'Manhattanhenge' to put on final show of 2024 Saturday: Could weather interfere with viewing?
The best locations to view Manhattanhenge include 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street and 57th Street.
Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about 'Manhattanhenge'
Neil deGrasse Tyson talks to FOX Weather's Nick Kosir about "Manhattanhenge." He coined the term to describe a phenomenon that is now widely anticipated.
NEW YORK – The annual "Manhattanhenge" phenomenon that happens only four times a year in New York City makes its final appearance of the year on Saturday evening, and the weather looks better than Friday night's show.
Manhattanhenge is a unique annual celestial event that occurs about three weeks before and after the summer solstice, when the sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan at sunset.
The alignment causes the star to illuminate several cross streets, creating an awe-inspiring visual effect.
![People stop to watch the sunset along 42nd Street in Times Square the day before "Manhattanhenge" on July 11, 2024 in New York City.]()
Image 1 of 2People stop to watch the sunset along 42nd Street in Times Square the day before "Manhattanhenge" on July 11, 2024 in New York City. (Craig T Fruchtman)
![People stop to watch the sunset along 42nd Street in Times Square the day before "Manhattanhenge" on July 11, 2024 in New York City.]()
Image 2 of 2People stop to watch the sunset along 42nd Street in Times Square the day before "Manhattanhenge" on July 11, 2024 in New York City. (Craig T Fruchtman)
This year, Manhattanhenge was slated to take place on Friday and then again on Saturday. The weather dampened views of the event on Friday, but views may be possible on Saturday.
THESE PHOTOS OF THE SUN WILL PUT YOUR 4K TV TO SHAME
The FOX Forecast Center has been tracking a slow-moving front that became stationary over the Big Apple. It produced the rain and heavy cloud cover seen on Friday, but it is expected to move offshore allowing skies to clear up a bit in time for Saturday's Manhattanhenge.
(FOX Weather)
If the sun were to be visible from NYC, the best viewing time Saturday would be 8:21 p.m. The best locations to view Manhattanhenge include 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street and 57th Street, according to city officials.
By Sunday, the sun’s position, combined with the tall skyscrapers, will prevent the phenomenon from occurring.
How did Manhattanhenge phenomenon start?
Renowned astrophysicist and science expert Neil deGrasse Tyson first coined the phrase in the 1990s, and it has since become an annual tourist attraction.
Tyson said he was influenced by England’s Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument known for its alignment with the Sun.
The 13-foot-high stones align with the solstices and some other celestial events, but their exact purpose remains unclear and is debated by historians.
Since most of the viewing opportunities in NYC were shrouded by clouds this year, tourists and residents will have to wait until late May and mid-July of 2025 to see the exact alignment again. The dates should be pretty close to May 28 and July 13 to see the half-sun effect, and around May 29 and July 12 for the full sun effect.
'Manhattanhenge' delights people in New York City
FOX Weather's Nick Kosir talks to people gathered to capture an image of "Manhattanhenge" as the phenomenon unfolds.