Everything you need to know about manhattanhenge, 2026.

it is a solar phenomena where the sun lines up perfectly with Manhattan’s streets running east to west.

The term was first coined by astrophysicist (and fellow New Yorker) Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, which is part of the American Museum of Natural History.

He named the event after Stonehenge, the prehistoric English monument that is believed to have been used as an astronomical observatory. At Stonehenge the monoliths can be used to predict an eclipse, solstice and solar equinox (but its original purpose is still a heated debate that I don’t want to get tangled up in).

Although it is sometimes called the Manhattan solstice, the term is actually incorrect. A solstice is when the earth’s tilt is most or least inclined towards the sun. Because Manhattan’s grid doesn’t follow true north, the solstice is off by a few days.

Thanks to the canyon-like buildings and streets, when it occurs the sun sets perfectly in the middle of the street. I like to describe it as a basketabll hitting nothing but net as it swishes through a basket.

In short it happens twice a year, once in late-May and another in mid-July. Each event has a “half sun” day where the sun is partially tucked behind the horizon, as well as a “full sun” day where Manhattanhenge is in full effect.

In 2023 it will happen on May 29th & 30th, a little after 8:10PM. Then again on July 12th & 13th at about 8:20PM.

It lasts for only a few minutes as the sun sets. You’re going to want to be in position waiting for sunset a few minutes before it happens so you don’t miss any of it.

So we talked about it for sunset, but what about for sunrise? Reverse Manhattanhenge happens in the winter, in November and January and will see you wake up at the crack of dawn to get into position.

The same rules as it apply – but in reverse. The sun will rise in the east, so don’t miss it by looking in the wrong direction. Sunrise happens around 7AM.

You can see it from just about anywhere on the island of Manhattan that has an east to west, numbered street. The grid begins north of Houston Street in Lower Manhattan and runs until 155th Street in Harlem.

Having said that there are definitely some viewpoints that are better than others. You have to consider what you’re there to see, the sunset being cradled by New York City and not every part of Manhattan looks the same.

Stay away from scaffold-riddled, tree-lined, industrial looking streets. Wider thoroughfares (with traffic running in both directions) like 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th provide better, unobstructed views.

Also, the further away you are from the setting sun, you’ll have more buildings in front of you to create a narrow, “canyon-like” feeling. The obvious drawback though is that you’re further away from the sun.

Other it viewpoints suggested by the American Museum of Natural History include the Tudor City Bridge and Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.

The most unfortunate part of it however is its own popularity. The popular viewpoints get swamped with crowds, and getting a good photo can be a shot in the dark.

My suggestion (if time allows) is to head out the week before it, scoping nearby streets with potential. Find a street you like somewhere away from the major viewpoints and enjoy it all to yourself.

Here’s the quick round-up of the best places to see it.

• 14th Street
• 23rd Street
• 34th Street
• 42nd Street
• 57th Street

There are a few things to consider when partaking in it, the first of which is the weather. Cloudy, stormy days can block your view of the sunset, ruining the day. Keep an eye on your weather app!

Another is that if you’re going to bring a camera, bring a tripod too. A high aperture setting will help you get it all in focus and a tripod will help you keep it steady.

Manhattanhenge also draws thousands of folks into the streets, so arrive at your spot early and stake your claim. If you do have a swarm of folks in front of you, use it to your advantage. Take a photo of the crowd, with Manhattanhenge in the distance.

Lastly, be safe. The best views of Manhattanhenge are in the middle of the street and New Yorkers are not known for flawless driving. Bring a friend to give you a heads up when cars are coming and keep an eye on the streetlights.

Althouth Manhattanhenge is a New York City tradition, “henge” solar events happen elsehwere too.

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) there is what’s known as the “Infinite Corridor” which runs a staggering 800+ feet through the campus’ main buildings. In November and January MITHenge stuns both students and faculty alike.

In Philadelphia Phillyhenge shines over Market Street and across the northern border Torontohenge stuns Canadians every February and October.

Even the Mayan civilization had their own “henge” at Chichen Itza during the equinox. The pyramid creates a shadow that makes the staircase look like a serpent slithering down from the sky.

When is Manhattanhenge?

In 2023 Manhattanhenge will happen on May 29th and 30th a little after 8:10PM then again on July 12th and 13th at about 8:20PM.

Where to see Manahattanhenge?

Major intersections along 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th streets create the best views of Manhattanhenge.