Explanation:
Today, if it is clear, Manhattan will flood dramatically with sunlight just as the Sun sets precisely on the centerline of every street. Usually, the tall buildings that line the gridded streets of New York City's tallest borough will hide the setting Sun. This effect makes Manhattan a type of modern Stonehenge, although only aligned to about 30 degrees east of north. Were Manhattan's road grid perfectly ligned to east and west, today's effect would occur on the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, March 21 and September 21, the only two days that the Sun rises and sets due east and west. If today's sunset is hidden by clouds do not despair -- the same thing happens every May 28 and July 12. On none of these occasions, however, should you ever look directly at the Sun.
Credit & Copyright:
Neil deGrasse Tyson (AMNH)
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/lib/aptree.html
2 comments:
That is absolutely incredible. Who knew!! I meant to comment on your last post actually but I've been really busy. Wanted to tell you that I always thought you were a fabulous driver. You might not think much of that, being that I don't drive, but perhaps that makes me a better judge? When you are with a good driver you never, ever notice that they are driving, no road rage, no sudden stops... You can tell a lot about a person from their driving... Thanks for the top 10 by the way. I cried. Obviously.
someday we'll do another roadtrip together somewhere we don't recognize.
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