Neil deGrasse Tyson on Manhattanhenge
Four evenings a year, the brick, steel, and asphalt of Manhattan’s cityscape take part in a unique alignment of metropolis and cosmos. The rays of the setting sun align perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid—framed by skyscrapers and creating a breathtaking wash of illumination along the crosstreets. Frederick P. Rose Hayden Planetarium Director Neil deGrasse Tyson first noted the phenomenon more than a decade ago and coined the term “Manhattanhenge.”
In this video, Tyson discusses how he came up with the name and what future anthropologists might make of New York City’s serendipitous alignment with the sun.
To discover the best spots and times for 2013 Manhattanhenge viewing, visit: amnh.org
Get more details about the phenomenon from Neil deGrasse Tyson at: amnh.org
And to experience Manhattanhenge at the Museum with astrophysicist Jackie Faherty, buy tickets for the July 11, 2013 program at: amnh.org