Manhattanhenge 2018 is just around the corner and that means New Yorkers will get to enjoy a beautiful sunset that aligns perfectly with the New York City grid. If you enjoy beautiful, picturesque sunsets in the city, then you need to make sure you don’t miss Manhattanhenge 2018.
You may have heard New Yorkers create a buzz around Manhattanhenge in May and July but scratched your head trying to figure out what it is exactly, or why people are standing in the streets staring in awe at the sunset.
What is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge is all about timing. It is the spectacular moment when the sun aligns perfectly with the city streets. When it occurs, and the sky is clear, we have the opportunity to watch the sunset perfectly from east to west streets in Manhattan.
The event happens twice a year and is often referred to as the Manhattan Solstice.
The term Manhattanhenge was coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, astrophysicist and director of the Hayden Planetarium. According to Tyson, he created the term as a way to call attention to the natural phenomenon of the sun’s alignment with the New York City grid twice a year.
Neil deGrasse Tyson explains Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge 2018 dates and times
According to the American Museum of Natural History, Manhattanhenge 2018 will take place on the following days and times to witness the half sunset and full sunset along the city grid. Sunset lovers will get to experience Manhattanhenge in May and July. Get your cameras ready.
Half sunset on the city grid
Tuesday, May 29, 8:13 p.m. EST
Friday, July 13 8:21 p.m. EST
Full sunset on the city grid
Wednesday, May 30, 8:12 p.m. EST
Thursday, July 12, 8:20 p.m. EST
MAP: Best places to view Manhattanhenge 2018
The best spots in the city to view Manhattanhenge are areas where the streets are the widest looking west.
According to Neil deGrasse Tyson, the cross streets that will provide the most interesting views of Manhattanhenge are 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th streets from east to west.
