Watch CBS News

Manhattanhenge gives New Yorkers some evening fun in the sun

NEW YORK -- New Yorkers Friday evening were in the midst of the second and final pair of sunsets of the year that line up with Manhattan's cross streets, known as Manhattanhenge.

CBS New York station WCBS-TV reports one Manhattanhenge sunset occurred at 8:24 p.m. Friday, and another will occur at 8:25 p.m. Saturday.

The phenomenon - also known as the Manhattan Solstice - occurs when the setting sun aligns precisely with the Manhattan street grid, creating a radiant glow of light.

The best view is on the wider crosstown streets, such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd and 57th streets.

The term Manhattanhenge was coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, a native New Yorker.

Scenes from Friday night's sunset can be seen below.

People take pictures at sunset during the bi-annual occurrence of Manhattanhenge in New York July 11, 2014.
People take pictures at sunset during the bi-annual occurrence of Manhattanhenge in New York July 11, 2014. Reuters/Eduardo Munoz

Traffic slows as tourists and pedestrians watch the Manhattanhenge phenomenon July 11, 2014 on 42nd Street in New York.
Traffic slows as tourists and pedestrians watch the Manhattanhenge phenomenon July 11, 2014 on 42nd Street in New York. Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.