NYC's Sun-Sculpted Skies: Manhattanhenge Returns!

New York City is abuzz with anticipation for Manhattanhenge, a unique celestial event occurring twice annually. This phenomenon happens when the setting sun aligns precisely between the city's iconic skyscrapers, casting golden rays down the east-west oriented street grid. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson coined the term "Manhattanhenge" in 2002, drawing a parallel to the ancient monument of Stonehenge.

The first opportunity to witness this spectacle in 2026 is May 28th at 8:14 p.m. ET, offering a "half sun on the grid" view. A subsequent "full sun on the grid" view will be visible on May 29th at 8:13 p.m. ET. These alignments occur because Manhattan's street grid is rotated 30 degrees east from geographic north, shifting the dates from the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Prime viewing locations include main east-west thoroughfares, where observers should position themselves as far east as possible to capture the sun framed by buildings. The event is fleeting, lasting only a few minutes, so early arrival is recommended. For those who miss the May dates due to weather or other reasons, a second Manhattanhenge event is scheduled for July 11th and 12th, offering "full sun" and "half sun" views respectively.

Similar sunset alignment events can be observed in other cities with structured street grids, such as Chicago and Baltimore, provided they have an unobstructed view of the horizon. The forecast for New York City over the next few days suggests warm and mostly clear conditions, but a July backup is available.