New York City's sprawling skyline allows for picturesque sunrises and sunsets, especially on a clear day. Hoboken and Jersey City, N.J., dwellers pay higher rent just to have a better view of the Big Apple from a distance.
If you notice more people than usual (which is saying an awful lot) stopping in their tracks this weekend, capturing photos of the setting sun to post on their respective Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts, it's because of Manhattanhenge. This occurs four times a year when the sun sets in such a perfect way that it is visible from the north and south end of every cross street on the island. It happens twice with a half sun and two more times with the entire sun.
None other than astrophysicist and all-around science genius Neil deGrasse Tyson named and discovered the event. He knows how native New Yorkers and tourists alike can get the most out of the first installment of Manhattanhenge 2015.
"For best effect, position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible," Tyson wrote for the American Museum of Natural History. "But ensure that when you look west across the avenues you can still see New Jersey. Clear cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th. 42nd, 57th, and several streets adjacent to them.
"The Empire State building and the Chrysler building render 34th street and 42nd streets especially striking vistas."
Tyson also recommends you get to a good spot 30 minutes before sunset in order to get a good view but to make sure your future #Manhattanhenge social media picture doesn't have anybody else's iPhone in the foreground, getting there even earlier won't hurt.
Below are the exact times Manhattanhenge will happen this summer and pictures of the event from years past. Pick your locations wisely!
Half Sun on the Grid
Friday, May 29 8:12 p.m. EDT
Monday, July 13 8:21 p.m. EDT
Full Sun on the Grid
Saturday, May 30 8:12 p.m. EDT
Sunday, July 12 8:20 p.m. EDT
