This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/12/manhattanhenge-new-york-rare-beautiful

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Manhattanhenge: New Yorkers get ready for 'rare and beautiful sight' Manhattanhenge: New Yorkers get ready for 'rare and beautiful sight'
(about 1 month later)
New Yorkers will on Saturday have another chance to watch the sun set perfectly between the city’s cross streets, a phenomenon popularly known as “Manhattanhenge”.New Yorkers will on Saturday have another chance to watch the sun set perfectly between the city’s cross streets, a phenomenon popularly known as “Manhattanhenge”.
The phenomenon occurs twice a year, allowing city dwellers to see the sun perfectly aligned and exactly half covered by the horizon. This year's first instance happened on 29 May.The phenomenon occurs twice a year, allowing city dwellers to see the sun perfectly aligned and exactly half covered by the horizon. This year's first instance happened on 29 May.
On May 30 and July 11, the day after and before the half-sun aligns with the streets, a full sphere settles before sliding off to the right. While many cite the full sun as the most spectacular Manhattanhenge effect, the now famous director of the Hayden Planetarium and star of Cosmos: a Spacetime Odyssey, Neil deGrasse Tyson, writes that he prefers the light of 29 May and 12 July.On May 30 and July 11, the day after and before the half-sun aligns with the streets, a full sphere settles before sliding off to the right. While many cite the full sun as the most spectacular Manhattanhenge effect, the now famous director of the Hayden Planetarium and star of Cosmos: a Spacetime Odyssey, Neil deGrasse Tyson, writes that he prefers the light of 29 May and 12 July.
“Manhattanhenge along 34th Street in New York.” by @GaryHershorn pic.twitter.com/AICgqfkldD“Manhattanhenge along 34th Street in New York.” by @GaryHershorn pic.twitter.com/AICgqfkldD
Tyson is credited with popularising the term “Manhattanhenge” – he compares it to meanings modern society ascribes to Stonehenge, a circle of 20ft prehistoric rocks on Salisbury Plain in England.Tyson is credited with popularising the term “Manhattanhenge” – he compares it to meanings modern society ascribes to Stonehenge, a circle of 20ft prehistoric rocks on Salisbury Plain in England.
In a 2001 essay, Tyson surmised that when future archeologists unearth New York’s remains and discover the perfect sunset between cross streets on 29 May (Memorial Day) and 12 July (the MLB All-Star break) they will inevitably conclude that the city worshipped “war and baseball”.In a 2001 essay, Tyson surmised that when future archeologists unearth New York’s remains and discover the perfect sunset between cross streets on 29 May (Memorial Day) and 12 July (the MLB All-Star break) they will inevitably conclude that the city worshipped “war and baseball”.
“The setting sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan's brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid,” he wrote. “[It is] a rare and beautiful sight.”“The setting sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light across Manhattan's brick and steel canyons, simultaneously illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street of the borough's grid,” he wrote. “[It is] a rare and beautiful sight.”
Of course, atmospheric conditions have to be right for Manhattanhenge to be appreciated in all its glory. After disappointment in May, when clouds obscured the view, clear skies were forecast for Saturday night.Of course, atmospheric conditions have to be right for Manhattanhenge to be appreciated in all its glory. After disappointment in May, when clouds obscured the view, clear skies were forecast for Saturday night.
Just saw 1 other person crying. I could tell Manhattanhenge had broken her heart too. We shared a knowing look.Just saw 1 other person crying. I could tell Manhattanhenge had broken her heart too. We shared a knowing look.
Saturday night's phenomenon was due to be perfectly visible at 8.25pm ET.Saturday night's phenomenon was due to be perfectly visible at 8.25pm ET.
Skywatchers out long enough in New York may see a double feature on Saturday night, with the first of three “supermoons” this summer. This phenomenon made headlines last year, in June, because the moon was supposed to be 30% brighter and 14% bigger than usual.Skywatchers out long enough in New York may see a double feature on Saturday night, with the first of three “supermoons” this summer. This phenomenon made headlines last year, in June, because the moon was supposed to be 30% brighter and 14% bigger than usual.
Generally, supermoons happen when the moon reaches its closest point to the earth. The scientific term is a “perigee moon”.Generally, supermoons happen when the moon reaches its closest point to the earth. The scientific term is a “perigee moon”.
Supermoons can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from full moons. Instead, astronomers attribute the interest to the mysterious “moon illusion” phenomenon.Supermoons can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from full moons. Instead, astronomers attribute the interest to the mysterious “moon illusion” phenomenon.
“The ‘moon illusion’ is probably what will make people remember this coming set of full moons, more than the actual view of the moon itself,” said Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory, in a statement. “The ‘moon illusion’ is probably what will make people remember this coming set of full moons, more than the actual view of the moon itself,” said Geoff Chester of the US Naval Observatory, in a statement.
“For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, low-hanging moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects. When the moon illusion amplifies a perigee moon, the swollen orb rising in the east at sunset can seem super indeed.”“For reasons not fully understood by astronomers or psychologists, low-hanging moons look unnaturally large when they beam through trees, buildings and other foreground objects. When the moon illusion amplifies a perigee moon, the swollen orb rising in the east at sunset can seem super indeed.”
The second and third supermoons are on 10 August and 9 September.The second and third supermoons are on 10 August and 9 September.