Manhattanhenge sunset lights up New York sky – in pictures

Cameras at the ready. Manhattanhenge, a portmanteau of ‘Manhattan’ and ‘Stonehenge’, is a biannual solar event when the sunset lines up with the city’s grid street system

People gather on the crosswalk, blocking traffic at 2nd Avenue and 42nd Street

Sunlight, camera, action: 42nd Street in Times Square

During the spectacular solar event the sun sets in alignment with the Manhattan streets, from east to west

A view of the sunset from Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens

Camera phones are held aloft on 42nd Street as the city is bathed in golden light

The Manhattanhenge sunset from Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens. The phenomenon lasts only a few minutes but attracts huge crowds each year

The spectacular view from a sunkissed 42nd Street in Times Square

Manhattanhenge occurs at about the same time on two consecutive days in May and again in July. Usually the dates fall around Memorial Day and a week or so after Independence Day

Picture perfect conditions on 42nd Street as the setting sun casts a warm glow over the city’s famous grid system

Each year the eerie natural phenomenon brings the city that never sleeps to a standstill

Sky-watchers gather on Park Avenue viaduct, 42nd Street

Traffic heads east on 42nd Street. The ‘henge’ phenomenon is not limited to the Big Apple and similar occurrences have been reported in other cities

Crowds tend to gather on the major thoroughfares, with 42nd Street, pictured, being a popular viewing spot. But any east-west street offers a striking view

Crowds and police alike enjoying the view

People wait on 42nd Street to see the celestial show

The most stunning Manhattanhenge displays occur during the final moments of sunset

Revellers are advised to go outside about half an hour before sunset to capture the entire spectacle

The best way to see Manhattanhenge is to pick a location with a wide view, such as 42nd Street, pictured, with nothing obstructing it

A prime viewing spot on 42nd Street

Manhattanhenge is forecast to take place again on 11 and 12 July