San Francisco, CA
California Henge: How to catch the rare celestial phenomenon
“California Henge” captured the alignment of the sun over the Bay Bridge on Monday, Sept. 2. 2024. (Rick Baldridge)
SAN FRANCISCO – A stunning glow-up of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge drew photographers of all skill levels and those looking to snap a social media moment to gather along California Street at sunrise on Monday.
The biennial phenomenon known as the “California Henge,” offered a view of the sun over the bridge as it perfectly aligned with San Francisco’s California Street cityscape. The event happens only twice a year. The last time the “California Henge” occurred was in April, around the total solar eclipse, as reported by the San Francisco Bay Times and photographer Stu Berman.
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, astronomers say these “henge” events are created by the sun’s path aligning with city streets. They typically take place at sunrise or sunset. Similar occurrences happen in Manhattan and Boston.
In San Francisco, large groups of photographers were seen set up along California and Gough streets to catch a glimpse of the rare event at sunrise on Monday.
“This phenomenon is HIGHLY location specific of California Street,” explained Rick Baldridge a local amateur astronomer who also works as a telescope operator at UC’s Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton in the South Bay.
Baldridge was among the photographers who gathered to catch the henge. He said more than 20 photographers set up their equipment along California to capture the solar event.
Photographers gathered along California Street in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 for the biannual phenomenon known as “California Henge.” (Rick Baldridge)
How to best capture the California Henge
Bay Area photographer Pankaj Bhargava, who has documented previous celestial events of this kind, including last April’s henge, also advised that spectators can get the best and clearest view by gathering around California Street.
He suggested photographers shoot from various intersections along California Street, keeping in mind how prominent they want the sun to appear in relation to the Bay Bridge. Experienced photographers understand the challenge of capturing the sun, and Bhargava recommended using a neutral density filter or another technique to reduce the sun’s brightness.
Monday’s henge resulted in awe-inspiring images, but if you missed it, you may get a chance to catch the rare phenomenon again on Tuesday.
“I suspect tomorrow will be a bit of a zoo out there,” Baldridge said. “As expected, the sun was a bit higher today over the Bridge column than it will be tomorrow… Alignment should be very good tomorrow morning.”
On Tuesday, sunrise in San Francisco is set for 6:42 a.m.
“California Henge” captured the alignment of the sun over the Bay Bridge on Monday, Sept. 2. 2024. (Rick Baldridge)
Photographers gathered on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 in San Francisco for the biannual phenomenon known as “California Henge.” (Rick Baldridge)
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For some businesses, Saturday is the most wonderful day of the year as thousands of Santas visit San Francisco watering holes for Santa Con.
But for others, the festive event is more trouble than it’s worth.
Kevin Sully Sullivan and his wife, Deb, met at the Marina Lounge in the 1980s. Sully then went on to work at the bar for 30 years and just two years ago, took over the business from the prior owners.
“We’ve loved this bar for such a long time and it’s a dream come true to actually have our names in it,” Sully said.
While Sully loves celebrating the holidays and supports Santa Con, he has posted this sign on the door of the Sully’s Marina Lounge, officially making it a Santa-free zone. For him, the extra customers aren’t worth the hassle.
“Some of these bars that encourage it, that participate, they do months of business in one day,” he said. “But many of them have to replace sinks in their restrooms. They get it torn off the wall and toilets that have all kinds of things go wrong.”
On the other hand, Westwood has beefed up its staff and is looking forward to all the Santas coming to town.
“It’s really good,” Kwame Wright said.
“It pumps in a lot of money into the economy,” Westwood said. “Local businesses, we benefit from it as well. So, we’re really happy and we’re excited that we get to host. Santa’s are welcome here.”
Aside from Halloween, Santa Con is one of the biggest events of the year for Westwood. This place normally has long lines to get in on weekends and it’s expecting an even bigger crowd Saturday. Westwood is taking steps to make sure all the Santas behave.
“Security does really hard work, and we have extra security to make sure everybody is safe,” said Wright.
But for those willing to wait until Christmas for a Santa sighting, Sully says his place will be the place to be.
“It actually ends up being a really nice day here because they know it’s a sanctuary haven from the Santa Con,” Sully said.
A large fire burned at a six-story residential building in San Francisco’s Tenderloin District early Friday morning, leaving dozens displaced, officials said.
The fire started at around 3 a.m. at a building on Golden Gate Avenue near Taylor and Market streets, adjacent to the Golden Gate Theatre. The San Francisco Fire Department said the fire started on the top floor and reached three alarms, spreading to the attic and roof of the building. Over 100 firefighters at the scene were able to prevent it from spreading to lower floors and nearby buildings, the department said.
Multiple people were rescued and self-evacuated, and a total of 45 residents were displaced, but there were no injuries, the department said. Two cats were also rescued, one that was treated by medics at the scene and another cared for by Animal Control.
Evacuated residents were provided temporary shelter at the corner of Golden Gate and Jones Street aboard a Muni bus. The Red Cross and other city agencies were called in to assist the displaced residents, the department said.
The fire was contained by 5:30 a.m., and firefighters remained on the scene for several hours. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.
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