Media Inquiries: Julia Kramer, Department of Communications
212-496-3306; jkramer@amnh.org
www.amnh.org
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May 2017

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ANNOUNCES
MANHATTANHENGE DATES

MONDAY, MAY 29, AT 8:13 PM EDT (HALF SUN)
TUESDAY, MAY 30, AT 8:12 PM EDT (FULL SUN)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, AT 8:20 PM EDT (FULL SUN)
THURSDAY, JULY 13, AT 8:21 PM EDT (HALF SUN)

HAYDEN PLANETARIUM TO HOST PUBLIC PROGRAM ON MAY 30


Sunset looking down 34th Street. One of two days when the sunset is exactly aligned with the grid of streets in Manhattan.
Copyright © 2001, Neil deGrasse Tyson

Four nights a year, the streets of Manhattan’s grid become the site for a stunning sunset phenomenon known as Manhattanhenge. During Manhattanhenge, the Sun sets in perfect alignment with Manhattan’s East-West numbered streets, creating cinema-worthy photo opportunities. This summer, the full Sun will be visible on the grid on Tuesday, May 30, at 8:12 pm, and on Wednesday, July 12, at 8:20 pm. The half Sun will be visible on Monday, May 29, at 8:13 pm, and on Thursday, July 13, at 8:21 pm. Prime locations to view the phenomenon are large cross streets such as 14th, 34th, 42nd, 57th, and 79th. For optimal viewing at these locations, participants should arrive a half-hour earlier than the times given.

On May 30, the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium will also be hosting a public program highlighting the history and astronomy of this spectacle. Starting at 7 pm, Jackie Faherty, a research associate in the Museum’s Department of Astrophysics, will give a special presentation followed by a viewing of the event at 79th Street.

The term “Manhattanhenge” was coined by Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium, as a play on Stonehenge, where the Sun aligns with the stones on the sunrise of the summer solstice with a similarly dramatic effect.

Hours
The Museum is open daily, 10 am–5:45 pm. The Museum is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission
Museum admission is free to all New York City school and camp groups.

Suggested general admission, which supports the Museum’s scientific and educational endeavors and offers access to the Museum’s 45 halls including the Rose Center for Earth and Space, is $22 (adults) suggested, $17 (students/seniors) suggested, $12.50 (children) suggested. All prices are subject to change.

The Museum offers discounted combination ticket prices that include suggested general admission plus special exhibitions, giant-screen 2D or 3D film, and Space Shows.

  • Museum Plus One includes one special exhibition, giant-screen 2D or 3D film, or Space Show: $27 (adults), $22 (students/seniors), $16 (children)
  • Museum Supersaver includes all special exhibitions, giant-screen 2D or 3D film, and Space Show: $35 (adults), $28 (students/seniors), $22 (children)

Visitors who wish to pay less than the suggested Museum admission and also purchase a ticket to attend a special exhibition, giant-screen 2D or 3D film, or Space Show may do so on-site at the Museum. To the amount they wish to pay for general admission, they add $25 (adults), $20.50 (students/seniors), or $13.50 (children) for a Space Show, special exhibition, or giant-screen or 3D film.

Public Information
For additional information, the public may call 212-769-5100 or visit the Museum’s website at amnh.org.

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