Manhattanhenge 2023: The Ultimate Guide to Viewing and Photographing the Celestial Spectacle

by Rosa September 18, 2020

written by Rosa September 18, 2020

Manhattanhenge 2023: Where to Go and How to Photograph It

What is Manhattanhenge?

Manhattanhenge is a natural phenomenon that occurs four times a year when the setting sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan, creating a breathtaking celestial spectacle. The term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson.

When is Manhattanhenge 2023?

The dates for Manhattanhenge 2023 are as follows:

Monday, May 29, at 8:13 PM (half sun)
Tuesday, May 30, at 8:12 PM (full sun)
Wednesday, July 12, at 8:20 PM (full sun)
Thursday, July 13, at 8:21 PM (half sun)

Where to See Manhattanhenge

The best places to view Manhattanhenge are along the east-west streets of Manhattan, as far east as possible while still having a clear view of New Jersey to the west. Some of the best cross streets include 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets, as well as the streets adjacent to them. The Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building offer particularly striking vistas from 34th and 42nd streets, respectively.

You can also get a great view of Manhattanhenge from across the river in Queens.

Tips for Photographing Manhattanhenge

To capture the perfect Manhattanhenge photo, follow these tips:

Arrive at your viewing spot at least 30 minutes early to secure a good location.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire scene.
Set your camera to manual mode and use a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/30 second) to capture the movement of the sun.
Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and prevent blurry photos.
If you want to capture half of the sun above the horizon, shoot on May 29th or July 13th.
If you want to capture the full sun above the horizon, shoot on May 30th or July 12th.

Other Manhattanhenge Events

In addition to the main Manhattanhenge viewing dates, there are also other events and programs related to the phenomenon:

On May 30th, at 7 p.m., there will be a public program at the Hayden Planetarium highlighting the history and astronomy of Manhattanhenge.
The Museum of Natural History also offers a variety of educational resources about Manhattanhenge on its website.

Conclusion

Manhattanhenge is a unique and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon that is not to be missed. By following these tips, you can experience the beauty of Manhattanhenge and capture stunning photographs of this celestial spectacle.

Rosa

Rosa is a distinguished software engineer whose passion for science and technology was kindled in her early childhood. Growing up in a household where academic curiosity was nurtured, Rosa was deeply influenced by her father, a dedicated physics professor. After long days at the university, her father would come home and engage Rosa in a world of scientific exploration, guiding her through various experiments and fostering a profound love for the intricacies of the physical world. From a young age, Rosa was captivated by the endless possibilities that science presented. She spent countless hours conducting experiments and learning the fundamental principles of physics. This early exposure to scientific inquiry not only honed her analytical skills but also instilled in her a relentless curiosity and a passion for problem-solving. Rosa's academic journey led her to pursue a degree in Computer Science, where she excelled in her studies, driven by the same enthusiasm that had characterized her childhood experiments. She graduated with honors, earning a Bachelor's degree from a prestigious university. Her academic achievements were marked by numerous accolades and scholarships, reflecting her dedication and exceptional talent in the field. In her professional career, Rosa has made significant contributions to the tech industry. She has worked for several leading technology companies, where she has been instrumental in developing innovative software solutions that have had a substantial impact on various sectors. Her expertise lies in designing and implementing complex algorithms, optimizing system performance, and ensuring the reliability and scalability of software applications. Beyond her technical prowess, Rosa is a strong advocate for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). She actively participates in mentorship programs, guiding young women who aspire to pursue careers in technology. Rosa believes in the power of education and the importance of providing equal opportunities for all, and she dedicates her time to speaking at conferences and workshops to inspire the next generation of female engineers. In her personal life, Rosa continues to embrace her scientific roots. She enjoys spending her free time experimenting with new technologies, reading scientific journals, and engaging in discussions about the future of technology. Rosa's journey from a curious child conducting experiments to a successful software engineer is a testament to the power of early exposure to science and the enduring influence of a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.