Last July's Manhattanhenge (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Now that Manhattanhenge has become something of a cult phenomenon, city drivers had better make a mental note: Just before sunset each May 28 and July 12, watch out for camera-toting sun worshippers risking life and limb in the middle of traffic to get that perfect snapshot of the stunning sunset happening straight down the street.
We witnessed this yesterday on 42nd Street between Second and First avenues. The early birds had smartly camped out on the Tudor City overpass, with a straight-on view of the sun as it descended between the buildings. (Some folks were even having a Manhattanhenge picnic! Now that's getting into the spirit.)
Down below, though, those who lacked that perfect perch took cover behind some street barricades as they stared down the sun-splashed road. The more daring ventured into the middle of the street, calculating whether they had enough time to snap a photo before that bus or cab came within striking distance.
Some drivers, possibly flummoxed by this seemingly irrational behavior, were nary too pleased with the traffic dodging, and were quick to let the Hengers know.
The magic moment, 8:18 p.m., came and went -- we hope -- without any busted legs and with, as evidenced on Flickr, many memorable photographs.
-- Rolando Pujol
