Manhattanhenge is a spectacular sunset which takes place in New York
What is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge is a spectacular event which takes place in New York City, when the Earth’s orbit and the city’s grid layout align to create a dazzling orange sunset framed by the city's skyscrapers.
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson gave the phenomenon its name as a nod to Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England which aligns with the summer solstice.
“Manhattanhenge may just be a unique urban phenomenon in the world, if not the universe,” Mr deGrasse Tyson says.
In recent years the event has become a social media phenomenon. Jackie Faherty, an astrophysicist at the American Museum of Natural History, says: “Sometimes they call it the Instagram holiday.”
Manhattanhenge takes place twice a year, for two days in May and two days in July
The Manhattanhenge sunset is framed by New York's skyscrapers
When is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge takes place twice each year, for two days in May and for two days in July.
This year it began yesterday (May 29) at 8.13pm EDT, and will be visible again tonight (May 30) 8.12pm EDT.
Yesterdays sunset was a half sun, meaning the middle of the sun appears to touch the grid. Today’s will be a full sun, when the bottom of the sun kisses the grid.
The sunset will happen again on July 12 at 8.20pm and on July 13 at 8.21pm, with a full sun on the first day and a half sun on the second.
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Manhattanhenge has become known as the 'Instagram holiday'
Where to see Manhattanhenge
The best views (and Instagram angles) can be found on the widest streets on the eastern side of the city, such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets.
The Chelsea High Line is also a prime spot for Manhattanhenge, but is likely to be busy.
Other cities whose streets run from east to west, such as Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia, also experience their own cityhenge.