How to watch Manhattanhenge

by Filip Timotija - 05/29/24 8:10 PM ET

The sun sets between buildings along 42nd Street in New York during a phenomenon known as “Manhattanhenge,” May 30, 2023. Twice per year, New Yorkers and visitors are treated to a phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligns with the Manhattan street grid and sinks below the horizon framed in a canyon of skyscrapers. Manhattanhenge happens for the first time this year on Tuesday, May 28, at 8:13 p.m. and Wednesday, May 29, at 8:12 p.m. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon captivating many people in New York City, returns on Wednesday.

This year’s first Manhattanhenge happened on Tuesday. It is also projected to happen twice more in July. The spectacle occurs when the sunset in the city lines up with the street grid, making it appear as though the sun sits perfectly between Manhattan’s buildings.

Some of the best views of it will be along the 34th, 42nd, 57th and 23rd Street. The best time to see it is at 8:12 p.m. local time.

The phenomenon draws a big crowd, some of them attempting to take quality photos and videos.

The second set of Manhattanhenge is slated to happen on July 12 and 13.

The Hayden Planetarium said people should find a place as far east “as possible” that still offers a view of New Jersey across the Hudson River. The planetarium added that the sunset can be seen at Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan and Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.

Tags New York