According to The New York Times, this coming Wednesday and Thursday is Manhattanhenge. That's when the sun's rays align perfectly with Manhattan's east-to-west avenues as the sun sets. Although the same natural phenomenon also occurs during the winter solstice, the summer version is "more prounounced," the Times says.
On Wednesday at 8:24 p.m., Manhattanhenge occurs with a full sun. It happens again with a half-sun the next day at 8:25 p.m.
In honor of the twice-a-year spectacle, there are celebrations planned around the city. At the American Museum of Natural History, an astrophysicist named Jackie Faherty will explain to an audience why the event happens. The talk is at 7 p.m., and the audience can watch Manhattenhenge unfold outside the museum right after the lecture finishes. The special events continue on Thursday, when the Museum of the History of New York is hosting a talk and an exhibition. The curator of the exhibition titled "The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan, 1811-2011," Hilary Ballon, will speak about the dual consistant and the changing aspects of the city streets. Matt Knutzen, the geospatial librarian at the New York Public Library, will join her.
Even those who don't attend the lecture on Thursday can still see the exhibit. It will be on display through July 15.
Certainly there is no shortage of festivals in New York City during the summer. Some of them are listed here, and others are listed in this article. Beyond festivals, there are also concerts to enjoy. Make the most of summer in the city, if you haven't been able to so far.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
