US (Washington Insider Magazine) – This Monday, May 29 and Tuesday, May 30, you will be able to appreciate Manhattanhenge, New York’s informal solstice: the sun aligns perfectly with the cross streets of Manhattan at twilight.
For the first time in 2023, this Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th, Manhattanhenge, the informal New York solstice, will be able to be appreciated at sunset.
During Manhattanhenge, the sun aligns perfectly with the cross streets of Manhattan -planimetry designed in 1811-, creating unique views, two weeks a year, to the delirium of poets and photographers. In addition, this year it coincides with the “Memorial Day” weekend, which brings more tourists to the city and is considered the beginning of summer.
In 2023, Manhattanhenge will take place on May 29 and 30 and then on July 12 and 13. Fullness will be partial at 8:13 p.m. on Monday, and total on Tuesday at 8:12 p.m., specified the MTA Away portal. On July 12 it will be total at 8:20 p.m. and partial the next day at 8:21 p.m.
“It is perfectly framed by the concrete jungle of New York City. I like to call it ‘in-your-face astronomy,’” Dr. Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) told Gothamist last year. “Manhattanhenge is the event of the summer for the celebration of astronomy.”
The phenomenon can be seen to the west, on any street in the gridded area of Manhattan, especially on the widest ones that run from the East to the Hudson rivers: 14, 23, 34, 42, and 57. And also on the UWS, from Central Park West at 72, 79, 110 and 125 st. In Queens it can be seen from Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City.
The terraces of tall buildings are equally ideal places, such as the Empire State, Rockefeller Center and One World Observatory. Experts recommend positioning yourself as close to the East River or Central Park West as possible and looking west from there.
According to Dr. Faherty, this phenomenon is popular because it’s an epic sunset that occurs at a time of year when New Yorkers are gathering outdoors. It is also, like anything to do with sunsets, romantic and poetic, and provides a unique photo opportunity. “It’s beautiful and fun. You can learn something”, summed up the expert astrophysicist.
This article is originally published on on eldiariony.com
