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Our ancestors used the movements of the Sun and the Moon to mark the seasons, such as the solstices and equinoxes (the first days of spring, summer, fall, and winter).

Ancient Henges

Many ancient seasonal monuments and markers were used as solar calendars. For example, on the summer solstice in Stonehenge (in England), the Sun rises over the horizon behind a giant “Heel” stone in the northeast, and the first golden rays stream directly into the heart of the monument. I was fortunate to witness this phenomenon when living near London, and it was truly an awe-inspiring visual effect.

Today, the skyscrapers of our great cities play a similar role, as a celestial phenomenon occurs near the summer solstice. At sunset and sunrise, the Sun aligns perfectly east and west, shining through our urban canyons.

What is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge is a twice-a-year event that occurs near the summer solstice, specifically at sunset. During this event, as the Sun sets on the city’s east side, its rays align perfectly with Manhattan’s east-west street grid, shining through the city’s buildings. 

This unique phenomenon results from the city’s street layout, and oriented about 29 degrees east of true North. Astrophysicist is credited with popularizing the term “Manhattanhenge.”

When is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge happens in summer for approximately 21 days, or three weeks, before and after the summer solstice. That’s generally around May 28 to 29 and July 12 to 13.  

Note above that there are two days to see Manhattanhenge before the solstice (in May) and two days after the solstice (in July). On the first day, the full disk of the Sun aligns with the street (May 28, July 12). On the second day, half of the Sun’s disk is aligned. 

There is also a winter (or reverse) Manhattanhenge, which occurs at sunrise hours. Given the early timing and cold weather, it’s less popular than the summer one.

Times to See Manhattanhenge

Arrive before sunset because it only lasts a few minutes. Visit our sunset chart for times this year.

• Sunset on May 28, 2025, in Midtown Manhattan is 8:19 PM
• Sunset on July 12, 2025, in Midtown Manhattan is 8:29 PM

How to See Manhattanhenge 

Manhattanhenge, also called Manhattan Solstice, can be observed along the major east-west streets of Manhattan, and the experience may vary slightly depending on sightline and elevation. 

Some are the 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets, where wider streets provide the clearest and most unobstructed views.

Generally, the best views are obtained as far east as possible without losing sight of New Jersey across the Hudson River.

Reverse Manhattanhenge can be seen from many of the same locations, but you will need to turn around. In general, the views for Reverse Manhattanhenge improve as you move farther west.

�������� Forecasts for Manhattanhenge

This event requires clear skies, especially if you’re planning photographs. The �������� �������� History tool shows that 2024 wasn’t forecasted to have good weather, and you can see that weather is often a factor.  

Before you head out, be sure to check your 5-day forecast, and don’t forget your camera!

Other Cities and Places with “Henges”

Longtime �������� astronomer states, “There are places—unlike Manhattan—where the streets are actually aligned to true east-west (e.g., Salt Lake City) so that you can see sunrise and sunset at the far end of their streets on the equinoxes.”

Plus, here are some of the other “Henges” to look out for:

• Baltimorehenge
• Torontohenge
• Philadelphiahenge
• Montrealhenge each year around June 12.
• (across the length of the “Infinite Corridor” at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
• San Francisco
• San Diego

Calculating Your Own “Henge”

Any city or town can have its own “henge.” You need a street that is aligned east to west since the Sun sets perfectly due west on the equinoxes. However, if the street is not exactly east or west, the dates are just the equinoxes plus or minus a number of days for the number of degrees off true east-west.

We won’t get into the math here, but if you happen to be driving on a street going east to west, you might just see a “henge” for yourself! I saw this by accident in Indianapolis last year.

Alternatively, you can spend some time at sunrise and sunset, taking in the view from different vantage points, such as down a hill or close to the horizon. Who knows what you might discover?