On the evening of July 11, New York City once again played host to the mesmerizing phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge—the moment when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s east–west street grid. At approximately 8:20 PM, a warm and radiant beam streamed down long avenues like 14th, 23rd, 34th, and 42nd Streets, bathing the city in golden light and transforming ordinary intersections into extraordinary photo backdrops.
Manhattanhenge occurs twice annually—once before and once after the summer solstice—when Earth’s tilted axis and the city’s rotated grid, angled about 29 degrees clockwise from true east–west, align to create this striking visual effect. In 2025, observers were treated to four distinct events: two “full sun” sunsets on May 29 and July 11, and two “half sun” spectacles on the days surrounding each of those dates.
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, is widely credited with coining the term Manhattanhenge in 1997. Inspired by the solar alignments of ancient structures like Stonehenge, Tyson drew a parallel between those historic sites and this distinctly modern event. He emphasized that the spectacle is most dramatic at street level, where the sun’s glow is framed by towering skyscrapers, creating a cinematic experience. “If you watch Manhattanhenge from a rooftop, it’s just another sunset,” he once said.
The best way to witness the event is by positioning oneself along Manhattan’s broad, unobstructed east–west avenues while facing west toward the Hudson River. Some of the most popular spots include 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street—where the Empire State Building adds to the drama—42nd Street near Bryant Park, and the quieter 57th Street near Columbus Circle. These avenues are favored for their straight views and photogenic framing.
On July 11, crowds gathered early at these locations, with many arriving an hour or more in advance to secure prime positions. Enthusiasts, tourists, and professional photographers alike lined the sidewalks, their cameras ready, eager to capture the fleeting moment. As the sun began its descent and aligned perfectly with the city’s grid, onlookers burst into applause and cheers, collectively enjoying one of the city’s few shared celestial experiences.
Tips for those wanting to capture the perfect shot include arriving early, bringing a tripod, and experimenting with both wide-angle and zoom lenses. Clear skies are crucial, as even partial cloud cover can obscure the sun at the critical moment. Local authorities often monitor the event to ensure public safety, reminding spectators not to block traffic or stand in the street.
Manhattanhenge stands out not just for its beauty, but for the way it bridges the natural world with the built environment. The 1811 Commissioners’ Plan, which laid out the grid for Manhattan, wasn’t designed with astronomical phenomena in mind. Yet, through a fortunate coincidence of city planning and Earth’s axial tilt, New Yorkers are treated to this dazzling event twice a year. While similar occurrences happen in other cities with gridded layouts—like Chicago or Toronto—none match the grandeur of Manhattan, where the urban “canyons” of steel and glass amplify the spectacle.
The phenomenon will repeat on July 12, offering a slightly different view with the sun half visible on the horizon. For those who prefer a quieter version of the event, a winter version occurs in December and January during sunrise, when the sun aligns with the grid from the opposite direction. Though less photographed, it provides a serene alternative for early risers.
At its heart, Manhattanhenge is more than a photo opportunity—it’s a moment of collective pause in one of the world’s busiest cities. It brings together locals and visitors alike to marvel at a rare alignment of city and cosmos, reminding all who see it of the beauty that can arise when human ingenuity meets the rhythms of nature.
