Get ready for celestial spectacles in July! Witness Manhattanhenge, where the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan's street grid. Marvel at a brilliant Supermoon, appearing larger and brighter than usual. Catch dazzling displays of Meteor Showers, as Earth passes through cosmic debris fields. Mark your calendars and find a dark spot for optimal viewing conditions of these astronomical events!
Manhattanhenge: The City That Bends to the Sun
Manhattanhenge, sometimes referred to as the Manhattan Solstice, is a bi-annual occurrence where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan's street grid. This creates a stunning visual effect as the sun appears to hover between the buildings before dipping below the horizon. It's a photographer's dream and a uniquely urban spectacle.
While technically, the true solstice already passed in June, Manhattanhenge offers another opportunity to witness a similar, albeit arguably more dramatic, sunset alignment. The best viewing locations are along Manhattan's wider east-west streets, such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as these events draw significant crowds.
Here are the dates and approximate times for Manhattanhenge in July (keep in mind these are estimates and slight variations may occur):
Date |
Sunset Type |
Approximate Time (EDT) |
Viewing Tips |
|---|
July 11 |
Half Sun |
8:20 PM |
Look east down the street. |
July 12 |
Full Sun |
8:21 PM |
Ensure a clear view; higher floors can offer better perspectives. |
Behold the Buck Supermoon!
July's full moon, traditionally known as the Buck Moon, will also be a Supermoon. This means it will appear larger and brighter than a typical full moon because it will be closer to Earth in its orbit. The term "Supermoon" isn't strictly scientific, but it's widely used to describe a full moon that occurs near the moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee).
Look towards the eastern horizon shortly after sunset on July 3rd to witness the Buck Supermoon rise. With clear skies, it should be a breathtaking sight, easily visible even in urban environments. The closer proximity to Earth intensifies the moon's brightness, making it a truly spectacular lunar event. No special equipment is needed; just your eyes!
Catching Early Meteor Showers: The Delta Aquariids and Perseids
While August is typically known for the Perseid meteor shower, July offers a sneak peek with the Southern Delta Aquariids. This meteor shower is active from mid-July to mid-August, peaking around July 29th-30th. While not as prolific as the Perseids, the Delta Aquariids can still produce a decent number of meteors per hour under dark skies.
In late July, you might also catch some early Perseids. This famous meteor shower officially peaks in August, but its activity often begins in late July. So, if you're already out looking for the Delta Aquariids, keep an eye out for any swift, bright meteors originating from the constellation Perseus. They'll appear to radiate from the northeast.
To maximize your chances of seeing meteors, find a location away from city lights. The darker the sky, the more meteors you'll be able to spot. Lie down on a blanket or reclining chair, let your eyes adjust to the darkness (this can take about 20-30 minutes), and look towards the radiant (the point in the sky where the meteors appear to originate from). Be patient and enjoy the show!
So, whether you're captivated by the architectural alignment of Manhattanhenge, the brilliance of a Supermoon, or the fleeting streaks of meteor showers, July promises to be a memorable month for astronomy enthusiasts. Happy skywatching!
