New York City residents and visitors are treated to a phenomenon twice a year known as Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligns with the Manhattan street grid and sinks below the horizon framed in a canyon of skyscrapers. This captivating spectacle recently occurred, with the first glimpse on Thursday and a more complete version expected on Friday. The phenomenon will repeat on July 11 and 12.
What Is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge typically occurs approximately three weeks before and after the summer solstice, transforming the urban landscape into a unique astronomical observatory. Over the years, it has evolved into a must-see event, drawing photographers and crowds onto city sidewalks during spring and summer evenings. The evocative name was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in a 1997 article for Natural History magazine. Tyson, who directs the Hayden Planetarium at New York's American Museum of Natural History, drew inspiration from a teenage visit to Stonehenge. He was part of an expedition led by Gerald Hawkins, the scientist who first theorized that Stonehenge's mysterious megaliths functioned as an ancient astronomical observatory.
A native New Yorker, Tyson was struck by the parallel between the setting sun framed by Manhattan's towering buildings and the sun's rays striking the center of the Stonehenge circle on the solstice. Unlike the Neolithic builders of Stonehenge, Manhattan's planners did not intentionally design the city to channel the sun; it was a serendipitous alignment.
When Does Manhattanhenge Occur?
Manhattanhenge does not coincide with the summer solstice itself, which falls on June 21 this year. Instead, its timing, roughly three weeks before and after the solstice, allows the sun to align precisely with the east-west streets of Manhattan's grid. Viewers can experience two distinct versions of the phenomenon. On Thursday, and again on July 12, half of the sun appeared above the horizon and half below it at the moment of alignment with Manhattan's streets, according to the Hayden Planetarium. On Friday and July 11, the entire sun will appear to hover majestically between buildings just before it sinks into the New Jersey horizon across the Hudson River.
Where to Watch and Photograph Manhattanhenge
Traditional viewing spots are concentrated along the city's broad east-west thoroughfares, including 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street. The farther east one ventures, the more dramatic the vista becomes as the sun illuminates building facades on both sides of the street. It is also possible to witness Manhattanhenge from across the East River, specifically in Long Island City, Queens.
This captivating event is largely a do-it-yourself affair, with no formal organization. Enthusiasts typically gather on east-west streets about half an hour before sunset, capturing photos as dusk approaches, provided the weather cooperates. Rainy or cloudy days obscure the view, making Manhattanhenge invisible. For the perfect photo, photographers recommend using a telephoto lens to compress the buildings and sun, and arriving early to secure a good spot. A tripod can help stabilize shots in low light.
Similar Phenomena in Other Cities
While similar effects occur in other cities with uniform street grids—such as Chicagohenge and Baltimorehenge, which align with the sun around the spring and fall equinoxes, and Torontohenge in February and October—Manhattanhenge stands out. Its particular striking quality is attributed to the impressive height of Manhattan's buildings and the unobstructed path to the Hudson River, creating an unparalleled urban celestial display.
