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Twice a year, the setting sun lines up just right with Manhattan’s crosstown streets, sending a burst of golden light streaming between buildings in a jaw-dropping urban alignment that feels almost designed. This spectacle is known as Manhattanhenge, a natural marvel that turns the city into an accidental observatory—and yes, it’s about to make its grand return.
If you’ve never seen it, imagine a blazing sun perfectly framed by Manhattan’s steel-and-glass towers, lighting up both sides of the street like a movie still. It lasts only minutes, but that’s part of the magic. Mark your calendars: The 2025 dates are set for Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29; and again on Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12. These are the only evenings of the year when the sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid at sunset, producing either a full or half solar disk glowing at the center of the city’s spine.
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While the sun dances between buildings for several days around those dates, purists know there are only four true Manhattanhenge moments: two “full sun” evenings (when the sun is visible in its entirety) and two “half sun” nights, when it hovers just at the horizon line. It’s the kind of moment that unites tourists, photographers and even cynical New Yorkers in a collective pause.
The best way to experience it is to head to a major east-west street—think 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, or 57th—and find a clear line of sight all the way to the Hudson. For an elevated view, the Tudor City Overpass offers prime positioning. Those in Queens can snag incredible vistas from Hunter’s Point South Park, with the skyline adding a dramatic frame to the solar show.
It’s a fleeting performance, and timing is everything—show up 30 to 40 minutes before sunset to secure your spot. With Manhattanhenge, the universe is literally putting on a show for New York. All you have to do is look west!