NYC Events 2009 August
.
------------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy Inc
nys...@nyskies.org
www.nyskies.org
The following astronomy activities in the commuting ring
enclosing
New York City are operated by various organizations. A few cultural
items of special importance to City astronomers are also included.
Altho NYC Events confirms the listed items, they are subject to
change by their sponsors. Check with their contacts. Let the sponsor
know that you learned of its event thru NYC Events.
Frequently asked questions and explanation of NYC Events is at
'www.nyskies.org/nyc-faq.htm'.
You may ask for previous NYC Events thru 'nys...@nyskies.org'
because only the current issue is in the website. It is replaced by
next month's issue.
For events which missed NYC Events, check the NYSkies Yahoogroup
forum. Join NYSkies by visiting 'www.nyskies.org/yahoo.htm' and
picking either the email or website option.
All hours are Eastern daylight Savings Time.
International Year of Astronomy
-----------------------------
IYA is the commemoration of Galileo's use of the telescope to
explore the stars 400 years ago. A worldwide effort is underway to
promote astronomy to the public with increased visibility of existing
programs and running new ones. In the US, IYA participation for home
astronomers is thru the Night Sky Network of JPL and ASP.
To enhance visibility of IYA participants in NYSkies territory,
they are marked with an asterisk in the Index of Events. Please call
on them for astronomy advice, consultation, service. As new
affiliates
enter IYA, we'll flag them.
Jupiter's new collision mark
--------------------------
The new blemish on Jupiter, found on 19 July 2009, was quickly
confirmed to be a collision scar. It's the firsst one since the crash
of comet Shoemaker-Levy-9 in July 1994, quite 15 years ago.
Under August 1st is a table in EDST for NYC when the spot sits
centrally on Jupiter's disc. It should be discernible within 1/2 hr
of
the listed hours, else it may be too near the limb for easy viewing.
As at issue time no special Jupiter watches were announced. With
Jupiter rising in late evening, all the routine starviewing sessions
will show the planet. There may be extra session to match the transit
times of the new spot. Ask your astronomy center for latest news.
Perseid meter shower
------------------
Only a few events are noted for the Perseid meteor shower in mid
August. On the whole in the NYSkies territory a meteor shower is
severely weakened by our gray sky. It masks the dimmer meteors, the
ones giving the shower effect. Oing only the occasional bright
meteors
shine thru every few minutes. This low frequency quenches the spirit
of astronomers and turns off the public.
Thre are routine starviewing events for mid August. Some of them
may be extended into the dawn hours for a perseid watch. There may be
last-minute event sfor the shower that miss NYC Events. Ask at your
local astronomy center for latest news.
Index of Events
-------------
Dates for events in main listing, else contact if no events
Events in recess may have month of resumption with contact
------------------------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN - BK
Boom-A-Ring - - - - - - - 1-Sep 7
Festival by the Sea - - - 1-Sep 15
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - SEP - www.nyskies.org,
stephe...@nyc.rr.com, nys...@nyskies.org
Movies with a view - - - 6
Secret Science Club - - - 11
Transit Museum - - - - - 2, 16
Weekend Walks - - - - - - 1
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - - SEP - www.asgh.org, 860-872-9069,
ppar...@cs.com
Astro Soc of Greenwich - OCT - rb...@juno.com, www.seocom.com/asg,
203-896-6786-x338
*Astro Soc of New Haven - 25
*Bethany Observatory - - - 21
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - - 7, 21
Bowman Observatory - - - 11, 25
CT Tripoli Rocketry Assn NOV - www.ctra-narconn.org, 860-583-1690
Litchfield Hills AAC - - lm...@hotmail.com,
www.fortunecity.com/victorian/twain/1206/id19.htm .
*Mattituck Astro Soc - - - mastransit.org, btb...@mastransit.org
*McCarthy Observatory - - 8
Stamford Observatory - - 7, 14, 21, 28
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 29
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - SEP - www.wesleyan.edu/astro/events,
860-685-3664
Western CT St Univ - - - SEP - www.wcsu.edu/starwatch,
203-837-8671, aws...@wcsu.edu
*Westport Astro Soc - - - 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27
LONG ISLAND - LI
AlCon 2009 convention - - 7-8
AlCon 2009 Starbeque - - 7
*Amat Observers Society - SEP - www.aosny.org,
sue...@optonline.net
Astro Soc of Long Island 5, 12, 19, 26
Brookhaven Natl Lab - - - www.bnl.gov, 631-344-8000
Custer Institute - - - - 1, 7, 8, 15, 22, 29
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - OCT - 516-463-2759,
www.hofstra.edu/Academics, obser...@hofstra.edu
Innovative Stone Co - - - 1-indef
Montauk Observatory - - - 1
Natl Space Soc-LISS - - - chapters.nss.org/ny/longisland,
trekk...@aol.com
*Robert Moses St Pk - - - www.aosny.org, sue...@optonline.net
Science Club of Long Is - www.sciencecluboflongisland.com,
631-421-1523, in...@sciencecluboflongisland.com
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - SEP - www.ess.sunysb.edu/astro,
slutt...@notes.cc.sunysb.edu, 631-632-8100
Waterfront Park - - - - - 6, 13, 20, 27
MANHATTAN - MH
92nd Street Y (Lex & 92) www.92y.org, 212-415-5500
Amer Intl Group - - - - - 1-indef
Amer Musm Natl Hist - - - 1-16, 23
Antares occultation - - - 27
Bike Around - - - - - - - 1-Sep 30
'Buriki' exhibit - - - - 1-16
Cafe' Science - - - - - - 10
'Cash for clunkers' - - - 1-Nov 1
Central Park - - - - - - 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30
City College Physics - - SEP - phy...@sci.ccny.cuny.edu,
www.sci.ccny.cuny.edu/physics/calendar, 212-650-6832
*Columbia Univ Astro - - - SEP - www.astro.columbia.edu/outreach,
212-854-3278, outreac...@astro.columbia.edu
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - 14, 28
Cornelia St Cafe' - - - - SEP - www.corneliastreetcafe.com,
212-989-9319
Courant Institute - - - - SEP - caos.cims.nyu.edu,
sha...@cims.nyu.edu
CUNY Grad Ctr (Sci & Art) SEP - 212-817-8215, web.gc.cuny.edu/cepp,
contin...@gc.cuny.edu
Earth Institute - - - - - SEP - jc2305@.columbia.edu,
www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu
Goddard Inst for Spc Std SEP - www.giss.nasa.gov, 212-678-5540,
pfor...@giss.nasa.gov
Good Housekeeping lab - - 14
Governors Island visits - 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30
Governors Island tour - 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
Hayden Planetarium - - - 4, 5, 12, 19, 25, 26
Hudson River cruises - - 1
Inst Strings, Cosmology - SEP - www.iscap.columbia.edu
Inwood Hill Park - - - - 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29
Jupiter collision scar - 1-indef
'Lucy's legacy' exhibit - 1-indef
Lwr Manh-Bklyn DT subways 1-indef, 2-indef
Madoff benches - - - - - 1-indef
Madoff clawback - - - - - 1-indef
Musm of City of New York 1-Oct 12
Natl Space Soc-NYC - - - 5, 19
New York Univ Astro - - - SEP - physics,nyu.edu, dgs...@nyu.edu,
212-998-7706
NY Academy of Sciences - www.nyas.org, 212-838-0230.
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 5, 19
Observing Group - - - - - 25
Physics Club of NY - - - SEP - jdep...@nyc.rr.com,
www.sconyc-ny.org
Pleiades occultation - - 14
Rockefeller University - SEP -212-327-8000, www.rockefeller.edu,
pub...@rockefeller.edu
Sci Ind Biz Liby - - - - SEP - 212-592-7000,
www.nypl.org/research/sibl
Serving Science - - - - - SEP -
web.cuny.edu/research/Seving-Science-CUNY-Science-Cafe.html
South Street Seaport - - 1-indef, 1-Sep 30
Space Frontier Foundatn - 5, 12, 19, 26
Summer Streets - - - - - 8, 15, 22
Swine Flu epidemic - - - 1-indef
'Titanic' exhibit - - - - 1-indef
*Top of the Lawn - - - - - 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30
Urban Park Rangers - - - 1
Waterpod - - - - - - - - 1-Sep 28
Weekend Walks - - - - - - 1
West Nile epidemic - - - 1-Sep 30
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - SEP - www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, drexp...@aol.com
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - www.astra-nj.org, 732-255-0343,
webm...@astra-nj.org
*Amat Astro Inc - - - - - 7, 14, 21, 28
Buehler-Columbia AAA - - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Dark Sky Observers - - - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club
Instt for Advd Study - - SEP - wse...@astro.princeton.edu,
www.sns.ias.edu/astro/astrocal.php,
Montclair Telescope Club 973-948-5284, bisc...@garden.net,
users.erols.com/njastro/orgs/mtc.hrm
*Morris Musm Astro Soc - - 13
N W Jersey Amat Astro - - www.nwjaa.org, in...@nwjaa.org
Natl Space Soc-NJN - chapters.nss.org/nj/njn, cpan...@aol.com
*New Jersey Astro Assn - - 1, 8, 14, 15, 22, 29
North Jersey Astro Group njastro.org, 973-655-7266,
mw...@pegasus.montclair.edu
Ocean County College - - 1
Passaic Co Astro Assn www.users.nac.net/gburke/PCAA, 973-523-0024
Princeton Univ Obsy - - - 11
Princeton Univ Astro - - SEP - kfe...@princeton.edu,
www.astro.princeton.edu/events/colloquium2009
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm SEP -732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr SEP -732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - OCT - www.starastronomy.org,
s-wa...@comcast.net
Schommer Observatory - - 13, 27
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - 2
*Sheep Hill Observatory - 21
Skyland Stargazers - - - skylandstargazers.tripod.com
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Washington Xing St Pk - - 7, 14, 21, 28
QUEENS - QN
Alley Pond Park - - - - - 15
International Express - - 1-Sep 30
Queens College Physics - SEP - www.physics.qc.edu/colloq.php,
718-997-3350
Weekend Walks - - - - - - 1
REST OF WORLD
Arunah Hill Days - - - - 21-23
Galileo exhibit - - - - - 1-Sep 7
NYS Senate revolt - - - - 1-indef
Stellafane early entry - 13
Stellafane convention - - 14-16
Stellafane benefit dinner 14
Summer Star Party - - - - 14-23
STATEN ISLAND - SI
College of Staten Is - - SEP - rob...@mail.csi.cuny.edu,
supernova7.apsc.csi.cuny.edu, 718-982-2818
Great Kills Park - - - - 22
Staten Is Community TV - 3
Weekend Walks - - - - - - 1
THE BRONX - BX
UPSTATE - NY
Andrus Planetarium - - - 7, 14, 21, 28
*Anthony Wayne Rec Area - 201-768-3298, www.rocklandastronomy.com,
webn...@rocklandastronomy.com
*Catskills Astro Club - - 15, 22
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - 845-365-8634, www.ldeo.columbia.edu,
jsme...@ldeo.columbia.edu
Lwr Hudson Vy Challgr Ctr 16
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - 18
Orange Co Astro Assn - www.ocastronomy.org, in...@ocastronomy.org
Swinging Bridge dam - - - 1-indef
Vassar Coll Obsy - - - - SEP - 845-437-7340
physicsandastronomy.vassar.edu/observatory.html,
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - 15
Westchester Amat Astro - SEP - www.westchesterastronomers.org,
in...@westchesterastronomers.org
Wilcox Park - - - - - - - 14
Monthly Calendar
--------------
Plain dates are in current month;
-, last month; +, next month.
Moon: ) FQ, () FM, ( LQ, .. NM
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
-26 -27 -28) -29 -30 -31 1
2 3 4 (5) 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 (13 14 15
16 17 18 19 .20. 21 22
23 24 25 26 27) 28 29
30 31 +1 +2 +3 (+4) +5
General notes
-----------
'whole City' means the event has no specific or dedicated place.
It may be enjoyed from everywhere in the NYSkies territory or at a
number of individual places. Celestial events are typicly 'whole
City'
events.
'all day' means the event is continuous or repeating during the
open hours of the host facility. Some facilities may have limited
hours per day or days per week. Check with the contacts.
Prices cited are the 'rack rate'. You could qualify for discounts
as may be offered by the sponsor. Besides the base price there may be
optional extra fees to consider.
List of events
------------
Sat 1 Aug
all day - whole City - MH - cultural tours & lectures
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACTS
Urban Park Rangers. Tours of parks, lanmdmarks, surrounds.
Lecutres on history and culture of NYC. Program varies each
month. Free. www.nyc.gov/parks
all day - Central Park - NY - cultural exhibit
Indefinite duration. 67 St & 5 Av gate. Several park benches
donated years ago by swindler Bernard Madoff with his
nameplate on them. They are potential targets for his victims
to exert anger, possibly resulting in damage or destruction.
all day - South Street Seaport - MH - Bodies exhibit
CHILDREN SHOULD OBTAIN ADULT GUIDANCE FOR THIS EVENT!
Indefinite duration. 11 Fulton St. About 30 human cadavers,
some intact, some dissected and laid out for inspection of
organs. Specimina replaced with fresh ones from time to time.
$27.50 adm. www.southstreetseaport.com
all day - Albany - NY - NYS Senate revolt
Indefinite duration, State capital building. On Jun 8 two
Democrats switched party to throw Senate into Republican
majority, 32-30 seats. One reverted to make split house,
31-31
seasts. for 1st time in state history, with no parliamentary
leaders. Possible impounded sessions into July under state
police supervision. Details at your state senator.
all day - American International Group - MH - cultural exhibit
Indefinite duration. 175 Water St. Company in 2009 March
removed signs, names, emblems from its building facade. Place
is patrolled by guards and attracts protest rallies.
all day - whole City - MH - Madoff clawback
OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE RESPONDING TO THIS EVENT
Indefinite duration. US Bankrupty Court is sending summonses
to investors who realized income from the Madoff swindle. The
court claims this income and orders its return. Details at
your legal advisor.
all day - Hauppauge - LI - cultural exhibit
COMPANY IS IN CHAP 11; FATE OF CORNERSTONE IS UNCERTAIN
Indefinite duration. Innovative Stone Company, show yard.
Actual 20-ton granite inscribed block for Freedom Tower
cornerstone, placed in tower's foundation on 4 July 2004.
Removed for safekeeping until construction can resume. Free.
631-273-4445, www.innovativestone.com,
in...@innovativestone.com
all day - Swinging Bridge - NY - potential flood emergency
Indefinite duration. Flood alert on Mongaup & upper Delaware
rivers due to sinkhole in Swinging Bridge dam. Listen for
news and advice from local emergency management agencies.
www.ferc.gov/industries/hydropower/safety/swinging.asp
all day - whole City - MH - swine flu epidemic
Indefinite duration. Global outbreak in mid April of swine
flu
(H1N1 flu). Symptoms resemble ordinary flu but comes from new
strain. Wash hands after handling shared items; keep hands
off
of face and eyes; contain coughs and sneezes; stay home if
sick. If flu symptoms break out, get medical attention
quickly. Details at your physician and public health office.
all day - whole City - MH - Cash for Clunkers program
Thru Nov 1. Trade in gas-guzzler car for fuel-efficient model
and get Federal rebate. Particks at www.cars.gov and local
car
dealers. Some general features:
-------------------------------------------------------
Old car lass than 25 years old when traded in
Old car registered & insured for 1 year before tradein
Old car has EPA rating up to 18 mile/gallon (7.5Km/L)
Old car maust be drivable, not disabled or dismantled
Old car will be scrapped, not resold
Rebate is $3,500-$4,500, based on old & nwe car economy
Rebate is applied by dealer, no application or voucher
Scrap value of old car is added to rebate
Replacement car must be new, not secondhand
Replacement car may be purchased or leased
Replacement car has economy at least 22 mile/gallon (9.3Km/L)
Replacement car must be from authorized ouutlet
Replacement car may be US or overseas model
Replacement car price (Monroney price) is up to $45,000
-------------------------------------------------------
all day - Museum of City of New York - MH - science exhibit
Thru Oct 12. 1220 5 Av & 103 St. 'Mannahatta/Manhattan, a
natural history of New York City'. $10, incl musm adm.
all day - Hudson River - MH - cultural tours
VARIOUS PROGRAMS, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACTS
Thru Oct 2009. Several boats tours of Hydson Rv, other NYC
waters, late afternoon, early evening.
--------------------------------------------------
Full Moon Sail | Chelsea Pier | $50 | sail-nyc.com
Happy Hour | Pier 18, SSS | $23 | circlelinedowntown.com
Speakeasy 5 Av | Musm City NY | $10 | 212-536-1672
(on land, indoors, closed doors, codeword 'hylan')
NY Beer-Cheese | Chelsea Pier | $85 | sail-nyc.cum
NY Dinner | 41 St Marina | $130| vistor.com
Harbor Lights | Pier 83 | $27 | circleline42.com
------------------------------------------------------
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit
Mational Park Service. Visit history and culture of former
military base. Ferry from Battery Marine Terminal hourly
10:00-17:00. Free. www.nps.gov/gois, 212-825-3045
all day - Coney Island - BK - Festival by the Sea show
Thru Sep 15. Thor Equities. Surf & Stillwell Avs. Outdoor
bazaar and carnival on site of late Astroland Park. Free adm,
pay per ride or attraction. Open Thu-Mon, closed Tue & Wed.
www.coneyfestivalbythesea.com
all day - The Waterpod - MH - science tour
Thru Sep 28. Biosphere built on a barge circulates around NYC
showing eco/enviro/green living. Free. www.thewaterpod.org,
maryma...@thewaterpod.org. Tentative schedule:
--------------------------------------------
Jul 21 - Aug 3 - MH - 125th Street & Riverside Drive
Aug 4 - Aug 17 - BK - Brooklyn Bridge Park
Aug 18 - Sep 1 - SI - Atlantic Salt Co. Pier
Sep 2 - Sep 15 - QN - Worlds Fair Marina
Sep 16 - Sep 28 - BX - Concreete Park
-------------------------------------
all day - whole City - MH - West Nile epidemic
Thru Sep 30. Mosquitos carrying West Nile virus are extra
populous due to continual heavy rain in June, plus several
thick rains in July. Drain puddles and other standing water.
Remove or cap bags, cans, barrels, boxes that collect water.
Change outdoor pet water every other day. Wear long slacks
and
shirts, high socks, solid shoes. Repair gaps and tears in
screens. Clean and chlorinate outdoor pools and saunas.
Details at local health authorities.
all day - IRT Flushing line - QN - cultural tour
Thru Sep 30. Ride and walk thru culture and history of Queens
along 'International express', IRT Flushing line. Route is
Millennium Trail for immigrants to settle along and build
America. $2.25 fare + shopping, eating, admissions.
www.queenscouncilarts.org
all day - South Street Seaport MH - Bike Around service
Thru Sep 30. Borrow bicycle for travel within Manhattan.
2-1/2-hr period, return bike to SSS, Pier A, Gov Is, or Pier
83. Free, credit card collateral. downtownny.com/bikearound
all day - Coney Island - BK - Boom-A-Ring show
Thru Sep 7. W 21 St & Boardwalk. One-ring circus under tent
with traditional & new attractions. $10-$65 tkt.
201-507-8900,
www.ringling.com
all day - Philadelphia - PA - Galileo exhibit
Thru Sep 7. Franklin Institute. 'Galileo, the Medici & the
age
of astronomy' with renassaince science instruments with
Galileo's own telescope. $20.75, incl musm adm. www.fi.edu
all day - Japan Society - MH - 'Buriki' exhibit
Thru Aug 16. 333 E 47 St, 1/2 Av. Toys, mostly cars, made
from
tinplate during US occupation of Japan after WW II. Free.
japansociety.org
all day - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - science exhibit
Thru Aug 16. 'Climate change'. $24 timed tkt, incl Mus
adm. www.amnh.org/programs, 212-769-5100
all day - Discovery Exhibition Hall - MH - 'Titanic' exhibit
Indefinite duration. 226 W 44 St, 7 Av. Items recovered from
Titanic oceanliner. Story of construction, sailing, disaster.
$19.50 adm. www.discoverytsx.com, 866-987-9692
all day - Discovery Exhibition Hall - MH - 'Lucy's legacy'
exhibit
Indefinite duration. 226 W 44 St, 7 Av. Fossils of Lucy and
Ida, oldest whole human skeletons. Anthropology, archaeology
of early humans. $19.50 adm. www.discoverytsx.com,
866-987-9692
all day - Lwr Manh-Bklyn DT - MH - subway reconstruction
Every Saturday. Indefinite duration. Many Lwr Manh and
Bklyn Downtown subways are under major work at various
hours. Check posters and flyers for your routes.
www.mta.info/nyct/service/lower_manh
all day - whole City - MH - Jupiter collision scar
New black spot on Jupiter discovered on 2009 Jul 19 by
Anthony
Wesley, Australia. Confirmed as collision scar from unseen
large body. Near S pole at System II lon 210d. Visible in
small scopes like shadow of Jupiter moon. Table of transits
for NYC when Jupiter is up.
--------------------------------
EDST date & hour Alt 2nd trans
----------------- --- ---------
2009 Aug 02 03:29 31, 23:20 24
2009 Aug 04 05:07 18
2009 Aug 05 00:58 33, 20:50 3
2009 Aug 07 02:36 33, 22:27 20
2009 Aug 09 04:14 22
2009 Aug 10 00:05 31
2009 Aug 11 05:52 5
2009 Aug 12 00:43 34, 21:34 15
2009 Aug 14 03:21 26, 23:12 29
2009 Aug 16 04:59 10
2009 Aug 17 00:50 34, 20:42 10
2009 Aug 19 02:28 29
2009 Aug 19 22:19 25
2009 Aug 21 04:06 15, 23:57 33
2009 Aug 22 19:49 5
2009 Aug 24 01:35 31, 21:27 21
2009 Aug 26 03:13 19, 23:05 32
2009 Aug 28 04:52 2
2009 Aug 29 00:43 32
2009 Aug 30 00:34 17
2009 Aug 31 02:21 23, 22:12 29
--------------------------------
all day - whole City - MH - Weekend Walks shows
Several streets closed to road traffic on various weekend
days. Only foot and human-powered vehicles allowed. Music,
dance, arts & crafts, landmark tours, discounts at area
shops.
Free. www.nyc.gov/dot.
-----------------------------------------------
date & hour | NY | street | endpoints
------------+----+------------------+----------------------
1, 12h-19h | QN | 46th St | Greenpointt-Queens Bv
1, 12h-20h | SI | Van Duzer St | Beach St-Wright St
2, 11h-18h | BK | 5th Av | 48 St-52 St
2, 11h-17h | BK | Knickerbocker Av | Suydam St-Starr St
8, 12h-19h | QN | 46th St | Greenpointt-Queens Bv
8, 12h-20h | SI | Van Duzer St | Beach St-Wright St
9, 11h-16h | QN | Shore Bv | Astoria Pk S-Ditmars Bv
15, 12h-19h | QN | 46th St | Greenpointt-Queens Bv
15, 12h-20h | SI | Van Duzer St | Beach St-Wright St
16, 11h-16h | QN | Shore Bv | Astoria Pk S-Ditmars Bv
22, 12h-19h | QN | 46th St | Greenpointt-Queens Bv
22, 12h-20h | SI | Van Duzer St | Beach St-Wright St
23, 13h-18h | MH | Stanton St | Allen St-Ludlow St
23, 11h-16h | QN | Shore Bv | Astoria Pk S-Ditmars Bv
29, 12h-19h | QN | 46th St | Greenpointt-Queens Bv
30, 13h-18h | MH | Stanton St | Allen St-Ludlow St
------------+----+------------------+-------------------
18:00 - Montauk - LI - astronomy lecture
OCCASIONAL SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACTS
Montauk Obsy, Montauk Publ Liby. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing
PLUS OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Top of the Lawn. North side of Great Lawn. Free, cancelled
for
clouds. tag...@yahoo.com, www.nyskies.org,
nys...@nyskies.org
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting
Custer Instt. Indoor lecture, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.custerobservatory.org, bva...@aol.com
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing
Inwood Astronomy Project. Meet at park entrance, Seaman Av &
isham St. Free, cancelled for clouds. www.inwoodastronomy.org,
jken...@moonbeam.net
20:00- Toms River - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Ocean Co Coll, Coll Ctr/Blodg 15. Free, cancelled for clouds.
732-255-0343, www.ocean.edu/campus/planetarium,
20:30 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture
Bergen Commty Coll, Buehler Obsy. Free.
www.bergen.edu/buehler, rops...@bergen.edu.
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting
NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Free, indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8600
Sun 2 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
all day - Lwr Manh-Bklyn DT - MH - subway reconstruction
Every Sunday. Indefinite duration. Many Lwr Manh and
Bklyn Downtown subways are under major work at various
hours. Check posters and flyers for your routes.
www.mta.info/nyct/service/lower_manh
10:00 - Transit Museum - BK - cultural tour
Visit museum, ride vintage rain, tour 207 St shops. Tour of
Central Pk or Amer Musm Natl Hist for extra fee. $30 adv rgn
regd. 718-694-1867
19:30 - Boonton - NJ - Sheep Hill Astro Assn meeting
Boonton Town Hall. Free. www.uacnj.org/clubs/shaa.htm,
ajm...@att.net
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
Mon 3 Aug
19:30 - Staten Island Community TV - SI - science show
100 Cable Way, Mariners Hr SI. Live audience, televised on
SI cable. Free. www.sictv.org, 718-727-1414
Tue 4 Aug
18:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Virtual Universe shoe
Live skyshow of computer graphics and astro databases.
$15 adm. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
Wed 5 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour
Also 13:00. Natl Pk Svc. Walk thru history and culture of
former military base. Free, Ferry leaves 10:00 and 13:00 from
Battery-Marine depot, South Fy MH. 212-825-3045,
www.nps.gov/gois
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show
Live skyshow of rocket trip to the Moon. $17, incl mus adm.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs Thu - 8 Nov
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg
PLUS OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Central Pk S & 6 Av. Informal discussion of spacefaring
topics. Free, RSVP by 12:00.
william...@spacefrontier.org,
www.spacefrontier.org,
19:00 - St Paul's Lutheran Ch - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
TOPIC: JUPITER, SL8, AND NOW
Combined meeting with Natl Spc Soc-NYC Chap
315 W 22nd St & 8 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show &
tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nys...@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org,
212-273-5958
19:00 - St Paul's Luthrn Ch - MH - Natl Spc Soc meeting
TOPIC: JUPITER, SL8, AND NOW
Combined meeting with NYSkies Astronomy Inc
315 W 22nd St & 8 Av. Discussion of astro/space topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro/space activity in
NYC vicinity. Free. chapters.nss.org/ny/nyc,
astr...@webtv.net
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing
Westport Astro Soc. Rolnick Obsy. Free, cancelled for
clouds. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting
Vanderbilt Plm. Free. www.asliclub.org, in...@asliclub.org /
Thu 6 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
18:00 - Brooklyn Bridge Pk - BK - Movies with a View show
Every Thursday. 334 Furman St, between Bklyn & Manh Bg.
Outdoor band music, vintage films, clearsky starviewng.
Free, music & movies play for clouds but starviewng is
cancelled. www.brooklynbridgepark.org, 718-802-0603
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
20:00 - Freeport - LI - clearsky starviewing
Waterfront Pk. Amat Obsrs Soc. Free, cancelled for clouds.
www.aosny.org, sue...@optonline.net
Fri 7 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
09:00 - Uniondale - LI - AlCon 2009 convention
Thru Sat 8 Aug. Amat Obsrs Soc. Hofstra Univ. 1st Astro Lg
meeting in NY area since 1939! Talks, demos, exhibits,
vendors, clearsky starviewinng, banquet, prizes. $60 2-day,
$30 1-day. VISIT THE NYSKIES TABLE. www.alocn2009.org.
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show
Hudson Rv Musm, Andrus Plm. 19:00 show is free, sponsored by
FujiFilm USA Inc. Free, different topics each Friday.
www.hrm.org, 914-963-4550
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting
Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Stratford - CT - Boothe Meml Astro Soc mtg
Boothe Meml Pk, Obsy. Free. www.bmas.org, in...@bmas.org
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing
Stamford Obsy. $3 adm, cancelled for clouds.
www.stamfordmuseum.org, cesc...@earthlink.net, 203-322-6537
20:00 - Wash'n Xing S P - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Amat Astro Assn of Princeton. Simpson Obsy. Free, cancelled
for clouds. www.princetonastronomy.org, 609-737-2575,
drexp...@aol.com
20:00 - Southold - LI - AlCon Starbeque cookout
Custer Instt. part of AlCon convention, cookout, tour,
social.
www.alcon2009.org
Sat 8 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
08:00 - Manh east side - MH - Summer Streets
11Km from Brooklyn Bridge to Central Pk closed to motor
traffic 08h-13h. Human traffic (foot, bike, skate) only.
Lafayette St, 4 Av, Park Av S, Park Av, 72 St. Free.
www.nyc.gov/SummerStreets
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Aug 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug
1
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Aug 1
20:00 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture
McCarthy Obsy, New Miford HS. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org,
860-354-1595, con...@mccarthyobservatory.org,
20:30 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture - see Aug 8
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting - srr Aug 1
Sun 9 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
Mon 10 Aug
17:30 - PicNic Cafe' - MH - Cafe' Science lecture
2665 Broadway & 101 St. Supper/chat with Columbia Univ
profs on sci topics. $10 fee, incl 1 drink, + own meal.
212-222-8222, alumni.columbia.edu/learn/s3_6.html,
cafes...@columbia.edu
Tue 11 Aug
20:00 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting
149 7 St, 2/3 Av. Lecture and music on various science
topics. $3 adm. secretscienceclub.blogspot.com, 718-638-4400,
www.unionhallny.com/events
21:00 - Princeton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Princeton Univ, Peyton Hall. Free, cancelled for clouds
www.astro.princeton.edu/events.htm,
wse...@astro.princeton.edu
21:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of Greenwich. Julian Curtis Elem Schl, Bowman
Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. rb...@juno.com,
www.seocom.com/asg, 203-896-6786-x338
Wed 12 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Aug 5
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Aug
5
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Aug 5
Thu 13 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
15:00 - Springfield - VT - Stellafane early entry
Springfield Telscp Mkrs. Breezy Hill. Field & camping open
for
early arrivals. No other srvices on site. $10 + convtn
regn,
adv online regn only. www.stellafane.org,
19:30 - Morristown - NJ - Morris Mus Astro Soc mtg
Morris Museum. Free. 973-386-1848, tedbark...@att.net,
www.morrismuseum.org/static/education/astronomical.html
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
21:00 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Rutgers Univ, Schommer Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds.
732-205-0020, www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/ast-serin.html
pr...@physics.rutgers.edu
Fri 14 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
04:00 - whole City - NH - Pleiades occultation
Dawn thru sunrise occultation of Pleiades on 2009 Aug 14.
Early events in deep twilight, later ones in bright sky. Moon
43% illum, 82d E long, lib lon -5.7d, lib lat -5.5d
-----------------------------------------------
EDST | event | alt-az | CA | PA
------+--------------------+--------+------+-----
04:30 | Electra ingress | 53 104 | -85N | 72
05:00 | nautical twilight | 58 112 | --- | ---
05:17 | Maia ingress | 61 116 | -47N | 35
05:33 | Taygeta near miss | 64 121 | +7N | 341
05:36 | civil twilight | 64 123 | -- | ---
05:44 | Celaeno egress | 66 126 | +60N | 287
05:44 | Merope near miss | 65 126 | -6S | 162
05:45 | Electra egress | 66 127 | +81S | 249
06:03 | Alcyone ingress | 68 134 | -45S | 123
06:05 | Sun rises | 68 135 | -- | ---
06:20 | Maia egress | 71 143 | +60N | 288
06:56 | Alcyone egress | 73 168 | +36S | 204
------+--------------------+--------+------+-----
09:00 - Springfield - VT - Stellafane convention
Thru Sun 16 Aug. Springfield Telscp Mkrs. Breezy Hill.
Talks, demos, swop tables, food svc, lodging, camping, dark
skies, tourism, prizes. $30 adv regn, $40 at gate, online
regn
prefrd, + extras. www.stellafane.org,
10:00 - Good Housekeeping Resrch Instt - MH - science tour
Hearst Tower, 57 St & 8 Av.. Walk thru history and science of
porduct testing center of Good Housekeeping magazine. Free,
adv regn reqd. 212-649-5000, ghri...@hearst.com
16:30 - Springfield - VT - Stellafane benefit dinner
Springfield Telscp Mkrs. Hartness House. Benefit/fundraiser
dinner with astronaut Alan Bean. $150 adv regn, online regn
prefrd. www.stellafane.org,
18:00 - Savoy - MA - Summer Star party
FEES NOT SET YET; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Thru Sun 23 Aug. Rockland Astro Club. Shady Pines Camp.
Talks,
demos, dark skies, meals, tourism, prizes, cmapg, lodgg, Near
Stellafane for day trip. Campsite fee ONLY $31.50, starparty
regn EXTRA. www.rocklandastronomy.com/events/SSP
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Aug 7
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show - see Aug 7
19:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - astronomy show
NJ Astro Assn, Robinson Obsy. Indoor lecture and video,
clearsky starviewing, Persied meteor watch. Free.
www.njaa.org, 908-368-8600
20:00 - Wash'n Xing S P - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Aug 1
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 7
20:30 - Wilcox Pk - NY - clearsky starviewing
Mid Hudson Astro Assn. Free, cancelled for clouds
www.midhudsonastro.org. 845-485-5669, tra...@hvc.cc.com
20:30 - Columbia University - MH - astronomy lecture
Pupin Hall, signs to lecture room. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.astro.columbia.edu/outreach,
212-854-3278, outreac...@astro.columbia.edu
Sat 15 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
08:00 - Manh east side - MH - Summer Streets
20:00 - Liberty - NY - clearsky starviewing
Catskills Astro Club. Walnut Mountain Pk. Free, cancelled
for clouds. www.catskillsastro.org, ko...@verizon.net.
20:00 - Alley Pond Park - QN - astronomy lecture
Alley Pond Enviro Ctr. Indoor lecture, clearksy starviewing.
$10 fee. www.alleypond.com, in...@alleypond.com, 718-229-4000
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Aug 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting - srr Aug 1
20:30 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture - see Aug 8
21:00 - Ward Pound Ridge - NY - clearsky starviewing
Westchester Amat Astro. Meadows Picnic Area. Free, cancelled
for clouds. in...@westchesterastronomers.org
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
21:00 - Southold - LI - Perseid meteor watch
Custer Instt. Free, cancelled for clouds.
www.custerobservatory.org, bva...@aol.com
Sun 16 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
11:00 - Transit Museum - BK - cultural tour
Ride vintage train to the Rockaways, walk thru history and
culture of converted railroad structures. $20, adv regn reqd.
8718-694-1867
14:00 - Airmont - NY - science show
Lwr Hudson Vy Challenger Ctr, 225 Rt 29. Multimedia
simulation of space missions. $20 adm. www.lhvcc.com,
dire...@lhvcc.com, 845-257-3416.
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
Tue 18 Aug
19:30 - New Paltz - NY - Mid Hudson Astro Assn meeting
SUNY New Paltz, Coykendall Audm. Free. 845-485-5669,
www.midhudsonastro.org, tra...@hvc.rr.com
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
Wed 19 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Aug 5
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Aug
5
19:00 - St Paul's Lutheran Ch - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
LECTURE: 'THE PLANISPHERIC ASTROLABE'
Combined meeting with Natl Spc Soc-NYC Chap
315 W 22nd St & 8 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show &
tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nys...@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org,
212-273-5958
19:00 - St Paul's Luthrn Ch - MH - Natl Spc Soc meeting
LECTURE: 'THE PLANISPHERIC ASTROLABE'
Combined meeting with NYSkies Astronomy Inc
315 W 22nd St & 8 Av. Discussion of astro/space topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro/space activity in
NYC vicinity. Free. chapters.nss.org/ny/nyc,
astr...@webtv.net
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Aug 5
20:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn obsy, Free, cancelled for
clouds. www.uacnj.org/clubs/shaa.htm, ajm...@att.net
Thu 20 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
Fri 21 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
18:00 - Cummington - MA - Arunah Hill Days
Thru Sun 23 Aug. Arunah Hill Natl Sci Ctr. Dark skies, campg,
food svc, toursim. Free + extras. fa...@comcast.net,
www.arunah.org/events/ahd.html
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show - see Aug 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Stratford - CT - Boothe Meml Astro Soc mtg - see Aug 7
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 7
20:00 - Wash'n Xing S P - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 7
21:00 - Bethany - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of New Haven. Yale Univ, Bethany Obsy. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.asnh.org, pr...@asnh.org
Sat 22 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
08:00 - Manh east side - MH - Summer Streets
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Aug 7
20:00 - Great Kills Pk - SI - clearsky starviewing
Natl Pk Svc. Enter from Hylan Bv, follow signs to field.
Free, cancelled for clouds. www.nps.gov/gate, 718-987-6790
20:00 - Liberty - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 15
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Aug 1
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Aug 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting - srr Aug 1
20:30 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture - see Aug 8
Sun 23 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
12:00 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - science show
'Glass eye studi demostration' paperweights made from Mt St
Helens ash and Hubble Space Telescope pictures. Free with
Musm
adm. www.amnh.org/programs, 212-769-5100
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
Tue 25 Aug
18:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Celestial Highlights
Live skyshow of current evening sky. $15 adm.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
19:00 - New Haven - CT - Astro Soc of New Haven meeting
Yale Univ, Leitner Family Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asnh.org, pr...@asnh.org
19:00 - Downtwon Youth Commty Ctr - MH - Observing Group meeting
120 Warren St & West St. Indoor meeting, occasional clearsky
starviewing. 718-522-5014.
21:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 11
Wed 26 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Aug 5
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Aug
5
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Aug 5
Thu 27 Aug
10:00 - Governors Island - MH - cultural tour - see Aug 5
18:00 - whole City - MH - Antares occultation
Occultation of Antares on 2009 Aug 27 afternoon. Moon 54%
illum, 95d E elong. Lib lon +6.2d, lib lat +6.0d. Needs clean
dry air, good vision, large scope.
--------------------------------------
EDST | event | alt-az | remarks
------+-------------------+--------+------------
14:33 | Moon rises | 0 125 |
17:37 | Antares immersion | 20 160 | Sun alt 21d, CA +28N, PA
36
18:14 | Antares emersion | 22 169 | Sun alt 14d, CA -21N, PA 348
19:01 | Moon culminates | 23 180 |
19:36 | Sun sets | 22 188 |
20:04 | civil twilight | 21 195 |
20:37 | nautical twilight | 19 202 | full night in New York
23:31 | Moon sets | 0 234 |
------+-------------------+--------+------------
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 5
21:00 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 13
Fri 28 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show - see Aug 7
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Aug 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 7
20:00 - Wash'n Xing S P - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 7
20:30 - Columbia University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Aug 14
Sat 29 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Aug 1
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Aug 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
20:30 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture - see Aug 8
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting - srr Aug 1
21:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford, Wesleyan U, Van Vleck Obsy. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.asgh.org, 860-872-9069,
ppar...@cs.com
Sun 30 Aug
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural visit - see Aug 1
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Aug 1
General news
----------
NYC Events readership continued upward during July, a derivative
of the global depression. Astronomers, like most other people
nowadays, don't got the itchy quarter.
In addition, astronomers maintain that there is really only NYC
Events to look after the profession's public activities in the City
region.They turn to NYC Events for low-cost or free activities to
continue their starry nourishment.
Every reader (so far) loves the extra features in NYC Events! I
touched up the Moon phase by shifting them to New York time. Mind
that
the phase may occur at any hour in the day, not only in evening or
near midnight.
The resumption month is a tickler for your attention. It also
emphasizes the valley of activity in the summer season, even tho the
premises or operator run all year long. Such a situation makes the
NYSkies summer lecture series all the more welcome to slake your
thirst (in these torrid days!) for astronomy.
Science Club of LI hasn't updated its website for events later
than June 2009. In previous years it ran session thruout the year. it
offers lectures on many sciences, of which those of interest for us
are listed.
Event news
--------
In keeping NYC Events focused on astronomy and space activity,
I'm
paring dawn my commentary on cultural events. Do see their entries
and
inquire at their contacts.
NYSkies-Natl Space Soc Astronomy Seminar on 2009 July 1 was the
City's celebration of the Apollo anniversary, 'Remembering Apollo'.
We
marveled at two films on the newly launched Sputniks in 1957 and an
interview with Neil Armstrong shortly after returning from the Moon.
Then we rapped about our Apollo memories, showed artifacts we saved
from then, admired a new souvenir book 'Man on the Moon', discussed
recent news items on space projects.
When I compiled NYC Events for July I assumed that there will be
several Apollo activities around our turf. They just weren't
announced
in time for the column at end June. There were a few last-minute
events, like at Cradle of Aviation on Long Island.
However, ABSOLUTELY NONE of the spacefaring clubs or astronomy
centers had any substantial celebration for Apollo! News media
focused
on comments from Apollo workers and astronauts with a ho-hum fervor.
In fact, many comments were pretty negative against current NASA
plans to go back to the Moon. Buzz Aldrin, who really did walk on the
Moon, thank yu very much, said he probably went to the wrong place.
He
-- and we now -- should go to Mars.
Hayden Planetarium cocked up royally, altho it had a chance to
salvage a prevailing neglect. It hosted Dr Belbruno on July 20th --
the very Space Exploration Day -- to speak on his low-energy
trajectories to the Moon. It was promoted as merely the next in an
ongoing series of talks with no mention of Apollo.
The sad point is that Belbruno's talk illustrated the Apollo
technique and compared it with his own newer work that was used for
later spaceprobes to the Moon. With some more enlightened attitude
the
Planetarium could have prided itself to stage the City's second bona-
fide Apollo celebration.
An other horrible fact is that ONLY ONE general audience news
medium recognized Space Exploration Day. (PazMiniBits is not a
'general audience' news medium. Its readers are special folk.)
The Daily Eagle, from Brooklyn, on July 22nd has an article about
Space Exploration Day, the proclamation sponsored by NYS Senator
Golden, comments from me!, and a hint of my presentation at the AlCon
convention in August.
I got many comments, complaints, that this decennial meterpoint
went past us with such a whimper. Isn't anyone enthusiastic about
space exploration any more?
The July 15th Seminar featured Cameron Hummels of Columbia on
'Will the world end in 2012?'. He explained the roots of the
circulating predictions that on 21 December 2012 something special
will happen. Not necessarily the 'end' of the world but some drastic
change in our Earth that will send humanity on a new path into the
future. he went thru several of the possibilities claimed and showed
how they are utterly facetious or fallacious. We then bantered about
Apollo again, soaking up handouts about the anniversary.
August bring several major astronomy conventions, all described
under their dates. First up is the Astronomical League convention at
Hofstra University on Long Island. That's on the 7th and 8th. I'm
giving a talk on 'How we went to the Moon a hundred years ago'.
NYSkies has an exhibit table. The new Jupiter black spot is on the
disc during the convention, so perhaps we'll get some looks at it!
Stellafane runs on the 13-16 with a complex signup process. I
split the main packages into three entries. First is the main event
on
the 14-16. If you want to come early on the 13th to avail of
starviewing on the campus you must pay a extra fee. If you're going
to
the benefit dinner for astronaut Alan Bean, you may pay for just that
without a Stellafane signup.
The City holds Summer Streets again this year, after the wildly
popular initial run in 2008. Look under August 8th,15th, and 22nd for
details. It's the ideal chance to relax and sightsee free from the
interference of motor traffic. You can explore the old rail tunnel
south of Grand Central Terminal and drink pure mountain rain water
straight from the street mains!
The program is expanded to other boros with similar street
closings. See 'Weekend Walks' under July 1.
The other two events are the Arunah Hill Days and Summer Star
party, both in Massachusetts. If you're in that part of the woods, do
check them out.
Please leave the Madoff benches in Central Park alone. I
appreciate that many readers really have it in for the fellow and
want
to vent their anger against the benches. So far, there seems to be
little physical damage but they are frequently messy from human and
pet toilet functions.
Sky news
------
Weather in July 2009 was mixed, with clear dry skies and
thunderstorms. We saw the second Stonehenge sunset on July 9-11 under
varying haze and cloud. NYSkies missed it for thick haze on July 10
during an astronomy show in St Catherine's Park.
Lightning from violent thunderstorms on July 26 killed one man
and
injured his 3 companions in Newark NJ. Lightning also injured,
perhaps
paralyzed, one man in Brooklyn NY.
The two occultations, of the Pleiades and pi Scorpii, were
clouded
out. However, we did watch the Jupiter-Neptune conjunction and the
Moon-Mars-Venus convention near Hyadees-Pleiades in dawn of July
18th.
Moonrises in early July caused a stir among NYSkiers. Usually the
Moon looks larger near the horizon. That's from the 'Moon illusion'
whose cause is still uncertain. On these evening moonrises, the Moon
was SOOoo suhMALL! It was just little dot over the horizon!
Moonrises later in the month, after a few days of rain and cloud,
were normal, with the Moon a disco-ball. No one can explain why the
Moon Illusion failed for a while.
Saturn left us in the west and most of us had our looks as the
rings collapse to the edgeon phase. When he returns in late fall in
the dawn sky, the rings are still tightly closed, but starting to
open. For the next 15 years we see the north face of the rings.
The big bang of news came on July 19. Jupiter suffered a new huge
collision! The scar, a huge black spot near the south pole, is
plainly
seen in small scopes! Under July 1st I have a table of transits of
this spot during August for hours when Jupiter is up inn dark sky.
Early reports say the new spot looks like a larger shadow from a
Jupiter moon, so any scope able to show the Jupiter moon shadows will
show this spot.
Many NYSkiers compared this event to the Shoemaker-Levy-9 crash
of
July 1994. It sure doesn't fell like it's been FIFTEEN years since
then! So our Seminar on August 5th is 'Jupiter, SL9, and now'. Bring
your memories of the 1994 episode, like articles and pictures. If you
weren't into astronomy then, you'll hear from the elders who were.
I am among the extremely privileged few in the US to witness the
actual collision of one SL9 piece into Jupiter. I, with other
astronomers at the time, watched thru a 200mm Newton scope!! I I
found
an old article about this incident, which I'll have at the Seminar
for
handout.
Keep watching Jupiter, according the the timetable of the spot
under July 1st. The bang marks from SL9 lasted several months and
were
faded or closed by the 1995 apparition of Jupiter. We know far too
little about the new spot to tell how long it'll last.