People observing the sunset during Manhattanhenge in New York City.
((zxvisual/Getty Images))
One of New York City’s most beloved annual events is back for one last summer showing. Grab your cameras and head to the streets — Manhattanhenge returns to Manhattan’s street grid this Saturday and Sunday, and the weather couldn’t be more perfect for it.
What makes this weekend special
This is your last chance to catch Manhattanhenge this summer, and the two nights each offer a slightly different experience.
Saturday, July 11, brings the more dramatic “full sun” alignment at 8:20 p.m. EDT — the entire solar disk will be visible above the horizon, perfectly framed by Manhattan’s iconic skyline.
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Sunday, July 12, provides the “half sun” version at 8:21 p.m. EDT, where the top portion of the sun sits perfectly on the horizon between the canyon of buildings.
Ideal viewing weather
Conditions are shaping up nicely for this weekend’s viewing. Saturday is expected to see a mix of sun and clouds that is unlikely to interfere with the show.
Sunday looks even better, with mostly sunny skies, giving you an excellent chance of catching both the full sun alignment Saturday and the half sun alignment Sunday in all their glory.
With temperatures in the low 80s and mostly clear skies, this weekend is shaping up to be a great one to get out on the streets of Manhattan. However, humidity will be moderate, ranging between 70-85%, so make sure to stay hydrated and dress comfortably for the evening.
A city built for this moment
Manhattan’s unique street layout is what makes this phenomenon possible. Back in 1811, the Commissioners’ Plan established the island’s grid at a 29-degree offset from true east-west. Twice a year, on either side of the summer solstice, the setting sun lines up perfectly with that angled grid — turning the city’s streets into a breathtaking solar corridor.
Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, coined the name back in 1997. The inspiration came from his own teenage memories of visiting Stonehenge in England, where he was struck by the way the ancient monument aligned with the sun — a parallel he saw mirrored in Manhattan’s modern street grid centuries later. This July weekend marks the second and final time this year the sun returns to that perfect alignment.
42nd Street at sunset
((cmart7327/Getty Images))
Best viewing locations
Top spots to catch the view:
42nd Street: Some of the best sightlines in the city, with the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building adding to the backdrop34th Street: A favorite for photographers looking to frame the Empire State Building in their shot14th, 23rd, and 57th Streets: All offer prime visibility with plenty of room to find your perfect spot
Pershing Square along 42nd Street during Manhattanhenge.
((Toshi Sasaki/Getty Images))
The sweet spot is right in the middle of the street — though be sure to watch for traffic and follow police guidance. If you can see clear across to New Jersey when looking west, you’re in exactly the right place.
Download The Weather Channel app and follow along for more on sunrise and sunset times and finding your perfect viewing spot.
Manhattanhenge returns this winter — with a twist
Looking ahead, Manhattanhenge isn’t just a summer phenomenon. The event also occurs during the winter months, but with sunrise alignments rather than sunset. Mark your calendars for around December 5 and January 8 for your next chance to catch the magic.