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New Yorkers gather to watch ‘Manhattanhenge’ as the sun sets in alignment with the city grid

A RARE solar phenomenon has made an appearance in New York City, with thousands stopping traffic to snap that perfect picture.

Michael Morrow
less than 2 min read
July 12, 2016 - 2:17PM
News Corp Australia Network
People take photographs as they view the 'Manhattanhenge' sunset from Hunters Point South Park. Picture: Getty
People take photographs as they view the 'Manhattanhenge' sunset from Hunters Point South Park. Picture: Getty

FOR the second time this year, “Manhattanhenge” has made its appearance in New York, with thousands flooding city streets to see the phenomenon.

Manhattanhenge is the name given for when the setting sun aligns with the east-west streets of the city’s street grid system.

It’s similar to Stonehenge in Salisbury where the sun, on the solstice, sets in alignment with the stones.

Manhattenhenge happens at either side of the summer solstice, when the sun reaches its greatest height in the sky usually around May 28 and July 12.

Thousands of people dodged traffic to get the best photos of the solar phenomenon and shared them on social media.

Here are some of the best:

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/technology/science/space/new-yorkers-gather-to-watch-manhattanhenge-as-the-sun-sets-in-alignment-with-the-city-grid/news-story/65c40961d4200c80f876e5325ce95d07