Stunning sunsets in New York as annual 'Manhattanhenge' hits

'Manhattanhenge' takes place just a couple of times a year. Photo credit: Getty Images.

Thousands of people have been stopping in the middle of New York's busy streets and pointing their phones and cameras west, as a rare solar alignment takes place.

Once a year, the sun sets perfectly in line with Manhattan's famous grid-planned streets - a phenomenon now known as 'Manhattanhenge.'

For New Yorkers, it's probably the only time the city's air pollution has its benefits. The dirty red atmosphere creates a golden glow as the sun goes down.

The sun goes down at 29 degrees north of due west. Photo credit: Getty Images.

When the city was designed, urban planners tilted the main streets of New York by 29 degrees, to roughly align them with the island's shape.

So, twice a year, when the sun goes down 29 degrees north of due west, 'Manhattanhenge' occurs.

Newshub.

Contact Newshub with your story tips:
news@newshub.co.nz