Why Manhattan’s street grid creates a spectacular solar alignment twice a year
In short: Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jackie Faherty explain the mechanics of Manhattanhenge, a phenomenon where the setting sun aligns with the city's grid. Discover how these dates are calculated and whether similar events occur with the moon or at sunrise.
First identified and named by Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2001, Manhattanhenge occurs when the sun aligns with the street layout of Manhattan. The term gained enough cultural significance to be included in the Oxford English Dictionary in 2019. Today, Jackie Faherty of the American Museum of Natural History serves as the official calculator for these events.
The phenomenon happens four days annually, with specific dates varying between half-sun and full-sun alignments. For 2026, the events are scheduled for May 28 and 29, followed by July 11 and 12.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Manhattanhenge with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Jackie Faherty
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