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NYSkies OBSERVING AT FLOYD BENNETT FIELD

NYSkies meets monthly for stargazing on a Friday night at Floyd Bennett Field in Gateway National Park, Brooklyn. There is no observing in case of rain.

Chair: Art Kunhardt (718-643-0959)
              Stephen Lieber (stephenlieber@nyc.rr.com)

2011 Schedule -- Friday nights, 8 PM - 10 PM 

January & February
(no session)

March 18

April 15

May 13

June 10

July & August (no session)

September 16

October 7

November 4

December 2

Directions (see maps below):

Floyd Bennett Field is located at the end of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn (the "end" if coming from Manhattan). We meet on the site of the flying field for model airplanes (known as the RC Flying Field).

If coming by car take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S, which is Flatbush Avenue South. Take Flatbush Avenue for 1.3 miles. The entrance to the field is on the left side at a traffic light. This light is just before the toll plaza for the Marine Parkway (Gil Hodges) Bridge. Once inside the park go 0.2 miles and make a left turn. There is a left turn lane here.

After turning, go straight for 1.1 miles. The road ends at a runway. Turn right onto this wide runway. Continue 0.7 miles and on the left side there is a 45-degree turn onto another runway. That is where we meet. The runways are not lighted. Fortunately this is the only left turn off of the main runway.


People coming by bus will have to do some walking, so be prepared. Take the #2 or #5 train to Flatbush Avenue (last stop). The Q35 bus travels along Flatbush Avenue. There is a bus stop near the Aviation Sports Center. There is a pedestrian entrance ar the Center. Enter there and go beyond the Center to the runway. Turn left onto the runway and follow the directions above. Download Q35 service information at
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/busbkln.pdf <5.pdf>. Keep in mind that there is a long walk along unlit runways. Carry a flashlight.

We try to meet once a month except during January and February, when it's just too cold, and in July and August, when we have a problem with mosquitoes (in other warm months, come but bring a repellent). Events are canceled if cloudy, but we will try to meet if the skies are only partially cloudy.

We hope to see you there.

NOTE: A good map of the immediate observing area can be found at
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/gate/ppMaps/GATE%2Dwe1%2Epdf <http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/gate/ppMaps/GATE-we1.pdf>

:Last update on 14 March 2011

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