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Manhattanhenge 2016: Cloud skies may hinder views

By Allen Cone
People gather and take pictures with a view of 42nd Street in Manhattan hoping to see a Manhattanhenge event that would never appear due to heavy clouds in New York City on May 29, 2016. The Manhattanhenge sunset comes twice a year when the setting sun aligns precisely with Manhattan's street grid. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI
1 of 5 | People gather and take pictures with a view of 42nd Street in Manhattan hoping to see a Manhattanhenge event that would never appear due to heavy clouds in New York City on May 29, 2016. The Manhattanhenge sunset comes twice a year when the setting sun aligns precisely with Manhattan's street grid. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, May 30 (UPI) -- New Yorkers will crowd streets Monday night hoping to view Manhattanhenge, the stunning sunset that occurs four evenings a year in the city.

But they might be out of luck.

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Cloudy skies spoiled the sunset Sunday night and tonight's forecast calls for more clouds, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski said. And throw in some spotty showers to make matters even worse.

When the weather cooperates, the city's buildings are positioned in a row 30 degrees east of geographic north and align with the sun's path. The radiant glow illuminates the north and south sides of each cross street along the Manhattan borough's grid.

Anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunset should get as far east in Manhattan as possible for the 8:20 p.m. sunset. Large crowds gather on 23rd and 42nd streets.

The event was dubbed Manahattanhenge in 2001 by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson after the views of Stonehenge, England, during its alignment with the summer solstice.

The New York sunsets occur back-to-back nights twice a year. The next one is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. July 12 and 13.

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