Seasonal & Holidays

Manhattanhenge In July: When To Watch, And Where?

Answer: This week, and look west.

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Kathleen Culliton and Nick Garber, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
​The sun sets along 42nd Street in Manhattan during an annual phenomenon known as "Manhattanhenge," when the sun aligns perfectly with the city's transit grid, Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in New York.
​The sun sets along 42nd Street in Manhattan during an annual phenomenon known as "Manhattanhenge," when the sun aligns perfectly with the city's transit grid, Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

MANHATTANHENGE, NY — The city's favorite sunset spectacle will backlight the New York skyline Monday and Tuesday nights for the only Manhattanhenges of the month.

New Yorkers have just two days this July to enjoy the infinitely Instagrammable phenomenon that turns our city streets into a henge (whatever that is.)

Peak viewing time will be at 8:20 p.m. Monday, for a full moon and 8:21 p.m. Tuesday for the half, according to Neil deGrasse Tyson.

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And Tyson would know, being the astrophysicist who coined the phrase in a 1997 cartoon narrative in Natural History magazine.

The Natural History Museum recommends viewing Manhattanhenge in the following spots:

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  • 14th Street
  • 23rd Street
  • 34th Street
  • 42nd Street
  • 57th Street
  • Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan
  • Hunter's Point South Park, Long Island City, Queens

Museum experts suggest sunset-watchers should find a spot as far east as possible, while still having views of New Jersey across the Hudson River.

Sutton Park is also hosting a picnic.

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