The sun will align perfectly with New York City's street grid, designed in 1811, four times this year — an annual event known as Manhattanhenge. On the below dates, spectators are expected to make their annual journey to the city's intersections to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon.

Astrophysicist Jackie Faherty of the American Museum of Natural History explained further: "The sun changes its position in the sky at sunset every day given that we live in a revolving, rotating world. On the dates of Manhattanhenge sunset, the sun sets lined up with the grid of the city so perfectly framed by the concrete jungle of Manhattan."

Manhattanhenge 2023 Dates

Half Sun on the Grid

Monday, May 29, 2023 at 8:13 pm ET

Thursday, July 13, 8:21 at 8:21 pm ET

Full Sun on the Grid

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 8:12 pm ET

Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 8:20 pm ET

Of course, that is all weather-permitting. But Faherty has also pointed out that if you miss it on these four dates (or if the clouds are not cooperating), "Remember that between May 29th and July 12th we get the Manhattanhenge Effect! Which is where the sun appears between the grid of the city as it is low in the sky and setting." The difference? "It doesn’t quite kiss the grid as it sets" during the Effect days.

You can also catch what we're calling MTAhenge any day of the year! Check out our list of the best subway sunset views in the system here.

The big Manhattanhenge moment
Courtesy of Diana Robinson / Flickr

Where to See Manhattanhenge

View the sunset from Manhattan's main east/west thoroughfares — you'll want to "find a spot as far east as possible that still has views of New Jersey across the Hudson River," according to the AMNH.

  • 14th Street

  • 23rd Street

  • 34th Street

  • 42nd Street

  • 57th Street

  • Tudor City Overpass, Manhattan

You'll also be able to see it from Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.