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For centuries, visitors have gazed in wonder at the strange rock formation that is Stonehenge. Is it a calendar? A message from above? Some proto-hipster street art by too-cool Druids with long beards?
Here in New York, we have our own henge-y phenomenon, called Manhattanhenge, the twice-a-year spectacle when the sun aligns perfectly with the street grid. While future civilizations might wonder whether it was a cosmic sign from city planners, for now, we can be safe in the knowledge that it was all a happy coincidence, which you can see for yourself in its second appearance of the year next week.
So why does this happen?
“The position of the sun at sunset and sunrise changes every single day of the year,” says Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History.
“It’s very much Astronomy 101, having to do with the position of the Earth in the orbit around the sun. It’s essentially just the coincidence of the days.”
In fact, other gridded cities have similar henge-y sun alignments. But ever since superstar NYC astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson first pointed out the phenomenon — and coined the word Manhattanhenge — 10 years ago, New Yorkers have been enraptured by watching the dramatic, fiery red ball slide down between two Gotham skyscrapers, a rare show of nature’s beauty amid all the concrete. It usually happens around Memorial Day and the All-Star break — something Tyson has hypothesized will lead future generations to believe we all worshipped baseball.
Here is what you need to know to make the most of Manhattanhenge.
When: You can see it twice next week: The full sun will be on the grid on July 12 at 8:23 p.m.; you can also see half the sun set on the grid on July 13 at 8:24 p.m. Start watching a half-hour before sunset for maximum viewing until the sun fully sets at about 8:27 both days.
Where: Tyson recommends getting as far east in Manhattan as possible, while still making sure you can look west across the avenues and see New Jersey. Clear cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, 57th and some of the adjacent streets. Good views can be found on the street looking at the Empire State Building on 34th and the Chrysler Building on 42nd, with the light bouncing off the iconic buildings.
Party time
Even though this is, all things considered, the simplest astronomical event of the year, that doesn’t stop fans from gathering to discuss, watch and — always looking for an excuse to crack open a beer — drink during Manhattanhenge.
Science soiree a day early!
Faherty is hosting a viewing and discussion event starting at 7 p.m. July 11 in the Hayden Planetarium, followed by a viewing of the setting sun on the street. There, she’ll talk about the history of the city’s grid and provide a scientific explanation of what Manhattanhenge really is in terms of the sun’s movements. “Essentially, my idea is to give people a bit more of the science and historical background of how and why it happens,” she says. “It’s both educational and a viewing party.” Attendance has grown at the viewing party over the years; the event is held a day early to avoid big crowds, but you can still get the effect of the setting sun. Cops even close off a portion of the street for the museum’s viewers. “You get that extra added bonus of having a scientist with you,” she says.
$15, $13.50 for members, students and seniors; amnh.org/calendar
History tour
The New York Social Network aims to give tours of city landmarks that even locals can appreciate. The group is hosting a special Manhattanhenge tour starting at 7 p.m. on July 12, crossing town and watching the sun set while also learning about local history. Highlights include talking about the original Penn Station and visits to Herald Square and Rockefeller Center. After the tour, the group will hop on a city bus and head to Seaport Bar on Pier 17 at South Street Seaport for drinks.
“What better way to do that tour than to include it with the Manhattanhenge that happens on that night?” says Dave Cervini, founder and president of the network. “Most people wind up reading the paper and seeing the pictures the next day and saying, ‘Wow, I wish I did that.’ ”
Meet at Starbucks, 370 Seventh Ave.; $15; newyorksocialnetwork.com/events
Toast the sun out
The upscale Dalloway bar opened by ex-“America’s Next Top Model” contestant Kim Stolz and “The Real L Word” star Amanda Leigh Dunn, celebrates with a drink called Maggie’s Beer. From now through Manhattanhenge, the bar offers the $6 concoction — half margarita, half Tecate — which looks like the setting sun. 525 Broome St.
Drink up
Offer a toast to Manhattanhenge with a cocktail that looks like the setting sun. This cocktail recipe was created by Alberto Pero III of Fourty Four at Royalton (44 W 44th St.)
1 ounce Bombay Sapphire gin
1 ounce Pimm’s Cup
.5 ounce passion fruit syrup
.25 ounce lemon juice
.25 ounce ginger syrup
Candied ginger
Combine gin, passion fruit, lemon juice and ginger syrup in a shaker and stir together. Fill a double rocks glass with crushed ice, pour mixture from shaker into glass and float the Pimm’s. Garnish with a piece of candied ginger.
tdonnelly2@nypost.com