Manhattanhenge Returns to NYC Tonight: Here's When to Look

New York City's sky is about to put on one of its best shows of the year. Tonight, July 11, the setting sun will line up perfectly with Manhattan's street grid in a phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge, and if you're anywhere near the city, it's worth stepping outside to catch it.

What Is Manhattanhenge, Exactly?

Manhattanhenge happens when the setting sun aligns precisely with Manhattan's east-west cross streets, framing the glowing disk of the sun between the skyscrapers on either side. The name is a nod to Stonehenge, and it was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

It only happens because Manhattan's grid is rotated about 30 degrees off true north. Twice a year, once in late May and once in mid-July, the sunset angle lines up just right with that grid to create the effect.

Tonight Is the Best Night to See It