In Chicago, a phenomenon known as “Chicagohenge” occurs when the sun aligns perfectly with the city’s east-west streets, creating a stunning visual effect as it rises and sets between the tall buildings. This event, reminiscent of ancient celestial observances like Stonehenge, happens around the fall equinox, marking the transition to shorter days and the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The alignment is possible due to Chicago’s grid layout, which follows the cardinal directions. Other cities with similar street designs, such as Washington, D.C., and Phoenix, also experience this captivating alignment. Historically, cities have been designed to reflect celestial patterns, serving as cosmological maps that connect urban life with the universe.
QUESTION: How might witnessing events like “Chicagohenge” influence people’s appreciation for the connection between urban environments and natural phenomena?
What the equinox ‘henge’ effect tells us about U.S. cities
