The absence of ‘Chicagohenge’ dashed hopes Friday night — but this weekend could deliver

Friday marked the first day of spring, and along with it came the possibility of a rare Chicago phenomenon that occurs twice a year.

“Chicagohenge” occurs when the sun sets directly between downtown high rises, lines up perfectly with the city’s grid and becomes visible down east-west streets.

It was a moment so many waited months for – only to be disappointed.

Still – the crowds that came out didn’t walk away completely empty handed.

As the clock ticked, the crowds turned out, many decided the Loop was the perfect place to watch.

“The train there, the theater, people bustling,” viewer Ken McKeon said. “It’s breathtaking. It just hits you right here, ya know.”

Sarah Palmer from Idaho stopped by while on a work trip.

“I looked at a bunch of photos online,” Palmer said. “The ones I liked the best, I found out what streets they were on.”

After seven years of catching “Chicagohenge,” one avid watcher means business.

“I have apps that track the sun,” Cindy McKeon said.

By 7:02 p.m., cameras and cell phones were pointed down the canyon of buildings.

The only problem was – the sun’s orange hue was nowhere to be found.

“Of course, it’s nice to see the sun at sunset, but I think the symbology is there,” Cindy McKeon said.

The group of strangers became friends for a few minutes.

“It’s never a waste when you’re out and about in Chicago,” Ken McKeon said.

“It’s a little disappointing, but we’ll be back here,” another viewer stated.

Chicagoans might not be out of luck entirely this time around.

NBC 5 Storm Team Meteorologist Kevin Jeanes explained there’s a better change of catching “Chicagohenge” at sunset on Saturday night, when clearer skies are likely.

And that likely won’t be the only shot.

Monday at sunset could be another good viewing opportunity, Jeanes said.