By Chaffin Mitchell, AccuWeather staff writer
It’s that time of the year again when the setting sun perfectly aligns with Manhattan’s street grid creating a rare and beautiful phenomenon called Manhattanhenge.
The biannual event typically happens once around Memorial Day and again in mid-July, and is sometimes referred to as the "Manhattan Solstice."
"Manhattanhenge may just be a unique urban phenomenon in the world, if not the universe," Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson said on his blog.
A view of the Manhattanhenge sunset from 42nd Street in New York City. (Photo/Josh Namdar/Getty Images)
Locals and tourists will be able to catch Manhattanhenge starting on Wednesday and it appears every evening until Saturday. Tyson recommends arriving a half-hour earlier than the times given below.
- Wednesday, May 29, 8:13 p.m. EDT
- Saturday, July 13, 8:21 p.m. EDT
- Thursday, May 30, 8:12 p.m. EDT
- Friday, July 12, 8:20 p.m. EDT
On Wednesday and Saturday, half of the sun will be visible on the grid, whereas the full sun will be visible on Thursday and Friday.
"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," Tyson said.
According to AccuWeather Forecaster Ryan Adamson, viewing conditions for Manhattanhenge on Wednesday evening will not be ideal.
"Although it will likely not be completely cloudy, there may be enough clouds to prevent a good view," Adamson said.
While it is a low risk, there is even a chance of a passing shower or thunderstorm. However, Adamson said showers may stay away.
"The higher chance of any showers or thunderstorms appears that it will be mainly north of Manhattan," Adamson said.
"In addition, while temperatures won't be overly warm (mid to upper 70s), it will be moderately humid, making it feel a bit warmer than the actual air temperature. If anyone has plans to view Manhattanhenge, they should not cancel their plans, but conditions won't be perfect," Adamson said.
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Thursday appears to be very warm and humid with a chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm.
In 2002, Tyson coined the term “Manhattanhenge,” which derives its name from the prehistoric Stonehenge monument in Wiltshire, England. Each year, thousands flock to South West England, to watch the sun rise over the monument and celebrate the summer solstice.
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