Manhattanhenge 2017: Where and when to view New York City's most striking sunset of the year

This summer, bustling New Yorkers will take an uncharacteristic pause to witness one of the city's most striking natural events: a flaming orange sunset known as “Manhattanhenge”.

Thanks to the Earth’s and sun’s rotations – and a happy accident of city planning – the sunset aligns perfectly with New York City streets twice a year. The effect is breathtaking – something like a golden blanket descending over the city that never sleeps.

This month’s Manhattanhenge can be seen at 8.13pm EDT on 29 May, or 8.12pm the following day. The spectacle will also occur on 12 July at 8.20pm, and 13 July at 8.21pm.

Experts suggest arriving at your lookout spot 30 minutes early to get the perfect Instagram angle. They expect thousands of people to turn out for the phenomenon.

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson deemed the event “Manhattanhenge” in tribute to the UK’s Stonehenge monument, parts of which align perfectly with the sunrise during the summer solstice.

“Manhattanhenge may just be a unique urban phenomenon in the world, if not the universe,” Mr deGrasse Tyson writes on his blog.

That’s because New York City is likely the only city to be set on a perfectly straight grid, with a clear view of the horizon.

The view can be seen best on the city’s widest streets, on the eastern side. Try out 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets for the best glimpse.

Elevated parks like the Chelsea High Line are also prime vantage points for the sunset. You can also get a great (and likely less crowded) view of the event across the river in Queens.

Wherever you choose to view Manhattanhenge, make sure you bring your sunglasses. This is going to be a bright one.