Thanks to the magic of blogging, I can pinpoint exactly when I discovered the phenomenon that is Manhattanhenge: it was just after the first occurrence of 2016 that took place on May 30 of that year, and in the aftermath the internet generally and my feed in particular was flooded with images from the spectacle and my inner urban planning geek could not get over it.
The term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by Neil DeGrasse Tyson to describe the moment in time when the setting sun perfectly lines up with the Manhattan street grid. (Unlike at Stonehenge, from which Manhattanhenge clearly takes its name, Manhattanhenge does not occur on the summer solstice because Manhattan’s street grid does not lay on a precise north-south axis.) This also means that Manhattanhenge occurs twice a year: once in late May and once in mid-July.
This phenomenon happens in other cities that have a tidy street grid and an unobstructed horizon, like Chicago, Toronto, Baltimore, and Montreal—but it was Manhattanhenge itself that went immediately on my must-see list.
Prepare yourself for an anticlimactic story: when we learned back in the spring that Manhattanhenge 2024 falls on my brithday, Will and I briefly thought of making this the year we see it in person. Our kids are a little older now, so not snag a cheap summer flight up to New York and spend the weekend eating good food, walking twenty miles a day, and watching the sunset?
Well, it turns out we had a lengthy list of reasons why not for this particular birthday weekend timing, but I still intend to vicariously enjoy Manhattanhenge through online photos plus a bit of literary armchair travel.
If you are similarly curious about the Manhattanhenge phenomenon, or simply enjoy a novel in which long walks through New York City feature prominently, I hope one of these jumps out at you. And of course I would LOVE to hear your suggestions in comments. Please share your picks there!
A short reading list for your vicarious Manhattanhenge experience
Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Open City
Time After Time: A Novel
There are any number of books you could read to better understand the NYC grid and the Manhattanhenge phenomenon—astronomy, city planning, NYC history, and more! If you enjoy this particular list, I have more promising book recommendations for you, particularly these 130 recommended reads for those traveling to New York City (or who want to) and these 14 books about walking and hiking. Happy reading!
Have you experienced Manhattanhenge in person? What books would you recommend to those who, like me, are seeking to get a taste of Manhattanhenge from their favorite reading chair this year?
21 comments
I loved loved loved Lillian Boxfish takes a walk.
I read Time After Time on your recommendation several years ago!
I also read Time After Time and really enjoyed it. I just borrowed Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk from the library. Looking forward to reading it.
All The Beauty in the World written by a guard at the Museum. In the back of the book are web links to the various pieces of art that he is talking about in the book, so you can look at them at the same time. I was enthralled at this interaction with the text and it made the book so much more meaningful.
I also read a book on the High Line that opened out with map section and tons of photographs, since I am not able to travel there to see it in person, I felt this gave me a real feel and idea of the experience.
Kathy, can you share the High Line book’s title?
This is the first I have heard it called Manhattanhenge but I saw a view of the sun setting over Manhattan from the Rainbow Room. I will never forget it.
Yes! Please share!
I really enjoyed All the Beauty in the World! What is the title of the High Line book? Thanks!
Kathy, I’m also interested in the high line book.
I hope that you get to travel to NYC to walk it some time soon! It does not disappoint.
My google search led me to this: High Line: The Inside Story of New York City’s Park in the Sky Paperback – October 11, 2011. Maybe this is the book that was being referred to?
Thank you, Sheri!
I absolutely loved All The Beauty in the World – one of my favourite books of last year
I have never heard of Manhattanhenge but as a lover of cities and someone very into the solstices, equinoxes, etc. I am intrigued! Now I’m googling photos.
If I’m thinking of Manhattan and unusual phenomena, the book that always springs to mind is An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. It starts out in midtown Manhattan and is weird and funny and still on my mind years later!
These are not specifically about Manhattanhenge but I thought they were great reads with a NYC setting: Ready or Not by Cara Bastone (just look at the cover!) and Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chamberlain
Could have used this post about 3 days ago. lol. I just finished “The Seven Year Slip” where there’s a brief scene during Manhattanhenge. It was the first time I’d ever heard of it and had to Google it!
I also bought and read Time after time after reading your recommendation! I loved it and lent it to a friend but I want it back so I can reread it!
I live in Baltimore, and knew nothing about it being a thing anywhere… and now I need to find out about Baltimorehenge. Thank you!
I have thought about Time After Time SO MANY TIMES since I read it (likely on your recommendation) the summer it came out or close to it. I literally still remember where I was when I read it which doesn’t happen for many books!
The Personal Librarian about Belle da Costa Greene who managed and developed the Morgan Library and Museum is a good book to add to the list.
Happy Birthday, Anne!
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