Manhattanhenge set to grace New York City skyline amidst uncertain skies
The first alignment of the setting Sun with Manhattan's street grid is scheduled for 8:13 p.m. ET Wednesday. However, the FOX Forecast Center said unfavorable weather conditions might obscure the evening display.
Manhattanhenge viewing conditions will be poor Wednesday in New York City
Manhattanhenge is a unique annual celestial event that occurs about three weeks before and after the summer solstice, when the sun aligns perfectly with the east-west streets of Manhattan at sunset.
NEW YORK – While New York City eagerly anticipates Manhattanhenge, uncertain skies threaten to obscure the borough's radiant display.
The first alignment of the setting Sun with Manhattan's street grid is scheduled for 8:13 p.m. ET Wednesday. However, the FOX Forecast Center said clouds would likely obscure the evening display.
"Conditions … not looking so great," FOX Weather Meteorologist Kendall Smith said.
For those unfamiliar, Manhattanhenge is a unique annual celestial event that occurs about three weeks before and after the summer solstice along the east-west streets of Manhattan at sunset. The remarkable sight ultimately transforms the borough's architecture into a dramatic, glowing canyon.
THESE PHOTOS OF THE SUN WILL PUT YOUR 4K TV TO SHAME
The widest cross-town streets on Manhattan's east side offer the prime vantage points for viewing Manhattanhenge. (FOX Weather)
The best locations to view Manhattanhenge include 14th Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street and 57th Street.
"It really is a sight to behold," said FOX Weather Meteorologist Stephen Morgan, who has been among the many New Yorkers and visitors alike who are known to flock to prime viewing spots to capture this fleeting, magical moment.
Your best bet: Thursday evening
While Wednesday night's viewing might be a wash, there's good news for hopeful spectators, the FOX Forecast Center said. Manhattanhenge will occur again on Thursday evening, when there is a better chance of breaks in the rain.
If this week's events are a bust, mark your calendars for July 13, when another opportunity to witness Manhattanhenge will arise.
Stay with FOX Weather, as we will share any captivating images that emerge from this week's alignment.
Neil deGrasse Tyson talks about 'Manhattanhenge'
Neil deGrasse Tyson talks to FOX Weather's Nick Kosir about "Manhattanhenge." He coined the term to describe a phenomenon that is now widely anticipated.
How did Manhattanhenge phenomenon start?
Renowned astrophysicist and science expert Neil deGrasse Tyson first coined the phrase in the 1990s, and it has since become an annual tourist attraction.
Tyson said he was influenced by England’s Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument known for its alignment with the Sun.
The 13-foot-high stones align with the solstices and some other celestial events, but their exact purpose remains unclear and is debated by historians.