Whereas Chicago obtained a blast of summer-like temperatures on Friday and properly above-average temperatures Saturday, astronomical spring has nonetheless not begun.
Although meteorological spring started firstly of march, the astronomical seasons do not change till the early morning of March 20, when the vernal equinox takes place.
Whereas the vernal equinox itself solely lasts a short second, occurring at 4:01 a.m. that morning, Chicago’s largely symmetrical avenue grid provides metropolis residents just a few days of alternatives to see a uniquely picturesque dawn and sundown.
Twice a yr, close to each the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the town’s avenue grid aligns with sunrises and sunsets in a phenomenon referred to as “Chicagohenge.”
In response to Adler Planetarium, Chicago’s avenue grid traces up virtually precisely with the cardinal instructions of a compass, creating excellent situations for clear sundown and dawn views as seasons change.
Named after the historic Stonehenge monument, a sculpture much like Stonehenge named “America’s Courtyard” might be discovered on the fitting aspect of the planetarium when approaching the constructing.
In response to the planetarium, the most effective occasions to view Chicagohenge for the vernal equinox come simply after native dawn and simply earlier than native sundown, with the views capable of be seen by trying due east and due west, respectively.
Under are the dawn and sundown occasions for this spring’s Chicagohenge:
- Thursday, March 20: Dawn at 6:53 a.m., sundown at 7:03 p.m.
- Friday, March 21: Dawn at 6:51 a.m., sundown at 7:04 p.m.
- Saturday, March 22: Dawn at 6:50 a.m., sundown at 7:05 p.m.
Extra info on Chicagohenge might be discovered right here.
