The first time I noticed it, I didn’t know it had a name–but I stopped in the middle of the street to take a photo with my iPhone before almost being hit by oncoming traffic. I’ve since learned that it is called Manhattanhenge (so named by 2000’s “sexiest astrophysicist alive,” Ashley tells me) and it occurs two times a year when the setting sun aligns with the east-west grid on which the New York streets run.
I was excited that this year because I actually knew about it in advance and had planned to take some photos: The perfect alignment came on Sunday, while we were away; and yesterday–the second (almost perfect) chance–the weather had different plans, and clouds hid the solar event.These images are from others who caught the semi-annual occurrence at other times.
I told Ashley, however, that we didn’t have to wait until next year, and that the same phenomenon will happen November 30 and January 10 at sunrise. She assured me that only I will be up for that one.
(Photos: Wei Lou via here, jwannie, and Idle Type)
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