Manhattanhenge Returns To Bathe NYC In Golden Rays

NEW YORK CITY — A twice-yearly celestial and urban phenomenon is about to bathe Manhattan's long streets in a golden sunset glow.

Manhattanhenge will be back Sunday and Monday.

The event occurs twice a year when the sunset aligns perfectly with the city's east-west streets. It's actually a two-day phenomenon — on Sunday, the full sun will be visible on the city's grid; on Monday, the half sun can be seen on the horizon.

A happy confluence of urban planning and celestial mechanics makes this event possible, the famed astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson — who also coined the term "Manhattanhenge" — wrote for the American Museum of Natural History.

The city's rectangular street grid is uniquely positioned to provide a clear view to the horizon across the Hudson River, something others just don't have, Tyson wrote.

"So Manhattanhenge may just be a unique urban phenomenon in the world, if not the universe," he wrote.

Manhattanhenge's first occurrence this year took place on May 29 and 30.

This time, it will be visible:

• Sunday, July 11, 8:20 p.m. (full sun)
• Monday, July 12, 8:21 p.m. (half sun)

The phenomenon won't be back until May 2022.

The American Museum of Natural History recommends viewing the event from the city's main east-west thoroughfares:

• 14th Street
• 23rd Street
• 34th Street
• 42nd Street
• 57th Street

Manhattanhenge viewers should try to find a spot as far east as possible that still has views of New Jersey across the Hudson River, according to the museum.

It can be seen from:

• Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan
• Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens

Read Tyson's essay on Manhattanhenge at the American Museum of Natural History's website.