Get ready for the finale of sets in the city.
Part one of the biyearly solar phenomenon “Manhattanhenge” — an NYC staple — occurred Monday night. The city will also be aglow Tuesday evening, for the second half of the unique event.
What is ‘Manhattanhenge?’
The term describes when the setting and rising sun lines up perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid, between 14th and 155th Streets.
“Manhattanhenge” usually unfolds around the same two days in May before happening again in July.
On Monday, spectators caught the half-sun view, with half of the disk sitting above and the other half sitting below the horizon. The full sun view is set for 8:12 p.m. Tuesday.
New York native and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson coined the term after visiting Stonehenge in England as a teenager. The solstice rays at the center of the prehistoric monument reminded him of the sun perfectly setting between NYC’s high-rises, according to ABC News.
Where are the best places to view ‘Manhattanhenge’?
“Manhattanhenge” usually occurs around the same two days in May before happening again in July. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
May 29 and May 30 are the dates for the first round of “Manhattanhenge” this year. Gary Hershorn/Getty ImagesOn the American Museum of Natural History’s website, Tyson says the best views are on:
- 14th Street
- 23rd Street
- 34th Street
- 42nd Street
- 57th Street
He advises onlookers grab a spot as far east as possible that still has views of New Jersey across the Hudson River, recommending the Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan.
Outside the borough, Tyson suggests Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.
The term applies when the sun lines up perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid, as viewed between 14th and 155th Street. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)
The sun begins setting tonight around 8 p.m., completing the “Manhattanhenge” effect at 8:12 p.m. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The term was coined in 1997 by New York native and astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, who was reminded of a teenage visit to Stonehenge in England. John Lamparski/Sipa USAWhat time does the event occur?
The sun begins setting around 8 p.m. tonight, completing the “Manhattanhenge” effect at 8:12 p.m.
According to the Weather Channel, tonight is predicted to be clear with a high of 63 degrees.
Will I have another chance to see it if I miss it tonight?
Yes. Round 2 of “Manhattanhenge” is set for July 12 and July 13.
