Sunset people: At the alignment of sunset + street grid
Tonight (as I write this, 11 july 2012) at 8:24pm, the sunset over Manhattan was no ordinary one. it was one of two unique days in the calendar year called Manhattanhenge.
Similar to Stonehenge – where the sun rises in perfect alignment with the stones, signaling the change of season – our sunset aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan’s cross streets, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of the grid. Post summer solstice, the days are getting shorter.
And just when you think you’re the only nut who knows about this amazing phenomenon, think again. There were hoards of us standing in the middle of a major cross street, braving the cars, taxis, buses, ambulances, horns, and verbal assaults to catch a glimpse – and a few snaps of this sunset.
It’s a beautiful thing.
July 12th, 2012 at 9:59 am
Where do you find this stuff? I live in the NYC area and never know about these unique events, or places you write about. Mind giving up your source?
Peace.
AM
July 12th, 2012 at 10:04 am
Thanks for reading (and commenting) AdelM.
I wish I could say I had a definite source or system, but it’s mostly serendipity.
July 12th, 2012 at 10:47 am
I wonder the same, AM. Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, World Happiness Report, and the Star Wars crayons are some of my favorites.