/060914.html
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattanhenge
http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/resources/starstruck/manhattanhenge
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
2012-12-04 08:06:07
Source: http://www.dearastronomer.com/2011/05/30/manhattanhenge/
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