Explore Manhattanhenge – the Manhattan Solstice

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Manhattanhenge, or the Manhattan Solstice, is a semiannual event where the setting sun aligns with Manhattan's east-west streets, creating a striking visual effect. This phenomenon, popularized by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2002, occurs on streets laid out in a grid offset 29 degrees from true east-west. Observers can see the sun setting directly over New Jersey when positioned on these streets. While some may question its practical uses, it serves as a fascinating subject for science projects related to astronomy and urban planning. The event highlights the intersection of natural phenomena and urban design, making it more than just a visual spectacle.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattanhenge

"Manhattanhenge – sometimes referred to as the Manhattan Solstice – is a semiannual occurrence in which the setting sun aligns with the east–west streets of the main street grid in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The term is derived from Stonehenge, at which the sun aligns with the stones on the solstices. It was popularized in 2002 by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History. It applies to those streets that follow the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, which are laid out in a grid offset 29.0 degrees from true east–west. (The 29.0 degrees should be added to true east and west, making the western bearing approximately 299.0 degrees.) During Manhattanhenge, an observer on one of the gridded east-west streets will see the sun setting over New Jersey directly opposite from the street, along its centerline."


So I was reading through this, and I was thinking, is there any practical uses of this information? Or is it just something nice to look at? I want to do some sort of summer science project for fun, something that's sun-related. I live in NY and I came across this, but can this information be of any use?
 
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It's just nice to look at.
 


Ironside said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattanhenge

"Manhattanhenge – sometimes referred to as the Manhattan Solstice – is a semiannual occurrence in which the setting sun aligns with the east–west streets of the main street grid in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The term is derived from Stonehenge, at which the sun aligns with the stones on the solstices. It was popularized in 2002 by Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History. It applies to those streets that follow the Commissioners' Plan of 1811, which are laid out in a grid offset 29.0 degrees from true east–west. (The 29.0 degrees should be added to true east and west, making the western bearing approximately 299.0 degrees.) During Manhattanhenge, an observer on one of the gridded east-west streets will see the sun setting over New Jersey directly opposite from the street, along its centerline."


So I was reading through this, and I was thinking, is there any practical uses of this information? Or is it just something nice to look at? I want to do some sort of summer science project for fun, something that's sun-related. I live in NY and I came across this, but can this information be of any use?

The effect causes the silver alligators to emerge from the sewer system and devour people. It's hushed up because it might crash the stock market and cause a depression.
 


Oh, now you've done it!
 

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