Tonight’s Manhattanhenge: What it is and where to watch it

It’s that time of year again: Manhattanhenge is here. Also called the Manhattan Solstice, Manhattanhenge is a unique moment when the setting sun is aligned with the east-west streets of the main street grid of Manhattan, creating the spectacle of a full-disk sun perfectly framed by Manhattan’s skyscrapers.

 Manhattanhenge only happens twice a year and this weekend will be your last chance to catch it in 2019. Tonight is your last chance to catch a full disk, the best version of the Manhattanhenge experience, while tomorrow night a half-disk will be visible, according to the American Museum of Natural History. The name is a reference to Stonehenge, which was constructed so that the rising sun, seen from the center of the monument at the time of the summer solstice, aligns with the outer Heel Stone. 

If you’re into the details, the reason for Manhattanhenge is that the street grid for most of Manhattan is rotated 29° clockwise from true east-west, which means when the azimuth for sunset is 299°, the sunset aligns with the streets on that grid. 

In order to catch Manhattanhenge tonight, make sure you’re in the city by 8 p.m. The sun will set at 8:20 p.m, but it’s good to arrive beforehand to see the changing colors of the sky — and you may have to fight to get a good spot among the crowds of tourists and locals who will flock to the streets for the occasion.

Photo: Accuweather

The best places for viewing Manhattanhenge are 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets. Because the sun sets in the west, it’s not too important which avenue you choose to stand on, although the wider the cross street, the better. Because the best shots will include plenty of NYC skyscrapers in the background, we recommend not standing too far west. Our pick would be 42nd street and either Lexington or 3rd avenues, so you get the beautiful Chrysler Building in your shot. 

There will also be another opportunity to catch the sunset at the same time tomorrow, although this will only be a half disk, so the main show will certainly be tonight. Be prepared for crowds and get your filters ready; you’re about to take part in a New York institution.