NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – Bust out your cameras (and your shades)! Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon when the sunset aligns with Manhattan's street grid, can be watched on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Twice a year in Manhattan, the setting sun aligns perfectly with the street grid, creating a glow that illuminates both sides of every cross street.
The solar spectacle usually happens at the end of May and again in mid-July, drawing thousands of people at certain cross streets to watch.
This year, New Yorkers can view the sunset from Manhattan's main east-west thoroughfares: 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, and 57th Street. It will reach its fullest effect at 8:13 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:12 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the American Museum of Natural History.
The sunset can also be viewed from these locations: Tudor City Overpass in Manhattan and Hunter's Point South Park in Long Island City, Queens.
Manhattanhenge will return on July 12 and 13, according to AMNH.
In July, the event will occur at 8:21 p.m. on the 12th and 8:20 p.m. on the 13th.
The sunset will appear different each day, with the top half of the sun visible above the street Tuesday and the full sun visible Wednesday. In July, this pattern will reverse, with the full sun visible July 12 and the top half visible on July 13.
