Astrophotography

Manhattanhenge 2023: Where to Go and How to Photograph It

What is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge is a natural phenomenon that occurs four times a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan, creating a breathtaking celestial spectacle. The term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

When is Manhattanhenge 2023?

The dates for Manhattanhenge 2023 are as follows:

Monday, May 29, at 8:13 PM (half sun)
Tuesday, May 30, at 8:12 PM (full sun)
Wednesday, July 12, at 8:20 PM (full sun)
Thursday, July 13, at 8:21 PM (half sun)

Where to See Manhattanhenge

The best places to view Manhattanhenge are along the east-west streets of Manhattan, as far east as possible while still having a clear view of New Jersey to the west. Some of the best cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets, as well as the streets adjacent to them. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building offer particularly striking vistas from 34th and 42nd streets, respectively.

You can also get a great view of Manhattanhenge from across the river in Queens.

Tips for Photographing Manhattanhenge

To capture the perfect Manhattanhenge photo, follow these tips:

Arrive at your viewing spot at least 30 minutes early to secure a good location.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene.
Set your camera to manual mode and use a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/30 second) to capture the movement of the sun.
Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and prevent blurry photos.
If you want to capture half of the sun above the horizon, shoot on May 29th or July 13th.
If you want to capture the full sun above the horizon, shoot on May 30th or July 12th.

Other Manhattanhenge Events

In addition to the main Manhattanhenge viewing dates, there are also other events and programs related to the phenomenon:

On May 30th, at 7 p.m., there will be a public program at the Hayden Planetarium highlighting the history and astronomy of Manhattanhenge.
The Museum of Natural History also offers a variety of educational resources about Manhattanhenge on its website.

Conclusion

Manhattanhenge is a unique and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that is not to be missed. By following these tips, you can experience the beauty of Manhattanhenge and capture stunning photographs of this celestial spectacle.

Amazing Astrophotography Lets You See Nebulae in 3D

Introduction

Stunning photographs of the cosmos, such as those captured by the Hubble Space Telescope, showcase the beauty of celestial objects. However, these images lack a sense of depth, as nebulae are not flat but vast structures suspended in space.

Experimental 3D Representation of Nebulae

Astrophotographer J-P Metsävainio has developed an innovative technique to add depth to astrophotography. He creates three-dimensional (3D) representations of nebulae using his own photographs.

The Process

Metsävainio begins by collecting data on the distance and structure of a nebula. He then constructs a volumetric model, which is a 3D representation of the object. Finally, he animates the model, creating the illusion of depth.

Approximation Based on Assumptions

Metsävainio acknowledges that his renderings are not exact replicas of the actual 3D structure of nebulae. They are approximations based on his understanding of how nebulae are shaped.

Creating a Personal Vision

Metsävainio’s 3D renderings incorporate both scientific data and artistic interpretation. He notes that the accuracy of his models depends on the extent of his knowledge and assumptions.

Animated GIFs and Videos

Metsävainio presents his 3D animations as both animated GIFs and videos on YouTube. Animated GIFs are smaller in file size, but videos offer higher quality and smoother playback.

Examples of 3D Nebulae

Metsävainio has created a range of 3D nebulae, including:

IC 1396
Melotte 15
IC 410
Lagoon Nebula

Personal Portfolio and Sharing

Metsävainio showcases his 3D animations and other astrophotography in his portfolio. He emphasizes the importance of sharing his work with others, and has recently transitioned to publishing his animations as videos on YouTube due to their ease of sharing.

Additional Information

For more stunning images of nebulae, visit Metsävainio’s portfolio.
To learn more about the science behind astrophotography, refer to resources like Bad Astronomy and Wired.
Explore other innovative techniques used in astrophotography, such as X-ray telescopes and multi-wavelength imaging.

Manhattanhenge 2023: The Ultimate Guide to Viewing and Photographing the Celestial Spectacle