Where to see Manhattanhenge 2017
New York's very own urban solstice is next week. Here's how to photograph it.
In 2002, everyone's favorite astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson pointed out something very peculiar in New York. Twice a year, the infamous city grid—which is actually off-kilter, about 29 degrees clockwise from the actual cardinal points of north, south, east, and west—lines up with the setting sun.
(Photo/Getty)
Now, if you can't picture exactly what Manhattanhenge looks like, have no fear. Every year hundreds of New Yorkers flock to certain intersections, the easternmost blocks of 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street to be exact, to the dismay of taxi drivers and commuting buses alike, to capture the phenomenon for social media.
This year, you'll be able to catch the setting sun hit right on the grid during Memorial Day Weekend and again in mid-July.
The solstice of sorts offers two-day viewings: May 29 at 8:13 p.m., half of the sun will line up with the grid, and on May 30 at 8:12 p.m., the full sun will line up with the grid. In July, those dates are July 12 for the full sun and July 13 for the half sun. deGrasse Tyson suggests arriving about 30 minutes ahead of the set time to make sure you have a spot for the stunning celestial event.
Report a Typo
