The Manhattanhenge Phenomenon


Hit it just right and you might just see this for yourself! Twice a year in Manhattan, New York, for about 20 minutes, the sunset aligns precisely with the city's street grid to simultaneously illuminate both the north and south sides of every cross street. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson of the American Museum of Natural History popularized the phenomenon in 2002, naming it “Manhattanhenge.”

Since Manhattanhenge's two days happen to fall near Memorial Day and Baseball's All Star break, some people have suggested that future anthropologists will conclude that Americans worshipped war and baseball. Funny thing is, they wouldn't be too far off…









First image credit: Vivienne Gucwa
via [The Sydney Morning Herald]

Eugene Kim

Eugene Kim is the Editor-in-Chief of My Modern Met. In May, 2008, he co-founded the website to create one big city that celebrates creative ideas. His mission is to promote a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.
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