Boston henge is essentially the biggest street event for our local landscape photographers. But you don’t need to carry a Canon XA70 pro to witness the glory of Boston henge.
The rare solar event marks an alignment between the sunset or sunrise and the city streets. Below is a photo example of what a henge looks like.
What is a henge?
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The term “henge” is adopted from England’s Stonehenge. Every year during the summer solstice, the sunrise aligns with Stonehenge’s Heel Stone and shines through the prehistoric sculptures. The abbreviated “henge” is now a reference to this alignment of the sun with any manmade structures-particularly city skyscrapers.
This is why you might hear of Manhattanhenge, Toronto henge etc.
Where does Boston henge happen?
The henge location is determined by looking at a city grid and marking the quadrants where the sun’s rising or setting aligns. This year’s Boston henge will be visible at three streets in Back Bay:
- Stuart Street
- Boylston Street
- Commonwealth Avenue
You might also be able to catch glimpses from other corners of Back Bay from Stuart over to Beacon Street.
When is Boston henge?
Boston henge will occur at sunset on the following dates:
- Friday, February 9
- Saturday, February 10
- Sunday, February 11 (Super Bowl Sunday)
- Monday, February 12
- Tuesday, February 13
The sunset time for Boston on those dates is around 5:09 PM. February 11 and 12 are your best chances to catch a henge. February 9, 10, and 13 might only have a partial or insignificant henge. Ensure you arrive early to prepare ahead of sunset so you can pick your spot and prep your camera!
How many times a year does it happen?
Boston henge happens twice annually! The prior henge took place in late October. The exact date and time depend on the solar position and season.
How to get the best photograph
Make sure to arrive slightly ahead of sunset. A professional or smartphone camera will work great.
Lastly, make sure to be in the Back Bay area on one of the streets suggested above. These locations have the perfect balance of tall skyscrapers and wide roads for the sun to shine through. The most popular location is Statler Park at the intersection of Stuart Street and Columbus Avenue.
And there you have it – everything you need to know for the upcoming Boston henge! Happy henge week!