Manhattanhenge is the modern equivalent of whatever happened at Stonehenge, thousands of years ago. Druids watched the sun stream past giant monoliths, carted in from miles away. In 2022, we do the same, but in either case, nobody really knows why.
By David Stone
Scientists think they know everything, and as long as you and I don’t know better, we might as well buy in. They say, before electricity was discovered or wheels invented, our ancient ancestors lugged rocks weighing tons over mile over mile of unpaved roads, building a sacrificial ceremony site.
This may strike you as strange, but remember, they didn’t have television for binging. What else were they going to do all summer?
Enough for the history.
What about Manhattanhenge 2022?
In a distant echo across the water, people gather on the densely populated slice of Manhattan schist to, like the Druids, watch the sun stream through towers of rock. Otherwise known as skyscrapers.
On four evenings every year, the sun setting over distant New Jersey aligns perfectly with Manhattan streets from Midtown to the Upper East Side.
What Exactly Is Manhattanhenge?
Every summer, crowds of people flock to the streets of Manhattan to catch a glimpse of a phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge. But what exactly is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge is a rare astronomical event whereby the setting sun aligns perfectly with the grid of Manhattan’s streets. This alignment only happens twice a year, and it offers a truly unique perspective on the cityscape.
For many New Yorkers, Manhattanhenge is an opportunity to appreciate the city in all its glory. The sun sets behind the skyscrapers, casting a beautiful glow over the concrete canyons. If you’re lucky enough to witness Manhattanhenge, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Partiers cluster in Times Square, but that’s for mass media. Real New Yorkers know that 72nd Street is the perfect location. On Roosevelt Island, that’s the East Promenade in the vicinity of Westview.
This year, the dates are in July, on the 11th and 12th.
100% Dependent on Weather
Even puffy clouds can screw up Manhattanhenge, blocking the sun’s magical rays. Here at the Roosevelt Island Daily, we’ve had a team of mathematicians diligently calculating the chance for a directly visible Manhattanhenge for 2021.
The most recent, precisely calculated percentage chances for seeing Manhattanhenge tonight or tomorrow are…
Or maybe a video will suffice…
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily
- Roosevelt Island July Heatwave, Energy Projects, and Community HighlightsRoosevelt Island July heatwave, community stories, energy projects, and citywide celebrations all shape life on the island during early summer.
- How Roosevelt Island Residents Stay Cool and Connected During Summer HeatwavesDiscover how Roosevelt Island residents stay cool and connected during summer heatwaves while navigating city life, power challenges, and neighborly moments.
- Queens Public-Safety Incidents and July 4th Events Ripple Across Roosevelt IslandQueens public-safety incidents this week echoed across Roosevelt Island, with emergency responses, community events, and July 4th celebrations shaping the city’s rhythm.
- Queens Crime Headlines and Community Responses: Roosevelt Island’s ConnectionsQueens crime headlines and community responses have shaped recent conversations from subway stories to neighborhood events. Here’s how Roosevelt Islanders are affected and how the borough is responding.
- How Queens News Stories Affect Life on Roosevelt IslandHow Queens news stories affect life on Roosevelt Island, from public safety incidents and housing shifts to education events, offering insight into our connected communities.
What the Promenade Remembers
The light on the East River in the early morning is different from the light anywhere else on the Island. It comes in low and sideways, catching the water in long, uneven flashes. On certain days it makes the promenade feel less like a walkway and more like a corridor someone once meant to finish but never quite did. When I was younger I found the suggestion to stop and look at it faintly ridiculous.
