What is Manhattanhenge — When and where can you see this sunset show?

What is Manhattanhenge and when can you see it? (Image: AP)

For a few magical evenings each year, New Yorkers pause. They look west, cameras ready, hearts lifted, as golden sunlight pours down the city's steel-lined canyons. It’s not just a sunset — it’s Manhattanhenge, a moment when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the city’s grid.

Sunlight Between Skyscrapers Draws Crowds and Cameras

This much-loved event will first appear on Wednesday at 8:13 p.m. UTC A second viewing follows Thursday at 8:12 p.m. UTC The spectacle will return again on 11 and 12 July. As always, photographers and sunset chasers are expected to fill the streets.

Manhattanhenge happens when the sun aligns with Manhattan’s street grid. This produces a stunning view as it dips behind New Jersey. The sun sits low between rows of skyscrapers, framed like a picture. The effect is best seen from wide, east-west streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th Streets.

It’s most dramatic when viewed from the eastern part of the island. Here, building facades glow, and the sun’s disc appears clearer. Those in Long Island City, Queens, also get a fine view across the river.

A Name Born from Ancient Inspiration

The term Manhattanhenge was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. He first used it in 1997 in Natural History magazine. Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, linked the sight to ancient Stonehenge. As a teenager, he had visited the British monument with scientist Gerald Hawkins. Hawkins was known for linking Stonehenge to ancient astronomy.

The image stuck with Tyson. He later compared Manhattan’s sunset alignment to solstice light at Stonehenge. However, Manhattan’s layout was never designed with the sun in mind. The match between grid and sun was a happy accident.

Not a Solstice Event, But Close to It

Manhattanhenge does not fall on the summer solstice. The solstice is on 20 June this year. Instead, the phenomenon happens roughly three weeks before and after.

On 28 May and 12 July, half of the sun will be visible. It sits halfway over the horizon at the moment of alignment. On 29 May and 11 July, viewers will see the full sun disk. It will appear to hang neatly between buildings before sinking behind the Hudson.

The Hayden Planetarium explains both versions occur each season. Each shows the sun in a slightly different position. This lets fans choose their preferred sunset view.

A City Event That Belongs to the People

Though not officially organised, Manhattanhenge draws large, eager crowds. Some plan viewing parties, but most come on their own. They arrive around thirty minutes before sunset, hoping for clear skies. If rain or clouds block the view, the event is missed. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for this week is not promising.

Other cities experience similar effects thanks to straight street grids. Chicagohenge and Baltimorehenge take place around the equinoxes. Torontohenge is seen in February and October. Yet none are quite like Manhattanhenge. The tall buildings, wide streets and open view to the Hudson make it feel special.

In a city known for movement, Manhattanhenge invites stillness. Just for a moment, people stop, look up and take in the wonder — one sunset at a time.