Thunderstorms to spoil New York City's biannual celestial event known as Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge for May is over, but you can catch the next one around July 13th.
It’s that time of the year again when the setting sun perfectly aligns with Manhattan’s street grid creating a rare and beautiful phenomenon called Manhattanhenge.
The biannual event typically happens once around Memorial Day and again in mid-July, and is sometimes referred to as the "Manhattan Solstice."
"Manhattanhenge may just be a unique urban phenomenon in the world, if not the universe," Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said on his blog.
A view of the Manhattanhenge sunset from 42nd Street in New York City. (Photo/Josh Namdar/Getty Images)
Locals and tourists will be able to catch the first round of Manhattanhenge Wednesday and Thursday. Tyson recommends arriving a half-hour earlier than the times given below.
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Wednesday, May 29, 8:13 p.m. EDT
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Thursday, May 30, 8:12 p.m. EDT
On Wednesday, half of the sun will be visible on the grid, whereas the full sun will be visible on Thursday.
That is if the weather cooperates, which likely not to happen.
"Unfortunately, New York City will be threatened by rounds of drenching thunderstorms and flash flooding both evenings into Thursday," according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Kristina Pydynowski. "Damaging winds are also a concern into Wednesday evening."
"Residents and visitors will be seeking shelter and dealing with a travel nightmare instead of being able to view Manhattanhenge," she added.
In 2002, Tyson coined the term “Manhattanhenge,” which derives its name from the prehistoric Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, England. Each year, thousands flock to South West England, to watch the sun rise over the monument and celebrate the summer solstice.
"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," Tyson said.
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