Marvel at Chicagohenge, The Enigmatic Equinox Awaits Chicago This Sunday
Chicago's celebrated "Chicagohenge" phenomenon is drawing near, promising residents and tourists a majestic display paralleling the fall equinox. The stunning architectural alignment allows for the sun to be framed by downtown skyscrapers, enchanting the cityscape with its warm, orange glow during sunrise and sunset. The Chicago Tribune reported the occurrence will peak this Sunday, marking the commencement of autumn.
Thanks to the city's grid system, which aligns almost perfectly with the cardinal directions, this spectacle can be witnessed by any keen observer positioned along east-west streets. According to Barry Butler, a renowned photographer, a near-perfect Chicagohenge can be seen a few days before and after the primary event, Chicago Tribune details. Enthusiasts who are planning to behold the sight should ideally seek higher ground, like the elevated CTA platforms at State/Lake and LaSalle/Van Buren stations, for an unobstructed view.
Equinoxes, which occur twice a year, result in nearly equal hours of daylight and darkness across the globe. The Adler Planetarium indicates that this year's fall equinox is scheduled for Sept. 22, a moment when day and night briefly achieve harmony just before 8 a.m. Central Daylight Time, as detailed in a report by NBC Chicago. Following the equinox, Chicago will experience gradually shorter days until the winter solstice.
While "Chicagohenge" mesmerizes with its celestial alignment, it brings an awareness to the rhythmic nature of our environment—a cyclical reminder heralded by the city's urban design. As per Adler Planetarium public observing educator Hunter Miller, who explained to the Chicago Tribune, the term "Chicagohenge" derives from the ancient Stonehenge, which was similarly used to mark seasonal transitions. For the best opportunity to capture this urban alignment, astronomers suggest the intersections between Kinzie Street and Madison Street, near Millennium Park, are amongst the most popular locales. These details were obtained through a statement released by NBC Chicago.
Chicagoans excited for the upcoming Chicagohenge can catch the sunrise display on Sunday at 6:38 a.m. facing east, and a sunset showing at 6:46 p.m. when looking west, as per the guidance provided by the Chicago Tribune.
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