Manhattanhenges Around The World
Believe it or not, this phenomenon is not unique to New York City! In general, depending on the time of year and location, anything could technically be a sun-related henge. That being said, it’s always exciting to see the literal ball of sun so close through a social construct!
As a New York City photographer, this is one of the main events I photograph in the spring and summer. Yes, as much as I’m not a fan of crowds I still put up with them to get ‘the shot’. After I posted about Manhattanhenge on my social media channels, people started letting me know about other henges they knew about!
The History of Manhattanhenge
Technically, “henge” is used to describe an enclosure. While Stonehenge derived its name because of its physical setup, it is also the OG of such an event where the sun is enclosed through something man-made. The sun rises behind the Heel Stone during the summer and winter equinoxes and brings in tourists from everywhere to witness.
It’s from there American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson realized the sun systematically sets exactly along the Manhattan grid every May and July. Watch the linked video above for a more in-depth explanation.
Where To See The Sun
With that, I’ve decided to go on a mission and compile a comprehensive running list of sun henges around the world. Here’s a list of other locations that experience their own henges, and if you’re aware of one drop it in the comments so I can update this list!
Henges in the United States
- Manhattanhenge (NYC): May 29 and July 11
- Reverse Manhattanhenge (NYC): November & January during sunrise
- Chicagohenge (Chicago): Spring & Autumn equinox
- Scripps Pier Henge (San Diego): early May and early-mid August
International Henges
- Stonehenge (England): Winter and summer equinox
- Kaohsiung-henge (Taiwan): November during sunset
- Palermohenge (Sicily): During the spring equinox, the sun in Palermo rises along the axis of Corso Calatafimi
To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media: Instagram and Tik Tok!
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