Manhattanhenge 2024: When and where to see the best sunset in New York
The Manhattanhenge phenomenon returns to New York, when the sunset aligns with the street grid. Here’s how to see the best sunset in the Big Apple.
The Manhattanhenge celestial event returns to New York. This phenomenon, which occurs twice a year, is characterized by the exact alignment of the sunset with the cross streets of Manhattan, resulting in the most postcard-worthy moments of the year.
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What is Manhattanhenge and how is it produced?
Manhattanhenge lasts for two days and occurs twice a year. For this year, the first of the best sunsets can be seen on May 28 and 29; while the second set of appearances will take place in July.
On the first day, the phenomenon occurs with the full sun, and the second only with half the sun, so May 28 is the ideal day to appreciate the sunset. However, seeing half the disk sitting above and half below the horizon is also a popular choice among photographers.
As Scientific American explains, this phenomenon is possible thanks to the peculiar design of the streets of Manhattan, developed by the Urban Plan of the Commissioners of 1811. The layout makes most of cross streets lie on a regular grid at a right angle and inclined 29 degrees northeast. Thanks to this inclination, the setting sun manages to align with the cross streets of the district on specific dates of the year.
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When and where to see Manhattanhenge 2024?
The fullness of Manhattanhenge can be seen at 8:13 p.m. (local time), while on May 29, fullness will take place at 8:12 p.m., as reported by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
The phenomenon will be visible from any street in the Manhattan grid area to the west. The widest streets, running from the East to the Hudson rivers, will have the best views, although the phenomenon can also be seen from certain parts of Central Park West and Hunter’s Point South Park, in Long Island City.