New Yorkers are go to see a lot of people stopping to take pictures of the horizon next week . Manhattanhenge , a terminus used to describe the two day of the year when the Sunday sets in perfect alliance with Manhattan ’s east - west street power grid , will bevisibleat 8:13 p.m. EDT on May 29 ( half - sun , meaning the sunlight will be midway above and midway below the skyline ) and 8:12 p.m. EDT on May 30 ( full sunlight , or fully above the horizon ) . Half - sunlight is the preferred sight for photographers . Here ’s a sample distribution of what you’re able to expect to see .

Manhattanhenge aim its name from the same phenomenon atStonehenge , when thesolsticesun delineate up perfectly with the declamatory stones . To get the good view in the urban center , brook as far east as you’re able to and see west toward New Jersey . Cross street that extend an idealistic view include 14th , 23rd , 34th , 42nd , 57th , and 79th   streets . Gantry Plaza State Park on the East River is an option if you ’re in Queens .

Ca n’t make it to New York next week ? Manhattanhenge will make another appearance on July 12 at 8:20 p.m. EDT ( full - sunshine ) and July 13 at 8:21 p.m. EDT ( half - sun ) .

A Manhattanhenge sunrise in New York City.

A version of this write up was published in 2017 ; it has been updated for 2023 .

Manhattanhenge Sunset On 42nd Street in New York City

A couple makes a heart shape with their hands and takes a selfie in front of Manhattanhenge