When And Where To See Manhattanhenge July 12, 2022
How To See Manhattanhenge July 12, 2022
Best Spots To See Manhattanhenge
There’s nothing quite like a perfect sunset to make you feel at one with the universe. When that moment happens — especially in New York City where you’re surrounded by skyscrapers and tall buildings on every block — it’s even more special. There are only two times a year when the sun sets directly behind the skyscraper canyons of Manhattan; once in May, and again in July. This phenomenon is called “Manhattanhenge,” named after its location in the city, and it occurs once in summer and once in winter. In other words, there are only two days of each year when those spectacular sunsets are perfectly framed by that iconic skyline. This article will tell you everything you need to know about this cosmic event, how to spot it, and what spots are best for seeing Manhattanhenge on July 12, 2022.
What Is Manhattanhenge?
Manhattanhenge, a term coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, is the phenomenon of the setting sun aligning with the east-west streets of Manhattan’s skyscrapers. The name is a reference to the more famous Stonehenge, the site of ancient religious rituals in England. In the same way that the sun aligns with Stonehenge’s stones on certain days of the year, it also aligns with Manhattan’s buildings. The event happens twice a year, in May and July, when the sunset aligns with the city’s grid system, with the west-east streets. The lighting at that time creates an almost otherworldly effect for citizens lucky enough to witness it.
When And Where To See Manhattanhenge July 12, 2022
The next Manhattanhenge will occur on July 12th in 2022, but there are also other dates you can watch it each year. The dates of Manhattanhenge vary slightly between the two seasons because the sun’s path shifts north or south by a few degrees between the winter and summer solstices. Generally, Manhattanhenge occurs during the last week of May and the first week of July. The dates of Manhattanhenge vary slightly between the two seasons because the sun’s path shifts north or south by a few degrees between the winter and summer solstices. Generally, Manhattanhenge occurs during the last week of May and the first week of July.
How To See Manhattanhenge July 12, 2022
First, you’ll want to find a place with a clear view of the Manhattan skyline. One of the best places to watch Manhattanhenge is the Hudson River Park. At the park, the view isn’t obstructed by buildings, so you should be able to see the full effect of the sunset shining through the buildings. If you can’t make it to the park, try to find a high place where you can see the skyline clearly, like the roof of a building, a hotel roof terrace, or a balcony.
Best Spots To See Manhattanhenge
If you are lucky enough to see Manhattanhenge, it’s best to be as close to the center of the grid as possible. You probably don’t want to be anywhere near Times Square, since it’s right off the eastern edge of the grid, so you’ll miss out on the full effect. The best spots are along 14th, 23rd, 34th, or 42nd Streets, but anywhere in the grid should work. The Hudson River is another great place to watch it from, but you’ll have to be on the west side of Manhattan. If you’re in the East Village, you can also look south towards Midtown. With all of those great viewing spots, it doesn’t matter where you are in the city – you’re more than likely to be able to see it.
Bottom line
If you’re a city dweller, Manhattanhenge is one of those moments you’ll never forget. The best place to watch it is either on the Hudson River or along the grid. If you’re lucky enough to see Manhattanhenge, it’s best to be as close to the center of the grid as possible. You probably don’t want to be anywhere near Times Square, since it’s right off the eastern edge of the grid, so you’ll miss out on the full effect.
