Manhattanhenge 2024: Was es ist und wann und wo zu sehen

Manhattanhenge 2019: What it is and when and where to see

May 28, 2024

For two days each spring and summer, the sunset harmonizes with the street network of Manhattan, creating a magnificent celestial display. For a brief moment, the sun's golden rays illuminate the city's buildings and traffic with a breathtaking glow.

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It's the best sunset picture of the year you can take in this beautiful city. We in New York sometimes call it the Instagram vacation because so many people travel to the city just for that photo.

Manhattanhenges pays homage to Stonehenge, the monument in England believed to have been built and used in rituals by prehistoric people. During the summer solstice, the sunrise there is perfectly framed by its stone slabs.

If the weather permits and there are no annoying clouds in the sky, you can see the incredible spectacle on the following days and times:

Wednesday, May 29, 8:13 p.m

Thursday, May 30, 8:12 p.m

In July you will get a second chance

Friday, July 12, 8:20 p.m

Saturday, July 13th, 8:21 p.m

Why is this happening?

About 200 years ago, the architects who designed modern Manhattan decided to build a street network with avenues leading north and south and streets leading east and west. This choice set the stage for Manhattanhenge.

The sun moves slightly along the horizon throughout the year while the Earth tilts along its axis. That means there are times of year when the setting sun aligns with the streets running east and west in Manhattan.

If Manhattan were designed to face exactly east and west on a compass, Manhattanhenge would occur on the spring equinox and autumn equinox. Instead, the city is 30 degrees from Cardinal East and West, so the dates are offset.

Where are the best places to watch?

The key is to find a spot with a clear view of New Jersey, where the streets are wide and the buildings are beautiful.

The most popular spots are 42nd Street with its flashing signs, as well as 57th, 34th, 23rd and 14th Streets. There you'll see people walking up and down the zebra crossing hoping to capture the perfect sunset. Since you have to be in the middle of the street to see the Manhattanhenge, remember that safety comes first.

People also crowd to the Pershing Square overpass near Grand Central Terminal, but this place is very close to traffic. The police are aware of this and often disperse the crowds. A safer option is the Tudor City flyover near the United Nations, but amateur and professional photographers get there very early, leaving little room for regular fans.

Don't forget the other boroughs like Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park also has a nice view of the spectacle.

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Manhattanhenge 2019: What it is and when and where to see

For two days each spring and summer, the sunset harmonizes with the street network of Manhattan, creating a magnificent celestial display. For a brief moment, the sun's golden rays illuminate the city's buildings and traffic with a breathtaking glow.

our bestsellers

helicopter flight

Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn Tour

Panorama night tour

New York Rooftop Tour

It's the best sunset picture of the year you can take in this beautiful city. We in New York sometimes call it the Instagram vacation because so many people travel to the city just for that photo.

Manhattanhenges pays homage to Stonehenge, the monument in England believed to have been built and used in rituals by prehistoric people. During the summer solstice, the sunrise there is perfectly framed by its stone slabs.

If the weather permits and there are no annoying clouds in the sky, you can see the incredible spectacle on the following days and times:

Wednesday, May 29, 8:13 p.m

Thursday, May 30, 8:12 p.m

In July you will get a second chance

Friday, July 12, 8:20 p.m

Saturday, July 13th, 8:21 p.m

Why is this happening?

About 200 years ago, the architects who designed modern Manhattan decided to build a street network with avenues leading north and south and streets leading east and west. This choice set the stage for Manhattanhenge.

The sun moves slightly along the horizon throughout the year while the Earth tilts along its axis. That means there are times of year when the setting sun aligns with the streets running east and west in Manhattan.

If Manhattan were designed to face exactly east and west on a compass, Manhattanhenge would occur on the spring equinox and autumn equinox. Instead, the city is 30 degrees from Cardinal East and West, so the dates are offset.

Where are the best places to watch?

The key is to find a spot with a clear view of New Jersey, where the streets are wide and the buildings are beautiful.

Don't forget the other boroughs like Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park also has a nice view of the spectacle.

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For two days each spring and summer, the sunset harmonizes with the street network of Manhattan, creating a magnificent celestial display. For a brief moment, the sun's golden rays illuminate the city's buildings and traffic with a breathtaking glow.

our bestsellers

helicopter flight

Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn Tour

Panorama night tour

New York Rooftop Tour

It's the best sunset picture of the year you can take in this beautiful city. We in New York sometimes call it the Instagram vacation because so many people travel to the city just for that photo.

Manhattanhenges pays homage to Stonehenge, the monument in England believed to have been built and used in rituals by prehistoric people. During the summer solstice, the sunrise there is perfectly framed by its stone slabs.

If the weather permits and there are no annoying clouds in the sky, you can see the incredible spectacle on the following days and times:

Wednesday, May 29, 8:13 p.m

Thursday, May 30, 8:12 p.m

In July you will get a second chance

Friday, July 12, 8:20 p.m

Saturday, July 13th, 8:21 p.m

Why is this happening?

About 200 years ago, the architects who designed modern Manhattan decided to build a street network with avenues leading north and south and streets leading east and west. This choice set the stage for Manhattanhenge.

The sun moves slightly along the horizon throughout the year while the Earth tilts along its axis. That means there are times of year when the setting sun aligns with the streets running east and west in Manhattan.

If Manhattan were designed to face exactly east and west on a compass, Manhattanhenge would occur on the spring equinox and autumn equinox. Instead, the city is 30 degrees from Cardinal East and West, so the dates are offset.

Where are the best places to watch?

The key is to find a spot with a clear view of New Jersey, where the streets are wide and the buildings are beautiful.

Don't forget the other boroughs like Queens, Gantry Plaza State Park also has a nice view of the spectacle.

Leave a comment

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