Over the years, you might have seen on social media epic pictures of the sun in the center between New York City buildings. This phenomenon is called Manhattanhenge, and it’s when the setting sun can be seen aligning precisely between the buildings of the grid, creating a radiant glow.

As a New York City photographer, this is one of the main events I photograph in the spring and summer. Yes, as much as I’m not a fan of crowds I still put up with them to get ‘the shot’. After I posted about Manhattanhenge on my social media channels, people started letting me know about other henges they knew about!

The History of Manhattanhenge

Technically, “henge” is used to describe an enclosure. While Stonehenge derived its name because of its physical setup, it is also the OG of such an event where the sun is enclosed through something man-made. The sun rises behind the Heel Stone during the summer and winter equinoxes and brings in tourists from everywhere to witness.

It’s from there that American astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson realized the sun systematically sets exactly along the Manhattan grid every May and July. Watch the linked video above for a more in-depth explanation.

When Is Manhattanhenge

The exact dates vary slightly year by year, but it occurs twice a year with the first Manhattanhenge usually happening around Memorial Day Weekend and then the second set in mid-July. Between May and July, the American Museum of Natural History also coined the “Manhattanhenge Effect” which is where the sun appears between the grid of New York City since it’s low in the sky, but it doesn’t quite “kiss” the grid-like it does on the actual Manhattanhenge dates. This is my preferred time to photograph the sun between the grid because the hype is gone, and no crowds!

Where To See and Photograph Manhattanhenge

Since Manhattanhenge happens during sunset, it’s necessary to stand east facing west. Ideally, find a spot as far east as possible. For best results with a wide-open view, go to one of the two-way streets of 14th, 34th, 42nd, or 57th Street.

Tudor City Overpass on 42nd St. and First Ave. is the most popular location.⁣⁣⁣ My favorite spot is actually at Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City because you can include the NYC skyline. If you want to get ‘the shot’ you should get to your shooting location two to four hours early to stake your spot. No, I’m not exaggerating about the time. Be prepared for crowds everywhere on the streets, especially at Tudor City Overpass. Everyone acts like animals when it’s a clear day and the sun is setting!

Other Manhattanhenges Around The World

Believe it or not, this phenomenon is not unique to New York City! In general, depending on the time of year and location, anything could technically be a sun-related henge. That being said, it’s always exciting to see the literal ball of sun so close through a social construct! I’m making it my mission to compile a running list of sun henges around the world, but here’s an introductory list.

Henges in the United States

• Reverse Manhattanhenge (NYC): November & January during sunrise.
  • If you want to avoid the insane crowds and take pictures from the New Jersey side there is also ‘Reverse Manhattanhenge’. Just like the main event in the summer, this happens twice, but it’s in the winter months of November and January. It also happens during sunrise around 7 am instead of sunset. Talk about pain! The best spot to take pictures of Reverse Manhattanhenge is as far west on 34th St. or from Weehawken looking down 42nd Street.

• Chicagohenge (Chicago): Spring & Autumn equinox.
  • The Windy City has its own sun henge occurring in late March during the spring equinox. Unlike New York City where the henges for sunrise and sunset are spread throughout the year, Chicagohenge’s sunrise and sunset both happen on the same day. While the main event is in March, there is another chance to see it in September during the (you guessed it) autumn equinox.
    
• Scripps Pier Henge (San Diego): early May and early-mid August

International Henges

• Stonehenge (England): Winter and summer equinox.
  • As mentioned above, this was the OG of this spectacle event. The sun rises behind the Heel Stone during the summer and winter equinoxes and brings in tourists from everywhere to witness.
    
• Kaohsiung-henge (Taiwan): November during sunset
  • One of Taiwan’s largest cities, Kaohsiung, has a similar grid structure to Manhattan and it occurs in November. This actually aligns with the first set of ‘Reverse Manhattanhenge’ mentioned above. With Taiwan on the literal opposite end of the world from New York City, Kaohsiunghenge happens during sunset. If you want to opt for warmer weather and a later day, book that flight to Taiwan! The city government uses this opportunity to promote tourism to the region and even blocks off certain roads to allow for safer viewing experiences.
    
• Palermohenge (Sicily): During the spring equinox, the sun in Palermo rises along the axis of Corso Calatafimi

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A post shared by Erin ∙ NYC Photographer ∙ Content Creator (@niredonahue)

Camera Gear & Camera Settings For Sun Photography

These are some recommended settings to get started with. As always, experiment on your own depending on the environment and lighting conditions. Also, since you’re dealing with the literal sun do not look directly into it!! Read what camera gear I use to photograph the sun, or check out my storefront on Amazon

• Aperture: f/8-f/11⁣⁣⁣
• Shutterspeed: 1/250+⁣⁣⁣
• ISO: 100⁣⁣⁣
• ⁣⁣⁣ND Filters & Tripods are optional

Watch More About Manhattanhenge on YouTube

Read what camera gear I use when I travel or check out my storefront on Amazon

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