Manhattanhenge Returns Next Week, Here's Where To Take Photos

NEW YORK, NY — Some of the best sunsets of the year will hit Manhattan next week for the astronomical phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge.

The sun will set perfectly in line with Manhattan's street grid on Wednesday, May 29 and Thursday, May 30 the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium announced. The planetarium is one of the first institutions to popularize the annual event and coined the term "Manhattanhenge."

On Wednesday, the half sun will be visible when it sets over Manhattan and on Thursday the full sun will be visible. Manhattanhenge will then return to the borough on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13.

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.

The Hayden Planetarium will also hold a public program about the history and the astronomy behind the annual spectacle. Jackie Faherty, a senior scientist in the museum’s department of astrophysics, will give a special presentation during the event before participants view Manhattanhenge.