Thomashenge in Arlington Heights at Sunset on Saturday, March 21, 2026

The Vernal Equinox (Spring Equinox) is a time when the sunrise and sunset aligns precisely with east-west streets. The effect provides a visual of the sun rising or setting at the east end and west end of an east-west road, respectively. Later in the Spring and Summer the sun will rise to the left of the end of Thomas Street on the horizon when motorists are driving eastbound on Thomas Street around sunrise; and the sun will set to the right of the end of Thomas Street on the horizon when motorists are driving westbound on Thomas Street around sunset.

Spring Chicagohenge 2026

The Spring 2026 Chicagohenge occurs around the vernal equinox (spring equinox or first day of spring), with peak viewing from March 20–23, 2026. The sun aligns with Chicago’s east-west streets, creating a, golden “tunnel” effect at sunrise (~6:50 AM) and sunset (~7:00 PM). Best viewing spots (especially looking west) are downtown on streets like Madison, Randolph, and Adams (from The Art Institute of Chicago with Willis Tower in the background). Friday, March 20, 2026 Sunrise 6:54 AM; Sunset 7:03 PM.

Spring Equinox is Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 9:46 AM CDT
Fri, March 20: Sunrise 6:53A/Sunset 7:02P
Sat, March 21: Sunrise 6:51A/Sunset 7:03P
Sun, March 22: Sunrise 6:50A/Sunset 7:05P
Mon, March 23: Sunrise 6:48A/Sunset 7:06P

Stonehenge is the Original

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, constructed in several phases between roughly 3000 BC and 1600 BC. It consists of massive 22-ton sarsen stones and smaller “bluestones” arranged in a circle, designed to align with the sun’s movements, functioning as an astronomical observatory, burial site, and ceremonial center.

You can have X-henge at any east-west street around the Vernal Equinox (Spring Equinox), and this article and photo features Thomashenge near Thomas Middle School looking west on Thomas Street at Belmont Avenue at sunset.

Sun Glare Risky Driving

The vernal equinox (spring equinox) causes an increase in driving hazards and traffic accidents due to sun glare and sun blindness. The hazardous conditions exist because the sun rises precisely in the east and sets precisely in the west during the equinox, aligning with major east-west roadways. The same conditions occur during the autumnal equinox (fall equinox).

Accidents increase during the Equinox because the sun is located very low on the horizon at sunrise and sunset in direct line of sight at the ends of east-west roads. The effect is known as “sun blindness”.

The condition commonly during morning and evening rush hours, affecting a maximum number of drivers in heavy traffic.

Intense glare blinds drivers, making it difficult to see traffic signals, other moving vehicles, stopped vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should be especially cautious that drivers driving toward the sun at the end of the road might have obstructed visual perception.

Drivers driving toward the sun should also slow down if they notice they are experiencing sun blindness because they may not see traffic signals, other moving vehicles, stopped vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

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