If the weather cooperates, Manhattan will soon again be treated to its uniquely urban ritual marking of time: Manhattanhenge.
This weekend, the sun will set in perfect alignment with primary sections of the Manhattan street grid. The dates were determined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. He’s also the one who figured out Manhattanhenge and named it.
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 2010 Manhattanhenge dates:
Half-sun on the grid:
Sunday, May 30 at 8:17 p.m.
Monday, July 12 at 8:24 p.m.
Full-sun on the grid:
Monday, May 31 at 8:17 p.m.
Sunday, July 11 at 8:24 p.m.