A “Blue Moon” is coinciding perfectly with the very first “Manhattanhenge” sunsets of 2026. This means you have a chance to witness two striking astronomical events within minutes of each other.
Here is everything you need to know to catch the ultimate urban skywatching spectacle.
What to expect from Manhattanhenge
Manhattanhenge occurs when the setting sun aligns exactly with Manhattan’s grid of streets.
Because the city’s grid is rotated about 30 degrees east of true north, this geometry creates the incredible illusion of the sun suspended perfectly between rows of skyscrapers.
The “half sun” event already kicked things off on Thursday, but the main event is happening tonight.
- Catch the “full sun” tonight: Friday, May 29, at 8:13 p.m. EDT.
This is widely considered the most photogenic moment, as the entire solar disk will appear framed between the buildings just before it dips below the horizon.
Don’t miss the Blue Moon
Shortly after the sun sets on Friday, keep your eyes on the sky to catch a Blue Moon rising.
May 2026 is a unique month for stargazers because it features two full moons. The first was the Flower Moon on May 1, and the second is the Blue Moon peaking overnight on May 30-31.
Here are a few fun facts about this weekend’s moon:
- It is a monthly Blue Moon: This simply means it is the second full moon in a single calendar month.
- It is a micromoon: This will be the most distant and smallest full moon of 2026, sitting about 252,360 miles away from Earth.
- It won’t actually be blue: While true blue-colored moons only happen during extreme atmospheric conditions (like volcanic eruptions or massive wildfires), this moon will still be a stunning sight.
- Look for the red star: The moon will appear near Antares, a bright red star located in the Scorpius constellation.
How to watch
This rare combination is expected to draw massive crowds of photographers, tourists, and locals onto the streets.
For the best views of Manhattanhenge, you will want to head to the city’s major east-west thoroughfares. Streets like 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets offer some of the clearest sightlines.
Be sure to arrive early to claim your spot, look both ways for traffic, and get your cameras ready for a truly spectacular weekend in the city!
