Manhattanhenge is the twice-yearly moment when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s street grid, framing a glowing orange disk between the skyscrapers on both sides of the avenue. It is one of New York City’s most photographed natural phenomena, and it happens on a predictable schedule every spring and summer.
What Is Manhattanhenge
The term was coined by astrophysicist and Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, an homage to England’s Stonehenge, where the sun famously aligns with the ancient stone circle on the solstices. Manhattanhenge works on the same principle, but with skyscrapers standing in for standing stones.
The phenomenon happens because Manhattan’s grid is angled roughly 30 degrees off true north rather than running perfectly east to west. Twice a year, once before the summer solstice and once after, the sunset angle catches up to that tilt and lines up with the grid instead, illuminating both the north and south sides of every cross street at once.
When Manhattanhenge Happens
Manhattanhenge occurs on four dates each year, split into two pairs:
Each pair includes a “full sun” evening, when the entire disk of the sun sits just above the horizon centered in the grid, and a “half sun” evening, when the sun sets directly on the grid line so only its top half remains visible.
For 2026, the American Museum of Natural History calculated the dates as:
The museum’s Hayden Planetarium team recalculates these dates every year, since the exact alignment shifts slightly depending on the calendar.
Best Places to Watch Manhattanhenge in NYC
Any broad, unobstructed east-west street works, but these have become the classic viewing spots:
Stand as far east as possible on any of these streets and look west toward New Jersey for the clearest alignment. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes before sunset to claim a clear sightline before the crowds fill in.
Celebrate Manhattanhenge With Live Latin Music at AMNH
The American Museum of Natural History marks Manhattanhenge each summer with a lecture and live viewing event, led by associate curator Jackie Faherty, who walks through the science of the alignment using the museum’s OpenSpace software before an outdoor viewing party on Central Park West.
In 2026, the museum’s viewing party features a live set from the Williamsburg Salsa Orchestra, bringing New York’s Latin dance floor energy to one of the city’s most anticipated astronomical moments. It’s a rare crossover of cosmic spectacle and Latin sound, right in the heart of the Upper West Side, and worth watching for on the museum’s calendar each year.
Tips for Photographing Manhattanhenge
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Manhattanhenge happen twice a year?
The sunset position shifts along the horizon throughout the year. It only matches Manhattan’s grid on a handful of days before and after the summer solstice.
Is there a Reverse Manhattanhenge?
Yes. A sunrise version of the alignment occurs during NYC’s winter months, drawing far smaller crowds than the summer sunset version.
Do I need a special spot to see it?
No. Any wide east-west street in Manhattan with a clear view toward New Jersey works, though the streets listed above offer the most dramatic skyline framing.
Get Tickets
Check the American Museum of Natural History’s calendar for the next Manhattanhenge viewing event.