Manhattanhenge: Today Memorial Day at Sunset

Sunset on the Manhattan Grid

Today is 'Manhattanhenge', one of the city's most spectacular natural events. At sunset, observers on the East Side can look west and see the sun spectacularly shining down our canyon-like streets.

Manhattanhenge: Today At Sunset

www.haydenplanetarium.org

Manhattanhenge (sometimes referred to as the Manhattan Solstice) is a semiannual occurrence in which the setting sun aligns with the east–west streets of the main street grid in the borough of Manhattan in New York City.

Manhattanhenge times for 2011.

Arrive a half-hour earlier than the times given below.

Mock-up of the half sun on the grid during Manhattanhenge.

Half Sun on the grid:

Monday, May 30 — 8:17 P.M. EDT

Tuesday, July 12 — 8:25 P.M. EDT

Mock-up of the full sun on the grid during Manhattanhenge.

Full Sun on the grid:

Tuesday, May 31 — 8:17 P.M. EDT

Monday, July 11 — 8:25 P.M. EDT

For best effect, position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible. But ensure that when you look west across the avenues you can still see New Jersey. Clear cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th. 42nd, 57th, and several streets adjacent to them. The Empire State building and the Chrysler building render 34th street and 42nd streets especially striking vistas.