Twice a year, MIT is host to its own solar phenomenon: MIThenge. This year, on Saturday, November 9, the sunset aligned perfectly with the Infinite Corridor, illuminating the entire length of the 200-meter long hallway. Weather permitting, the evening sun can get in your eyes when you’re standing in Building 8—after traversing the length of Buildings 7, 3, 10, and 4.
Much like Stonehenge, from which MIThenge takes its name, MIThenge brings members of the Institute community and the greater Cambridge community together. Building on last year's successful initial programming week, this year MindHandHeart organized another week-long series of activities designed to celebrate MIT’s history, architecture, and community. From tours through a scaled map of the solar system, to a lecture about how we will one day become a multi-planetary species, to post-MIThenge receptions, the events drew enthusiastic participation from the MIT community and beyond.
The week’s events included:
- Throughout the week, EAPS/AeroAstro professor Richard P. Binzel led walking tours of the Infinite Solar System, a scaled model of the Solar System located on the third floor of the Infinite Corridor. These tours along the 1:30 billion scale model offered attendees an opportunity to visualize the immense scale of the solar system and learn about the significant contributions that MIT scientists and engineers have made to our understanding of each celestial body. These tours provided a unique perspective on the solar system’s scale and MIT’s role in advancing planetary science.
- Wednesday November 6: “From MIThenge to MarsHenge: Foreshadowing Our Future as a Multi-Planetary Species,” a lecture envisioning the alignments future human settlers might witness on the Moon and Mars. AeroAstro professor Olivier de Weck took attendees on a journey from the 2024 total solar eclipse to the celestial patterns that could shape humanity’s expansion to other planets. This forward-looking event offered a thought-provoking glimpse into our cosmic future. After an engaging Q&A session, attendees were invited to a post-lecture reception in Lobby 13.
- Saturday, November 9 & Sunday, November 10: Observers on Saturday, November 9 benefited from optimal weather conditions for a stunning 2024 MIThenge viewing, as the sun perfectly aligned with the Infinite Corridor. While Sunday’s overcast skies obscured the sun, MindHandHeart was on hand both evenings to support the community who turned out. After the sunset, attendees were welcomed to a reception in the Bush Room, offering a space to gather, reflect, and celebrate this unique tradition.