Manhattanhenge 2018 Returns: When, Where To Take Best Photos

MANHATTAN, NY — Manhattanhenge comes but twice a year, so if you missed the opportunity to take a photo of the sun setting directly in line with Manhattan's grid you're in luck.

The astronomical phenomenon returns to New York City on Thursday, July 12, according to the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium. Manhattanhenge first hit New York City on May 29 and 30.

Views of a full sun setting perfectly in line with Manhattan's streets will be seen on Thursday and views of the half sun will be seen on Friday, according to the American Museum of Natural History. Manhattanhenge has ties to the museum, as the term was first coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, the director of its Hayden Planetarium.

Here are Manhattanhenge's peak times:

• Thursday, July 12: 8:20 p.m. (full sun)
• Friday, July 13: 8:21 p.m. (half sun).

Anyone interested in taking in Manhattanhenge should get to their viewing spot at least a half-hour before the peak, according to the American Museum of Natural History. The museum advises getting in position as far east as possible where one can still see New Jersey across the Hudson River while looking west.

Wide cross streets such as 14th, 34th, 42nd, 57th, and 79th streets make for the best Manhattanhenge pictures. Just remember, watch out for cars — New York City motorists could care less about both your Instagram likes and personal safety.

Good photos can also be taken from outside Manhattan. Photographers can snap great photos of Manhattanhenge by standing across from Manhattan on the East River and incorporating both the phenomenon and the skyline in a single shot.

Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images News/Getty Images News