Crowds of New Yorkers and visitors flocked to the bustling streets of the city to witness a stunning sunset perfectly aligning between the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan. Stunning photographs captured the radiant orange sun framed by the iconic grid of buildings as numerous individuals paused to snap pictures and record videos of the extraordinary occurrence. Known as Manhattanhenge, this event occurs only four times a year, when the descending sun aligns with the east-west streets of the borough due to the distinct angle of Manhattan’s street layout.
Named after England’s Stonehenge by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Manhattanhenge made its final summer appearance on July 12. This event marked part of a broader period of captivating sunsets across the city before the seasonal exhibition concluded. In the upcoming month, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to witness another celestial event as a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the city on August 12.
The radiant sun was observed nestled amidst Manhattan’s towering skyscrapers as the renowned Manhattanhenge returned for its last summer showcase. This rare spectacle attracted crowds throughout New York, with the massive orange sun flawlessly framed by the city’s east-west streets.
The phenomenon of Manhattanhenge is a result of the borough’s street grid being oriented around 30 degrees east of true north, causing the sunset to align with the streets on only four evenings annually. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson coined the term Manhattanhenge due to the solar alignment similarities with England’s Stonehenge. The July 12 display marked the final full sunset alignment of the summer before the event reoccurs later in the year.
Hundreds of onlookers paused their activities to witness the breathtaking sunset unfold, with many raising their smartphones to capture the fleeting moment. Tourists and locals lined the streets as the glowing sun descended amidst the city’s renowned skyline, creating one of the most photographed natural phenomena in New York. Manhattanhenge has become a yearly tradition for numerous visitors, attracting photographers, social media influencers, and astronomy enthusiasts eager to capture the perfect shot. The display lasted briefly before the sun dipped below the horizon, concluding another summer Manhattanhenge.
Despite occurring near the summer solstice, Manhattanhenge did not fall on the longest day of the year. The event transpired as a result of Manhattan’s street grid being rotated instead of running directly north to south. As the Earth orbited the sun, the sunset’s position gradually shifted along the horizon until it perfectly aligned with the city’s streets. This alignment occurs four times each year, twice before and twice after the summer solstice.
Although Manhattanhenge is commonly associated with just four sunset alignments annually, the broader visual impact lasts much longer. The “Manhattanhenge Effect” extended over several weeks as sunsets gradually moved into and out of alignment with the city’s famous grid. This year’s summer phenomenon began before July and concluded with the final alignment on Sunday. The extended exhibition provided photographers with numerous opportunities to capture striking images of sunlight streaming between the skyscrapers, even outside the specific alignment dates.
Skywatchers will not have to wait long for the next celestial event to arrive. New Yorkers are anticipated to witness a partial solar eclipse on August 12, during which the moon will obscure approximately 10% of the sun’s surface as observed from the city. While the eclipse will be visible across much of North America and Europe, the most dramatic sights are expected along a narrow path crossing Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, where a total solar eclipse will take place. If viewing from New York, eclipse glasses will still be necessary throughout the event as the sun will never be entirely covered.
Those who missed the summer spectacle will have another opportunity later in the year with the return of Reverse Manhattanhenge. Unlike the traditional event focused on striking sunsets, the winter edition will showcase the rising sun illuminating Manhattan’s streets at dawn. This phenomenon will provide spectators with another chance to capture the city’s famous skyline bathed in golden light.
