- Here’s everything you need to know about New York’s Manhattanhenge
For many people around the world, there are fewer sights more exciting than the chance to witness a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
While the moment may be brief, being in the right place at the right time also gives individuals the chance to capture an unforgettable photo.
Anyone who wakes up early on the morning of Thursday, January 11, 2024 in New York City might be lucky enough to catch the first Manhattanhenge of the year.
This phenomenon causes the sun and Earth to align in a perfect position, so you can see a breathtaking sunrise in some parts of the city.
The first Manhattanhenge of the year is known as a ‘reverse Manhattanhenge’. But what exactly does this term mean and when will it take place?
Read on below for everything you need to know about the upcoming ‘reverse Manhattanhenge’.
Reverse Manhattanhenge is seen from Weehawken of New Jersey during sunrise between 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City, on January 12, 2022
You can see the winter ‘Mahattanhenge’ shining here on 41st Street in New York on January 12, 2022
What is a reverse Manhattanhenge?
The term ‘Manhattanhenge’ is used to describe the alignment of the setting and rising sun lines with the street grid of Manhattan.
‘Manhattanhenge’ usually unfolds around the same two days in May before happening again in July, giving New Yorkers the chance to catch a glimpse of a perfect sunset.
As a result, the term ‘reverse Manhattanhenge’ is used to describe the rising of the sun in the east of the city, as opposed to a traditional Manhattanhenge, where the sun sets in the west.
What happens to create reverse Manhattanhenge?
The less commonly known ‘reverse’ comes from the east and offers a much shorter duration, per Farmers Almanac.
In New York it is not as eagerly anticipated as the traditional Manhattanhenge because the ‘reverse’ occurs in winter, meaning there is a greater chance of cold temperatures, along with the need to wake up early to witness it of being and its relatively shorter duration.
When is the Manhattanhenge?
The ‘reverse Manhattanhenge’ will take place on Thursday morning, January 11, 2024 at 7:11 a.m. local time in New York City.
This will be followed by the traditional Manhattanhenge, which will take place in the spring and summer of 2024.
The half-sun Manhattanhenge will take place on May 29 at 8:13 PM local time, followed by another on July 12, 2024 at 8:21 PM.
A view of Manhattan as photographers wait for the inverted Manhattanhenge during sunrise from Weehawken in New Jersey, United States on January 12, 2022
Full Manhattanhenges will then take place on May 30, 2024 at 8:12 PM and on July 11, 2024 at 8:20 PM.
Where are the best places in New York to see the inverted Manhattanhenge?
For anyone ready to seize the day and catch an early morning glimpse of the ‘reverse Manhattanhenge’ of 2024, the official New York City Parks website has helpfully published a list of the best locations to visit to catch a glimpse.
These are:
- The intersection of 41st Street and 5th Avenue
- Weehawken waterfront in New Jersey, across 41st Street from the Hudson River