One of New York City's most beloved annual events was back for one last summer showing.

Ideal viewing weather

With temperatures in the low 80s and mostly clear skies, the weekend was a great one to get out on the streets of Manhattan.

A city built for this moment 

Manhattan's unique street layout is what makes this phenomenon possible. Back in 1811, the Commissioners' Plan established the island's grid at a 29-degree offset from true east-west. Twice a year, on either side of the summer solstice, the setting sun lines up perfectly with that angled grid — turning the city's streets into a breathtaking solar corridor.

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Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, coined the name back in 1997. The inspiration came from his own teenage memories of visiting Stonehenge in England, where he was struck by the way the ancient monument aligned with the sun — a parallel he saw mirrored in Manhattan's modern street grid centuries later. This July weekend marks the second and final time this year the sun returns to that perfect alignment.

Best viewing locations 

Top spots to catch the view:

• 42nd Street: Some of the best sightlines in the city, with the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building adding to the backdrop
• 34th Street: A favorite for photographers looking to frame the Empire State Building in their shot
• 14th, 23rd, and 57th Streets: All offer prime visibility with plenty of room to find your perfect spot

The sweet spot is right in the middle of the street — though be sure to watch for traffic and follow police guidance. If you can see clear across to New Jersey when looking west, you're in exactly the right place.

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Manhattanhenge returns this winter — with a twist

Looking ahead, Manhattanhenge isn't just a summer phenomenon. The event also occurs during the winter months, but with sunrise alignments rather than sunset. Mark your calendars for around December 5 and January 8 for your next chance to catch the magic.