AI Generated Image
July is the height of summer stargazing and the last chance for Manhattanhenge
Gothamist • • science
Key Points:
- July is prime stargazing season in New York City, featuring visible planets like Venus and Jupiter, the Milky Way, meteor showers, and the Manhattanhenge sunset phenomenon.
- Venus and Jupiter are easily visible just after sunset on July 4, with Venus being the brightest object in the night sky after the moon.
- The Milky Way can be seen from certain dark spots in the city, such as Floyd Bennett Field, especially around the new moon on July 14 when skies are darkest.
- Manhattanhenge, when the setting sun aligns with Manhattan’s street grid, will occur on July 11 and 12, with popular viewing spots including 14th and 42nd streets and events at the American Museum of Natural History.
- Late July brings overlapping meteor showers, but the full moon on July 29 will reduce visibility; stargazers are advised to wait until mid-August for the best Perseids meteor shower viewing under a new moon.
