πΈπ Shutterbugs Swarm NYC Streets for Spectacular ‘Manhattanhenge’ Sunset ππ₯
TL;DR: The iconic NYC skyline morphed into a celestial spectacle as thousands of snap-happy enthusiasts crowded the Big Apple’s east-west streets to witness and document the magnificent ‘Manhattanhenge.’ This astronomical alignment of the sun setting in perfect sync with the city’s grid system drew professional photographers like Gary Hershorn, Adam Gray, and Dan Martland, along with a massive crowd armed with everything from high-end cameras to smartphones. And why does this happen? Thanks to a grid layout that’s been in play since the early 19th century. Isn’t that cool, or what? π½π·π
Grab your popcorn and a lens, folks. It was like a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie. π₯π Thousands of photography enthusiasts poured into the streets of New York City, smartphones and camera equipment in hand. What were they chasing? Not Spiderman, no. They were after a far more cosmic phenomenon, the ‘Manhattanhenge.’ ππΈ
Not to be confused with an Avengers sequel, ‘Manhattanhenge’ is the solar spectacle when the sun sets exactly along the east-west streets of the city. Picture this: a celestial alignment casting a glorious golden hue along the concrete corridors of one of the greatest cities in the world. Well, that’s what happened last night. And didn’t the internet go wild with that? ππ
This urban phenomenon owes its thanks to Manhattan’s grid system that dates back to the early 1800s. It’s like the city planners knew that centuries later, we’d be freaking out over this. But hey, here’s a thought – does it take away from the magic knowing it’s all thanks to good ol’ city planning? π ποΈ
The bi-annual celestial treat lights up the city around May 30 and July 12 each year, starting from Houston Street and running up just south of 155th Street. But the question remains, folks – are you Team May or Team July? πβ±οΈ
While other cities with a grid layout may experience similar events, none quite match the charm of ‘Manhattanhenge.’ And why is that? Could it be the clear view of the horizon beyond Manhattan’s grid that adds that extra bit of drama? Perhaps it’s just the fact that it’s happening in the city that never sleeps. What’s your take? π½π
The moniker ‘Manhattanhenge’ pays homage to Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument in England that shares a similar solstice phenomenon. Credit for the name goes to astrophysicist and native New Yorker Neil deGrasse Tyson, who visited Stonehenge as a child. So, what do you reckon β does Manhattanhenge have the same mystical allure as its ancient British counterpart? ποΈπ
Before you take off, we’re curious. Do events like ‘Manhattanhenge’ inspire you to explore the fascinating world of astrophotography? Or do you prefer capturing the terrestrial beauty of life on good old planet earth? Either way, the next ‘Manhattanhenge’ is due in July. Will you be there, camera in hand, ready to snap the golden kiss of the sun setting along NYC’s grid? ππΈπ
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