NYC Events 2009 December
.
--------------------------
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 Standard Time.
The last Pleiades occultation
---------------------------
New York City enjoyed occultations of the Pleiades by the Moon
several times each year since 2006. Now the season for these events
is
about to end, with NO MORE OCCULTATIONS until, uh, 2024.
Since this final show occurs in evening during the yearend
holiday
season, there may be special viewings for it. None are scheuled at
issue time, but do check your astronomy center for last minute news.
Holiday meetings
--------------
Many astronomy centers hold a yearend holiday party in December.
In some cases it is ambiguous if the event is only for members and
guests or is a regular public meeting with a holiday theme. If the
event convenes at the normal place and hour, I include it here, else
I
skip it. Inquire at contact for details, like a fee for regreshments.
World Trade Center court trial
----------------------------
The masterminds of the 2001 World Trade Center collapse go on
trial in December or January. The City is preparing for the proceding
with extra safety measures around the US Federal Court House in Foley
Square, Manhattan.
Expect, when the trial is ready and all durng it, extreme
inconveniences within about a full kilometer around Foley Square.
This
ring ropes in Civic Center, Five Points, Chinatown, Little Italy,
TriBeCa, Ground Zero, Greenwich South, Fulton St, South Street
Seaport, Southbridge, Brooklyn Bridge, City Hall. This zone covers
business and retail with about 200,000 residents.
There could be hit & run street closings, traffic diversions, bus
and train rerouting, cattle-gating, checkpoints, spot searches.
Please
avoid discretionary travel to or thru this kilometer radius.
If you must enter this ring, like for work or business, please
inquire at your superior or similar about precautions and
procedures.
Be speically sure to have with you proper ID papers. Within the ring,
please follow instructions and directions from the authorities.
International Year of Astronomy
-----------------------------
December 2009 closed the IYA, the commemoration of Galileo's use
of the telescope to explore the stars 400 years ago. NYSkies was one
of the major participatants, both for its own evenrs and support of
those of other astronomy groups. While the highlight and focus of IYA
wanes when the ball frops in Times Square, our commitment to serving
and promoting the profession in and around the City continues.
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.
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
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - 4
Secret Science Club - - - 8, 15
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - - 16
Astro Soc of Greenwich - 2
*Astro Soc of New Haven - www.asnh.org, pr...@asnh.org
*Bethany Observatory - - - 4
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - - 4, 18
Bowman Observatory - - - 8, 22
CT Tripoli Rocketry Assn 6
Litchfield Hills AAC - - lm...@hotmail.com,
www.fortunecity.com/victorian/twain/1206/id19.htm .
*Mattituck Astro Soc - - - 17
*McCarthy Observatory - - 12
Stamford Observatory - - 4, 11, 18, 25
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 26
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - 2, 9
Western CT St Univ - - - 5, 10, 19
*Westport Astro Soc - - - 2, 3, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31
LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amat Observers Society - 6
Astro Soc of Long Island 2, 19, 16, 23, 30
Brookhaven Natl Lab - - - 1, 8
Custer Institute - - - - 5, 12, 19, 26
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - 13
Innovative Stone Co - - - 1-indef
Montauk Observatory - - - 1
*Robert Moses St Pk - - - 11, 12, 13, 18, 19
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - 4
MANHATTAN - MH
181st Street station - - 1
42nd St (Central) Library 1-2010 Jun 26, 9
92nd Street Y (Lex & 92) www.92y.org, 212-415-5500
Anat Astro Assn - - - - - 1, 4
Amer Intl Group - - - - - 1-indef
Amer Musm Natl Hist - - - 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
Cafe' Science - - - - - - 14
Central Park - - - - - - 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Charmin restrooms - - - - 1-2010 Jan 1
Christmas celebration - - 24, 25
City College Physics - - 2, 9, 16
*Columbia Univ Astro - - - 2, 9
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - 4
Cornelia St Cafe' - - - - 6
Cortlandt Street station 1
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Stud 2, 9
CUNY Grad Ctr (Sci & Art) FEB - 212-817-8215, web.gc.cuny.edu/cepp,
contin...@gc.cuny.edu
Earth Institute - - - - - jc2305@.columbia.edu,
www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu
Explorers Club - - - - - 14
Goddard Inst for Spc Std 4
Good Housekeeping lab - - 11
Grand Central Terminal - 1-indef
group-ride taxi routes - 1
Hayden Planetarium - - - 1, 2, 7, 9, 16, 23, 29, 30
History of Science Soc - 3
Instt Strings, Cosmology 3
*Inwood Hill Park - - - - 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Island at the center ... 1-2010 Jan 3
Jupiter-Neptune conj - - 20
Leonardo da Vinci exhibit 1-indef
Lwr Manh-Bklyn DT subways 5-indef, 6-indef
Madoff benches - - - - - 1-indef
Madoff clawback - - - - - 1-indef
Mid Manhattan Library - - 2, 9, 14, 21
Natl Space Soc-NYC - - - 2, 16
New Amsterdam Trail - - - 1-indef
New Year celebration - - 31, 1 Jan 2010
New York Univ Astro - - - 1, 11
NY Academy of Sciences - www.nyas.org, 212-838-0230.
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 2, 16
Observer's Handbook - - - 1-31
Physics Club of NY - - - 18
Pleiades occultation - - 28
Rockefeller University - 212-327-8000, www.rockefeller.edu,
pub...@rockefeller.edu
Sci Ind Buz Liby - - - - 1-indef
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - 2
Serving Science - - - - - 7
Shopper's Special trains 1
South Street Seaport - - 1-indef, 1-2010 Jan 3
Space Frontier Foundatn - 2, 11, 18, 23, 30
Station at Citigroup - - 1
Swine Flu epidemic - - - 1-indef
Titanic exhibit - - - - - 1-indef
*Top of the Lawn - - - - - 4-6, 11-13, 18-20, 25-27
Urban Park Rangers - - - 1
World Trade Center trial 1
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - 8
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - 11
*Amat Astro Inc - - - - - 4, 11, 18, 25
Buehler-Columbia AAA - - 5, 12, 19
Dark Sky Observers - - - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club
Instt for Advd Study - - 1, 8, 15
Montclair Telescope Club 973-948-5284, bisc...@garden.net,
users.erols.com/njastro/orgs/mtc.hrm
*Morris Musm Astro Soc - - 10
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 - - FEB - www.njaa.org, 908-368-8600
North Jersey Astro Group 9
Ocean County College - - www.ocean.edu/campus/planetarium,
732-255-0343
Passaic Co Astro Assn www.users.nac.net/gburke/PCAA, 973-523-0024
Princeton Univ Obsy - - - 9
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm 2, 9
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr 4, 11
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - 3
Schommer Observatory - - 10
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - 6
*Sheep Hill Observatory - 18
Skyland Stargazers - - - skylandstargazers.tripod.com
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - APR - www.uacnj.org
Washington Xing St Pk - - APR - www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, drexp...@aol.com
QUEENS - QN
Alley Pond Park - - - - - 19
Queens College Physics - 14
York College Observatory 9
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
College of Staten Is - - 7, 16, 21
Great Kills Park - - - - MAR - www.nps.gov/gate, 718-987-6790
Staten Is Community TV - 7
THE BRONX - BX
UPSTATE - NY
Andrus Planetarium - - - 4, 11, 18, 25, 27
*Anthony Wayne Rec Area - APR - 201-768-3298,
www.rocklandastronomy.com, webn...@rocklandastronomy.com,
Bear Mountain St Pk - - - 19
*Catskills Astro Club - - 19, 26
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - 845-365-8634, www.ldeo.columbia.edu,
sno...@ldeo.columbia.edu,
Lwr Hudson Vy Challgr Ctr 20
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - 15
Orange Co Astro Assn - www.ocastronomy.org, in...@ocastronomy.org
Rockland Astronomy Club - 19
Swinging Bridge dam - - - 1-indef
Vassar Coll Obsy - - - - 2
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - 12
Westchester Amat Astro - 4
Wilcox Park - - - - - - - 11
Monthly Calendar
--------------
Plain dates are in current month;
-, last month; +, next month.
Moon phase: .FQ), (FM), (LQ., .NM.
--------------------------------
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
-29 -30 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
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
------------
Tue 1 Dec
all-day - Times Square - MH - Charmin holiday restrooms
Thru 2010 Jan 1. 1540 Broadway, 45-46 St. Public restrooms,
lounge, souvenir shop, photo stagem, kiddie playroom for
yearend holiday season. Schedule:
-------------
days hours
------- -------
Sun-Wed 10:00-21:00
Thu-Sat 10:00-23:00
Dec 24 10:00-15:00
Dec 25 CLOSED
Dec 31 10:00-15:00, CLOSED 15:01-23:59
Jan 1 00:00-02:00
---------------
all day - US Federal Court House - MH - WTC criminal trial
TENTATIVE DATE; INQUIRE AT LOCAL NEWS MEDIA
Within 1km radius of Foley Sq. Masterminds of 2001 Sep 11
attack on WTC go on trial. Expect massive rearrangment of
daily routine within 1km ring. Details in local news media.
all day - whole City - MH - group-ride taxi routes
TENTATIVE DATE; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
NYC TLC starts new group-ride taxi troutes in 2009 late Dec.
3 routes, btwn 42nd St/Park Av (Grand Central) and 57 St/8
Av, 72 St/Columbus Av, 72 St/3 Av. Up to 4 riders/cab, $3
for 57/8, $4 for 72/C and 72/3. You may get off along route,
but pay full fare and can't ask diversions. www.nyc.gov/tlc
all day - Grand Central Terminal - MH - cultural exhibit
EVENT MAY BE EXPIRED; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Indefinite duration. Transit Gallery. 'The future beneath us'
on various tunnel projects in and around NYC. Jointly with
Sci Ind Biz Liby. Free. 212-878-0106, www.mta.info
all day - Sci Ind Biz Liby - MH - cultural exhibit
EVENT MAY BE EXPIRED; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Indefinite dduraation. 'The future beneath us' on various
tunnel projects in and around NYC. Jointly with Grand Central
Terminal. Free. 212-592-7000, www.nypl.org
all day - Citigroup Center - MH - cultural exhibit
EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO CITIGROUP FINANCIAL TROUBLES
53 St & Lexington Av. 'Station at Citigroup', huge realistic
model of Hudson Rvier railroads from Weehaawken NJ to
Asirondacks. Animated props, day-night lighting,
contextual scenery, multiple gauge of trains. Free.
www.dunhamstudios.com.
all day - whole City - MH - Shopper's Special trains
TENTATIVE EVENT; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
NYC Transit in 2009 mid Dec may run two Shopper's Special
trains on weekends btwn Thanksgiving and Christams. The 6 Av
train is mixed with regular trains. Catching it is a bit of
luck. 42 St special is on one track by itself. www.mta.info.
Tentative schedule:
--------------------------------
route|train|hours |stops
-----+-----+--------------+--------------------------------------
6 Av |R1/9 |wkend morn-eve|2 Av, Bway-Lafyt, W 4 St, 14 St, 23 St,
| | |34 St, 42 St, 50 St, Lex/53, Ely Av,
| | |Queens Pz (relay by middle track)
42 St|Lo-V |wkend all day |Grand Central, Times Sq (shuttle)
------------------------------------------------------------
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.
$26.50 adm. www.discoverytsx.com, 866-987-9692
all day - Cortlandt St station - MH - uptown platform opened
Cortlandt St, BMT Montague St, station opened its uptown
platform for full service on Nov 25. Downtown platform
remains
closed until 2011. www.mta.info
all day - Discovery Exhibition Hall - MH - 'da Vinci' exhibit
Indefinite duration. 226 W 44 St, 7 Av. papers, models,
scenes of Leonard da Vinci workshop and devices. $26.50 adm.
www.discoverytsx.com, 866-987-9692
all day - whole City - MH - cultural tours & lectures
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Urban Park Rangers. Tours of parks, landmarks, nabes, hoods.
Lecutres on history and culture of NYC. Program varies each
month. Free. www.nyc.gov/parks
all day - whole City - MH - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Amat Astro Assn. Sessions convene in parks usually at dusk.
Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free, cancelled for clouds.
richard_...@verizon.net, 718-522-5014
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 - 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 - South Street Seaport - MH - cultural exhibit
Thru 2010 Jan 3. Museum, 12 Fulton St. 'Island at the center
of the world' maps, paintings, documents from Dutch era of
NYC. $10 adm. www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org.
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
(1 WTC) 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 - whole City - MH - Observer's Handbook service
Thru Dec 31. NYSkies Astro Inc. The RASC Observer's Handbook
available at discount rate. No minimum qqunatity needed,
single or small requests accepted. $20 each. 212-273-5958,
www.nyskies.org/oh.htm, www.nyskies.org/ohclub.htm,
nys...@nyskies.org, nyskiesa...@earthlink.net,
all day - 42nd St Library - MH - science exhibit
Thru 2010 Jun 26. 5 Av & 42 St. 'Mapping New York's
shoreline,
1609-2009'. Free. www.nypl.org
all day - Battery Park - MH - cultural tour
Thru Dec 31. Natl Pks of NY Harbor & Natl Pk Svc. 'New
Amsterdam Trail'. Self-guided walk thru culture and history
of
Dutch era of Manhattan. Download booklet and audio narration
to play during walk. Free. www.nyharborparks.org.
all day - 181st St station - MH - subway station full service
181st St, IRT Upper Broadway, station opened during November
for full service after ceiling collapse. Scaffolds and
barriers
may hinder traffic circulation. www.mta.info
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. Some health tips:
* wash hands after handling shared items
* eat healthy food, avoid excess sweets
* drink lots of hot liquids: soup, broth, tea
* keep hands off of face and eyes
* gargle with antiseptic wash or hot salt water
* contain coughs and sneezes in dsisposable tissue
* stay home if sick
* if flu break out, get medical attention quickly.
Details at your physician and public health office.
11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Inst Advd Stud lecture
Princeton Univ, Bloomberg Hall, library. Free.
www.sns.ias.edu/astro/astrocal.php,
wse...@astro.princeton.edu
15:30 - Upton - LI - astronomy lecture
Brookhaven Natl Lab, Bdg 510. 'Dark matter scattering and the
flyby anomalies'. Free, have GI photo ID for campus
security.
www.bnl.gov, 631-344-8000
18:30 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - Virtual Universe shoe
Live skyshow of computer graphics and astro databases.
$15 adm. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
18:30 - Montauk - LI - astronomy lecture
OCCASIONAL SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACTS
Montauk Obsy, Montauk Publ Liby. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
Wed 2 Dec
10:30 - Hayden Planetarium - 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
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture
Ctr for Atmosp & Ocean Srudies. 251 Mercer St. Various
topics in geophysics and earth science. Free.
caos.cims.nyu.edu, sha...@cims.nyu.edu
16:00 - City College - MH - science lecture
Marshak Hall, Rm 418N. Various topics in physics and
astronomy. Free. www.sci.ccny.cuny.edu/physics/calendar,
phy...@sci.ccny.cuny.edu, 212-650-6832
16:15 - Columbia Univ - MH - astronomy lecture
Pupin Hall, Rm 1332. Free. www.astro.columbia.edu/outreach,
212-854-3278, outreac...@astro.columbia.edu
16:45 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Astrop Collogm. Rutgers Univ, Busch Campus, Phys Lectr Hall.
Free. 732-445-3974, www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg
Central Pk S & 6 Av. Informal social for spacefaring fans.
Free, RSVP by 12:00. william...@spacefrontier.org,
www.spacefrontier.org,
18:30 - Mid Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture
'Triumph of order: deomcracy of public spaces in New York and
London'. Free. www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm,
19:00 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - SciCafe' show
Hall of Planet Earth. Music, cash bar, social mixer with Amer
Musm Natl Hist staff. Free, be 21 or be gone, photo ID reqd.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
19:00 - St Paul's Lutheran Ch - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
PRESENTATION: THE KEPLER MISSION: ANY GOOD EARTHS OUT THERE?
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
PRESENTATION: THE KEPLER MISSION: ANY GOOD EARTHS OUT THERE?
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
19:30 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Bruce Museum. Free. rb...@juno.com, www.seocom.com/asg,
203-896-6786-x338
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
OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Inwood Astronomy Project. Meet at park entrance, Seaman Av &
isham St. Free, cancelled for clouds. www.inwoodastronomy.org,
917-529-2359
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing
Wesleyan U, Van Vleck Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds.
860-685-3664, www.wesleyan.edu/astro/events
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting
Vanderbilt Plm. Free. www.asliclub.org, in...@asliclub.org
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing
Vassar College, Observatory. Free, cancelled for clouds.
physicsandastronomy.vassar.edu/observatory.html,
845-437-7340
Thu 3 Dec
14:00 - Columbia Univ - MH - ISCAP meeting
Inst for Strings, Cosmlgy, and Astropartcl Phys. Pupin Hall,
Rm 908. Discussion of cosmology and string theory. Free.
www.iscap.columbia.edu
18:00 - Columbia University - NH - science lecture
Hist of Sci Soc. Inatl Affairs Bdg, 420 W 118 St, Rm 1219.
'Russian science and mathematics'. Free, adv regn reqd for
opt
spkr's dinner. jda...@gc.cuny.edu, gfh...@columbia.edu,
20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-wa...@comcast.net
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
Fri 4 Dec
11:00 - Goddard Inst Spc Stud - MH - science lecture
Various topics in geophysics and earth science. Free,
adv regn reqd, else no entry. Have GI photo ID for campus
security. www.giss.nasa.gov, 212-678-5540,
pfor...@giss.nasa.gov
14:30 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture
Meyer Hall, 5th fl. Various topics in astrophys and
relativity. Free. physics,nyu.edu, dgs...@nyu.edu,
212-998-7706
15:00 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Rutgers Univ, Serin 385E. Free. 732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium
18:15 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - Amat Astro Assn lecture
Kaufmann theater. Free. richard_...@verison.net,
`
718-522-5014.
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
19:00 - 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
19:30 - Yonkers - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Hudson River Museum, Free. www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-pr...@westchesterastronomers.org
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting
Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
19:30 - Floyd Bennett Field - BK - clearsky starviewing
NYSkies & Natl Park Svc. Model airplane flying field. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.nyskies.org, nys...@nyskies.org,
stephe...@nyc.rr.com,
19:30 - Stony Brook - LI - astronomy lecture
SUNY Stony Brook, Earth & Spc Sci Hall. Indoor lecture,
clearsky starviewing. Free. www.ess.sunysb.edu/astro,
631-632-8100, slutt...@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing
PLUS OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Top of the Lawn. North path of Great Lawn. Free, cancelled
for
clouds. tag...@yahoo.com, www.nyskies.org,
nys...@nyskies.org
20:00 - Bethany - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of New Haven. Yale Univ, Bethany Obsy. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.asnh.org, pr...@asnh.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 - Clarkstown - NY - astronomy lecture
Rockland Astro Club. Clarkstown South Plm. Indoor talk,
clearsky starviewing. Free. 201-768-3298,
www.rocklandastronomy.com,webn...@rocklandastronomy.com
20:00 - Stratford - CT - Boothe Meml Astro Soc mtg
Boothe Meml Pk, Obsy. Free. www.bmas.org, in...@bmas.org
Sat 5 Dec
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
16:30 - Danbury - CT - astronomy lecture
W Conn St Uv, Plm/Obsy. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.wcsu.edu/starwatch, 203-837-8671,
aws...@wcsu.edu
18:00 - Southold - LI - cultural show
Custer Instt. Music and dinner social. $20 adm + opt $5
raffle. www.custerobservatory.org, 631-765-2626,
Custe...@yahoo.com,
20:00 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture
Bergen Commty Coll, Buehler Obsy. Free.
www.bergen.edu/buehler, rops...@bergen.edu.
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting
PLUS OCCASIONL EXTRA EVENTS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Custer Instt. Indoor program, clearsky starviewing. $5-$15
adm, varies with program. www.custerobservatory.org,
Custe...@yahoo.com, 631-765-2626
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
Sun 6 Dec
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
13:15 - Uniondale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting
Nassau Commty Coll, Bdg F, Room 123. Free. www.aosny.org,
sue...@optonline.net
18:00 - Cornelia St Cafe' - MH - Entertaining Science show
29 Cornelia St & W 4 St, Play & music on various science
themes. $10 adm. www.corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319
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 Dec 4
Mon 7 Dec
18:00 - Kouzan Restaurant - MH - Serving Science lecture
685 Amsterdam Av, 93/94 St. Supper/chat with Citu College
profs on sci topics. $10 fee, incl 1 drink, + own meal.
web.cuny.edu/research/Serving-Science-CUNY-Science-Cafe.html
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
19:30 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - astronomy lecture
'Unmasking Europa: the search for life on Jupiter's ocean
moon'. $15 tkt. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
20:00 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing
Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818,
rob...@mail.csi.cuny.edu, supernova7.apsc.csi.cuny.edu
Tue 8 Dec
11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Inst Advd Stud lecture - see Dec 1
12:00 - Bethany - CT - CT Tripoli Rocketry Assn meeting
Bethany Town Hall. Free. www.ctra-narconn.org,
860-583-1690
15:30 - Upton - LI - astronomy lecture
Brookhaven Natl Lab, Bdg 510. 'The global heliosphere
revealed: first results from the Interstellar Boundary
Explorer mission''. Free, have GI photo ID for campus
security. www.bnl.gov, 631-344-8000
20:00 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, drexp...@aol.com
20:00 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting
149 7 St, 2/3 Av. Lecture and music on various science
topics. Free. secretscienceclub.blogspot.com, 718-638-4400,
www.unionhallny.com/events
20:00 - 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 9 Dec
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Dec 2
15:15 - 42nd St Liby - MH - cultural tour
McGraw Rotunda, 3rd floor. 'Walking orientation' showing
services and facilities of Library. Free, adv regn reqd.
south...@nypl.org, 212-930-9284,
www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm,
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture - see Dec 9
16:00 - City College - MH - science lecture - see Dec 2
16:15 - Columbia Univ - MH - astronomy lecture - see Dec 2
16:45 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Dec 2
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Dec
2
18:30 - Mid Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture
'Green oasis in Brooklyn, the Evergreen Cemetery'. Free.
www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm,
19:30 - York College - QN - astronomy lecture
Core Academic Bdg, Rm 2E01. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. 718-262-2082, pagl...@york.cuny.edu
york.cuny.edu/centers-institutes/observatory
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free.
njastro.org, 973-655-7266, mw...@pegasus.montclair.edu
20:00 - Princeton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Princeton Univ, Peyton Hall. Free, cancelled for clouds
www.astro.princeton.edu/events.htm,
wse...@astro.princeton.edu
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 2
Thu 10 Dec
17:30 - Danbury - CT - clearsky starviewing
W Conn St Uv, Plm/Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds.
www.wcsu.edu/starwatch, 203-837-8671, aws...@wcsu.edu
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 Dec 2
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 11 Dec
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
14:30 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Dec 4
15:00 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Dec 4
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show - see Dec 4
19:00 - Toms River - NJ - Astro Soc of Toms Rv Area meeting
Ocean Co Coll, Student Ctr, Solar Lounge. Free.
www.astra-nj.org, 732-255-0343, webm...@astra-nj.org
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Dec 4
19:30 - Wilcox Park - NY - clearsky starviewing
Mid Hudson Astro Assn. Free, cancelled for clouds
www.midhudsonastro.org. 845-485-5669, tra...@hvc.cc.com
20:00 - R Moses St Pk - LI - clearsky starviewing
Amat Obsrs Soc. Parking field #2, Free, cancelled for
clouds. www.aosny.org, sue...@optonline.net
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
20:00 - Stratford - CT - Boothe Meml Astro Soc mtg - see Dec 4
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
Sat 12 Dec
18:30 - Ward Pound Ridge - NY - clearsky starviewing
Westchester Amat Astro. Meadows Picnic Area. Free, cancelled
for clouds. waa-pr...@westchesterastronomers.org
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
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,
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Dec 5
20:00 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture - see Dec 5
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - R Moses St Pk - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 11
Sun 13 Dec
18:00 - Hempstead - LI - clearsky starviewing
Hofstra University, Chem-Phys Bdg, Rm 117. Free, cancelled
for clouds. 516-463-2759, www.hofstra.edu/Academics,
obser...@hofstra.edu
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
23:59 - R Moses St Pk - LI - Geminid meteor watch
Amat Obsrs Soc. Parking field #2, Free, cancelled for
clouds. www.aosny.org, sue...@optonline.net
Mon 14 Dec
12:00 - Queens College - QN - science lecture
Physics Conf Rm, B326. Various topics in physics and
astronomy. Free. www.physics.qc.edu/colloq.php, 718-997-3350
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
18:00 - Explorers Club - MH - science lecture
46 E 70 St. 'Governing our frozen commons: lessons from the
seventh continent'. $20 adm. www.explorers.org, 212-628-8383
18:30 - Mid Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture
'In the footsteps of Marco Polo'. Free.
www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm,
Tue 15 Dec
11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Inst Advd Stud lecture - see Dec 1
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 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting - see Dec 8
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
Wed 16 Dec
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Dec 2
16:00 - City College - MH - science lecture - see Dec 21
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Dec
2
19:00 - St Paul's Lutheran Ch - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
PRESENTATION: THE FINAL OCCULTATION OF THE PLEIADES
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
PRESENTATION: THE FINAL OCCULTATION OF THE PLEIADES
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
19:30 - New Britain - CT - Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford meeting
Centl Conn St Uv, Copernicus Plm. Free, www.asgh.org,
860-872-9069, ppar...@cs.com
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 7
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 2
Thu 17 Dec
19:00 - Waterbury - CT - Mattituck Astro Soc meeting
Naugatuck Vy Commty Coll, Ekstrom Hall. Free.
mastransit.org, btb...@mastransit.org
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
Fri 18 Dec
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show - see Dec 4
19:15 - New York University - MH - Physics Club of NY meeting
Silver Ctr, Rm 207. Jointly with Chemistry Teacher's Club.
Free, bring GI photo ID for campus security.
jdep...@nyc.rr.com, www.sconyc-ny.org
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
20:00 - R Moses St Pk - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 11
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
20:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn obsy, Free, cancelled for
clouds. www.uacnj.org/clubs/shaa.htm, ajm...@att.net
Sat 19 Dec
16:30 - Danbury - CT - astronomy lecture - see Dec 5
19:00 - 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 Dec 4
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Dec 5
20:00 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture - see Dec 5
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - R Moses St Pk - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 11
20:00 - Bear Mountain St Pk - NY - clearksy starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Bear Mountain Inn. Free, cancelled for
clouds. 201-768-3298, www.rocklandastronomy.com,
webn...@rocklandastronomy.com,
20:00 - Liberty - NY - clearsky starviewing
Catskills Astro Club. Walnut Mountain Pk. Free, cancelled
for clouds. www.catskillsastro.org, ko...@verizon.net.
Sun 20 Dec
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.
17:00 - whole City - NH - Jupiter-Neptune conjunction
Last of triple conj btwn Jup & Nep. Lineup is on Dec 21 04h
EST. closest approach is in evening of 20th. Nep 1/2 deg N
of Jup. Timetable for NYC:
--------------------------
2009 December 20, New York
--------------------------
EST | alt-az | event
------+--------+------
16:31 | 34 193 | sunset
17:02 | 32 205 | civil dusk
17:37 | 29 211 | nautical dusk
20:56 | 00 251 | Jupiter sets
00:00 |-34 282 | Dec 20->Dec 21
04:00 |-45 294 | geometric conjunction
--------------------------------------
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
Mon 21 Dec
18:30 - Mid Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture
'Kinckerbocker, the myth behind New York'. Free.
www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm,
19:00 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 7
MEETS AT 19:00, NOT 20:00
Tue 22 Dec
20:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 8
Wed 23 Dec
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Dec 2
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Dec
2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 2
Thu 24 Dec
all day - whole City - MH -Christmas Eve
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule.
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
Fri 25 Dec
all day - whole City - MH - Christmas Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule.
19:00 - Yonkers - NY - astronomy show - see Dec 4
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Dec 4
20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
Sat 26 Dec
20:00 - 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
20:00 - Liberty - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 19
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Dec 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
Sun 27 Dec
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 4
18:30 - whole City - MH - final Pleiades occultation
Moon 90% illum, 143d E elong, lib lon -6.0, lib lat -5.0d.
THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE TO SEE A PLEIADES OCCULTATION UNTIL
SEPTEMBER 2024! Hope for clear skies!! Timetable for NYC:
-----------------------------------------------------------
EST Event Alt-Az Cusp Pos Ver comments
----- -------------- ------ ---- --- --- --------------
13:30 Moon rises 00 58 -- --- --- 11.4 day old
16:36 Sun sets 31 85 -- --- ---
17:07 civil dusk 37 90 -- --- ---
17:44 nautical dusk 44 96 -- --- --- full night in City
19:09 Merope ingress 59 114 +36N 28 78
20:03 Merope egress 68 134 -55N 297 334
20:07 Alcyone ingress 68 135 +7N 359 36
20:18 Alcyone graze 69 139 -9N (69km away in azim 338deg)
20:28 Alcyone egress 71 147 -24N 328 356
20:32 Atlas ingress 71 148 +58N 51 77
20:44 Pleione ingress 72 156 +38N 31 50
21:15 Moon culminates 73 180 -- --- ---
21:41 Pleione egress 73 201 -51N 302 285
21:45 Atlas egress 72 204 -71N 282 262
00:00 midnight 53 256 -- --- --- Dec 28 -> Dec 29
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Tue 29 Dec
18:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Celestial Highlights show
Live skyshow of current evening sky. $15 adm.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
Wed 30 Dec
10:30 - Hayden Plm - MH - Field Trip to the Moon show - see Dec 2
18:00 - Whiskey Park - MH - Space Frontier Foundtn mtg - see Dec
2
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
20:30 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 2
Thu 31 Dec
18:00 - whole City - NH - New Year's Eve
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule.
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 2
Fri 1 Jan 2010
all day - whole City - MH - New Year's Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule.
General news
----------
RIGHT NOW is when you should be fixing your events for the new
year of 2010. During December many host facilities close or their
crew
is on holiday. This is specially true if you meet at a school that
has
an intersession break in December.
A most embarrassing situations is that in the January NYC Events
you are listed in that dreadful 'XXX' category. You know, where I
note
'DATES NOT SET YET; INQUIRE AT CONTACT'. Try showing THAT entry to
your members and supporters!
I understand well that things can get crazy near the end of the
year. Please, for your own sake, make a substantial effort to get the
dates lined up for your events, if not the topic or theme.
This month is also the time to double check your contacts. Most
astronomy centers change crew annually in summer or winter. So,
please, purposely inspect the contact for your event and send me any
corrections. Remember, if I got a wrong contact in NYC Events, ALL OF
YOUR POTENTIAL MEMBERS AND VISITORS also got it wrong.
Three members leave NYC Events. Science Club of LI disbanded in
July 2009. It stopped all activity after its June lectures. Observing
Group changed to an in-house event for its own members and guests.
National Space Society-LI chapter, also known as Long Island Space
Society, became inactive. It had no events since spring 2009.
York College returns to NYC Events after a year's recess during
campus construction. It now holds sessions monthly, on the 9th for
December.
Sci-Ind-Biz Library relocates its cultural talks because its
little lecture room was consistently overcrowded. They will be held
in
a larger better room in the Mid-Manhattan Library. This is on 5th Av
at & 40th St, a half kilometer north of SIBL.
The rallies at the former AIG offices petered out in October-
November. The place is under renovation for some new tenant. That's
one less entry in NYC Events.
The Hudson-Fulton celebration is about over but I leave a general
entry under the 1st in case there are more events this month. In the
meanwhile, please do visit the 'Island at the center of the world'
exhibit and walk the 'New Amsterdam trail'. See December 1st.
Event news
--------
The AAVSO convention on November 5-7 in Newton MA was a very
full
meeting. I represented the City thru NYSkies and gave a slideshow of
the High Line and its use for starviewing. Workshops covered CCD
imaging, remote-access observatories, and the Kepler spaceprobe.
Many NYSkiers visited the navy ship 'New York' when it came to
the City for commissioning in early November. There were previous
'New
York' ships but this one was special. Its bow is made from steel from
the ruins of the World Trade Center.
The Titanic exhibit at the Discovery hall in Times Square is held
over, altho the ads still claim it is a limited engagement. No
closing
date is posted. A new exhibit in the same hall, following the Lucy &
Ida show, is about Leonardo da Vinci.
An extra treat, announced in the NYSkies yahoogroup, was a
walking
tour on November 22 by Amateur Observers Society. From time to time
it
brings its astronomers to Manhattan to inspect some of the astronomy
points of interest. The tour was inspired by a 2002 issue of Natural
History magazine featuring 'City of stars'. 10 people turned out,
with
4 from Skies, to skip around Manhattan, lunch at Mars 2112
restaurant,
and see the skyshow at the Hayden Planetarium.
The must-see exhibit 'The future beneath us' seems to be still
running, but not for sure. Altho it is noted to close on November
1st,
it's still advertised as current shows! Check with the exhibit halls
in Grand Central Terminal and SIBL. I leave them in NYC Events under
December 1st with a caution note.
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
only minor damage but they are frequently messy from human and pet
toilet functions.
Sky news
------
Weather in November was generally lousy with only a couple
actually clear nights. Most nights were passable for casual
starviewing, but many were covered with clouds. Many delegates at the
AAVSO meeting reported their observing was severely disrupted by
adverse skies. On the other hand, the air so far was not really cold,
merely chilly to require an autumn jacket.
The Milky Way season concludes on November 30 with no positive
sightings. The failure to see the Milky Way this year was due
entirely
to poor skies, too much cloud or haze.
The Leonids were a bust for the City. It was either cloudy or too
sparse a show. A predicted burst of meteors, if it occurred, was in
daytime of November 17th. Most readers went out in owl hours of the
17th or 18th and reported seeing nothing worth the nasty chill and
moist air they suffered with.
Late-breaking news added a consolation to the poor show of the
Leonids. gamma Leonis, right near the radiant!, was reported to host
a
planet! It's the newest of the bright planetary stars, now enrolled
in
my table of such stars on the NYSkies website.
We viewed the occultation of the Pleiades on November 3rd and
that
of theta Aquarii on the 24th. The latter was viewed thru thin cloud
that thickened later into a full overcast.
The next -- and final! -- Pleiades occultation for the City is on
December 28. I do mean 'final'. The very next Pleiades show for the
City comes in -- hold your hat -- 2024. The long absence is the work
of the lunar orbit. It is gently sliding away from the Pleiades to
make the Moon pass south of its stars. Then gradually the orbit
shifts
northward to again let the Moon touch the Seven Sisters.
Neptune and Jupiter hit the third of their triple conjunction of
2009 on December 20. Neptune is a half degree north of Jupiter in
empty sky, but cut a chart of the area to orient yourself.
Mars is in the evening sky in December, hovering in Cancer,
moving
toward Leo. He rounds opposition in December, a remote one with a
small disc. Saturn emerged from solar conjunction with his north ring
face tilted to us. The rings are still pretty thin, yet easily
discernible.