Cleopatra's Needle Satellite Image



Bronxville HS teacher Jess Marcus recently posed an interesting problem that turned out to be more challenging than it seems at first glance.
At earth.google.com, find Cleopatra's Needle in Central Park in New York City. (it's just west of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, between E 81st and East 82nd streets on 5th Ave.). From the shadow cast by the Needle and any other clues in the image, can you determine the approximate time and date that the image was made? Use any and all resources available (except of course looking up the date of the image!), include all calculations and explain your reasoning. Send your results to Steve and Jessica and we'll share them with other responders.

Pics of Cleopatra's Needle:

"Cleopatra's Needle" in NYC, 2005

"Cleopatra's Needle" In Alexandria (Egypt) c.1875

Side by Side in Alexandria (ca 1880) and in NYC (2005)

Claws at the bass of Cleopatra's Needle

Plaque on the base of Cleopatra's Needle