Only Twice a Year... What Is "Manhattanhenge" That Draws Huge Crowds?

"The Moment the Sun Sets, All of Manhattan Turns Golden"
"If You Plan to Watch or Photograph, Secure Your Spot 1-2 Hours Before Sunset"

The rare phenomenon known as "Manhattanhenge," which can only be seen twice a year in Manhattan, New York, is about to make its appearance.

According to AP on May 28 (local time), the first Manhattanhenge of the year will be visible at 8:13 p.m. on that day and at 8:12 p.m. on May 29. It is also expected to occur at 8:20 p.m. on July 11 and at 8:22 p.m. on July 12.

Manhattanhenge visible between buildings on 42nd Street in New York. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Manhattanhenge refers to an astronomical phenomenon where the setting sun aligns perfectly with the streets of Manhattan, creating a straight line of glowing red sunlight between the skyscrapers. This spectacle can only be witnessed twice a year. At the moment of sunset, the entire city is bathed in a golden glow, offering a rare and breathtaking view.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astrophysicist who worked at the American Museum of Natural History, first coined the term "Manhattanhenge" in a 1997 article for Natural History magazine. He named it after Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain in England.

Popular viewing spots for Manhattanhenge include major east-west streets in Manhattan such as 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street. Other popular locations include the Tudor City Overpass and Hunters Point South Park in Queens. The further east you go, the more dramatic the scene becomes, as the sun's rays strike the facades of buildings on both sides. AP recommends that anyone planning to view or photograph Manhattanhenge secure a spot one to two hours before sunset.