The sun sets along 42nd Street in Manhattan during an annual phenomenon known as "Manhattanhenge," when the sun aligns perfectly with the city's transit grod, Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in New York. AP Photo/John Minchillo
If you tried to catch “Manhattanhenge” this weekend only to see clouds instead, you may find some comfort in these pictures of the visual phenomenon captured over the years.
Manhattanhenge is a play on the words “Stonehenge” and “Manhattan.” Just as people gather to watch the sunsets perfectly aligned with the prehistoric stone monument in Britain, people have also noticed the visual appeal of a sunset aligning along the grid structure of Manhattan’s streets.
Only two times a year does the sun set in a perfect angle so as to be visible from the eastern edge of the island, as it peaks, from the west, through the walls of skyscrapers.
One of the chances this year occurs on two days, May 29 and May 30, shortly after 8 p.m. But the first day’s opportunity was thwarted by clouds.
A view looking west to see Manhattanhenge, which was not visible due to clouds, on May 29, 2016 in New York City. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images
And the forecast indicates cloudiness on May 30 as well.
Indeed, Manhattanhenge was reported to be a failure last year as well.
The next chance to see the alignment will be July 11 and July 12 at 8:20 p.m.
We have had some nice Manhattanhenge moments in years past though. Take a look:
Traffic slows as tourists and pedestrians watch the Manhattanhenge phenomenon July 11, 2014 on 42nd Street in New York. The event happens when the sunset lines up with the New York City street grid. Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
The sun sets along 42nd Street in Manhattan during an annual phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge, when the sun aligns perfectly with the city's transit grid, Wednesday, May 29, 2013, in New York. AP Photo/John Minchillo
People stand in the middle of 42nd Street in New York's Manhattan borough as the sun sets through the middle of the buildings during a phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge, on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
The sun sets on the horizon overlooking 42nd street as Manhattanhenge occurs in New York on July 13, 2011. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
Manhattanhenge on July 11, 2010. Andra MIhali/CC BY-SA 2.0
Manhattanhenge on May 31, 2009. Haldean Brown/CC BY-SA 2.0
Manhattanhenge on June 3, 2008. Sevtibidou/CC BY-SA 3.0
The sun sets 30 May 2007 over the west side of New York City. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images
The sun sets creating a modern-day 'Stonehenge effect' along Manhattan streets May 28, 2006 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Petr Svab
reporter
Petr Svab is a reporter covering New York. Previously, he covered national topics including politics, economy, education, and law enforcement.
