NYSkies
Astronomy Inc |
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NYC EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2020
---------------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy In+c
nyskies@nyskies.org
wwww.nyskies.org
The following astronomy activities in the commuting ring enclosing
New York City are operated by various organizations. A few cultural
tems 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 'nyskies@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 hHours are Eastern Standard Time (UT - 5h).
General notes
----------- /
'whole City' means the event has no specific or dedicated place.
It may be enjoyed from the whole NYSkies territory or at a number of
individual places. Celestial events are typicly 'whole City' events.
c 'all day' means the event is continuous or repeating during the
open hours of the host facility. Facilities may have limited hours per
day or days per week. Check with the event contacts.
'adv regn reqd',for 'advance registration required/requested'
means that the event requires or requests signing up before the event.
You must have your ticket in hand at the gate. There could be a
deadline some days before the event, after which no more signups are
accepted. Check with the event contact for specifics.
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
noptional extra fees to consider.
Current Month calendar
--------------------
Plain dates are in current month;
-, previous month; +, next month.
#, NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
c Moon phase: .NM., .FQ), (FM), (LQ.
Sunset is noted for each Saturday
---------------------------------
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat sunset
-26 -27 -28 -29 -30 -31 .1) 17:13
2 3 4 5 6 7# 8 17:22
(9) 10 11 12 13 14 (15. 17:30
16 17 18 19 20 21# 22 17:39
.23. 24 25 26 27 28 29 17:47
----------------------------------------------
Index of Events / -------------
* = NASA-JPL Night Sky Network affiliate
date = entry in 'list of events' section
'0' = entry in 'ongoing and continuing events' section
'AUT'= entry in 'skipped, autumn resumption' section
'SPR' = entry in 'skipped, spring resumption' secrion
'???' = entry in 'skipped, uncertain resumption' seciton
------- -----------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN - BK
Astronomy on Tap - - - - 19
Canarsie line curtailment 0
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - SPR
Secret Science Club - - - 0
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - 19
Astro Soc of Greenwich - SPR
*Astro Soc of New Haven - 25
Bowman Observatory - - - 5, 19
*Litchfield Hills AAC mtg 14
*Litchfield Hills lecture 21
*McCarthy Observatory - - 8
New Pond Farm - - - - - - 1
Stamford Observatory - - 7, 14, 21, 28
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 1
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - 5, 12, 19, 26
Western CT St Univ Obsy - SPR
*Westport Astro Soc mtg - 18
*Westport Astro Soc starvg 5, 12, 19, 26
-------------------------
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - 203-377-9933,
www.facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society
LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amateur Observers Soc - - 2
*Amat Obsrs Soc starviewing 0
Amer Instt Aero & Astro - ???
Astro Soc of Long Island 5, 12, 19, 26
Brookhaven National Lab - ???
Custer Institute - - - - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - 2
Montauk Observatory - - - 7
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - 7
*Susan Rose Observatory - 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
MANHATTAN - MH
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - 0
*Amat Astro Assn lecture - 14
Amer Instt Archarology - 20
Canarsie line curtailment 0
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Sci - 5, 12, 26
Ctr for Global Wrg Policy 12
Ctr for Science & Society 24
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - 1,2,7,8,9,14,15,16,21,22,23,28,29
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - 14
Earth Institute - - - - - ???
GC Presents - - - - - - - SPR
Globe at Night - - - - - 14-23
Greenwich Vg bookfair - - 22-23
Hayden Plm 'Frontiers' - 10
Hayden Plm 'Live!' - - - 25
Instt Stud Ancnt World - 6, 7, 11
Intrepid Museum - - - - - SPR
*Inwood Astronomy Project 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Metropn Engg Soc Cncl - - 13
Metropn Museum of Art - - 1-Mar 1
Natl Musm of Mathematics 5
NY Academy of Sciences - ???
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - - 0
New York Map Society - - 29
NYU Astrop & Relatvty - - 4, 11
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 7, 21
Presidents Day - - - - - 17
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - 5
Simons Foundation - - - - 5, 12, 19
*Top of the Laawn - - - - 1,2,7,8,9,14,15,16,21,22,23,28,29
Urban Park Rangers - - - 0
WTC station closings - -- 0
-------------------------------
Ctr for Space Sci Edu - - info@nyccsse.org, www.nyccsse.org,
212-608-6164 n
METRO-NORTH - NY
Bear Mountain - - - - - - SPR
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - 7, 14, 20, 21, 28
measles epidemic - - - - 0
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - 21
Rockland Astro Club - - - 7
Vassar Coll Obsy- - - - - 5, 12, 19, 26
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - SPR
Westchester Amat Astro - 7
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - 11
*Amat Astro Inc meeting - 7, 14, 28
*Amat Astro Inc lecture - 21
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - ???
Liberty Sci Ctr - - - - - 1-13
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - SPR
New Jersey Astro Assn - - 13
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - 12
No Jersey Astro Gp starvg 6, 13, 20, 27
Peyton Observarory - - - ???
Plasma Physics Lab - - - 7, 21
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm 5, 12, 19, 26
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr SPR
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - 6
Schommer Observatory - - 13, 27
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - 7
*Sheep Hill Observatory - 21
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - SPR
Washington Xing St Pk - - SPR
WTC station closings - - 0
---------------------------
Dark Sky Observers - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club
McDowell Obsy - mec.rst2.edu, 201-460-8300
Montclair Telescope Club - 973-948-5284,,
users.erols.com/njastro/orgs/mtc.htm
NW Jersey Amat Astro - www.nwjaa.org, info@nwjaa.org
Passaic Co Astro Assn - www.users.nac.net/gburke/PCAA, 973-523-0024
*Raritan Vy Co Coll Plm - www2.raritanval.edu/planetarium
Skyland Stargazers - skylandstargazers.tripod.com
QUEENS - QN
Museum of Moving Image - 1-Jul 18
York College Observatory 19
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
Coll of Staten Is Obsy - SPR
Great Kills Park - - - - SPR
Staten Is Community TV - 7, 14, 21, 28
THE BRONX - BX
=============================
Ongoing and continuing events
--------------------------
all day - ehole county - NY - measles epidemic
Indef duration. Outbreaks of measles in several counties
in NYSkies. Of the 1,500+ cases in US, some 1,000 are in
NYSkies! UN WHO warned that if epidemic continues thru
yearend, it may revoke US status as a measles-free country.
Most counties offer free measles shots. Consult health
provider for precautions and vaccination.
all day - H&M WTC line - MH - WTC station closings
Thru late 2020. World Trade Center station closes every
weekend to repair tunnels under Hudson River ruined by
hurricane Sandy. Station closes at 00h on each Saturday,
reopens at 05h on following Monday. WTC-bound trains turn at
Exchange Pl station. For service to WTC, use 33 St line to
connect to NYC subways. www.panynj.gov
all day - H&M WTC line - NJ - WTC station closings
Thru late 2020. World Trade Center station closes every
weekend to repair tunnels under Hudson River ruined by
hurricane Sandy. Station closes at 00h on each Saturday,
reopens at 05h on following Monday. WTC-bound trains turn at
Exchange Pl station. For service to WTC, use 33 St line to
connect to NYC subways. www.panynj.gov
all day - North Brgen Viaduct - NJ - road closings and rebuild
Thru end 2020. One lane in each direction is closed during
major rebuild of viaduct on NJ495 between NJ Tpk and Lincoln
Tnl. Buses have priority on remaining lanes. On-off ramps for
local street close from time to time. www.restorenj495.com
all day - Canarsie line - MH - night and weekend slowdown
Thru mid 2020. Curtailed service 20h to 05h daily and 20h
Fri-05h Mon on weekends. Trains run single-track thru one
tunnel between Bedford Av statio aand 8th Av terminal. Round-
trip takes about 20 minutes. Other track and tunnel are
closed. Service may change according as progress of work.
Normal two-way service runs 05h-20h on weekdays. www.mta.info.
all day - Canarsie line - BK - night and weekend slowdown
Thru mid 2020. Curtailed service 20h to 05h daily and 20h
Fri-05h Mon on weekends. Trains run single-track thru one
tunnel between Bedford Av statio aand 8th Av terminal. Round-
trip takes about 20 minutes. Other track and tunnel are
closed. Service may change according as progress of work.
Normal two-way service runs 05h-20h on weekdays. www.mta.info.
all day - whole island - LI - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Amat Obsrs Soc. Sessions convene in parks usually at dusk.
Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net
all day - whole City - MH - cultural tour
VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND TIMES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
NYC-H2O. Walk, bike, ride thru history and culture of NYC
muwater system facilities and natural waterways in and near
the City. Events are pay orfree, adn regn reqd. Bike tours
need own bike. www.nych2o.org,
matt@nych2o.org
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.
president@aaa.org, 718-522-5014, www.aaa.org
all day - whole City - MH - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy. Sessions convene in parks
usually at dusk. Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. `
Cancelled for clouds. www.jupiterjoesastronomy.org,
jupiyerjoesastronomy@gmail.com
all day - whole City - MH - cultural tours & lectures
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Urban Park Rangers. Tours of parks, landmarks, nabes, hoods.
Lectures on history and culture of NYC. Program varies each
month. Free. www.nyc.gov/parks
20:00 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting
OCCASIONAL SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
149 7 St, 2/3 Av. Lecture and music on various science
topics. Free. secretscienceclub.blogspot.com, 718-638-4400,
List of Events
------------
Sat 1 Feb
all day - Jersey City - NJ - astronomy show
Theu Feb 13; Liberty Sci Ctr. Two planetarium shows during
visit. 'Search for lifer' and 'Black holes' at different
hours. $34.99 Premium Pass, incl both plm shows and run of
museum. www.lsc.org, 201-200-1000, guestcomments@lsc.org
all day - Musm Moving Imnage - QN - '2oo1:' exhinit
Thru Jul 18. 36-01 35 Av (Astoria). '2001: A space odyssey'.
Props, customes, models, A/V sorts, ephemridalia, posters.
Certain days show '2001: A space odyssey' film. $15 adm, $25
adm +film. www.novingimage.us, 718-777-6888.
all day - Metropn Museum of Art - MH - - sciencve exhibit
Thru Mar 1. 'Making Marvels', 16th-18th century scientific
devices, gadgets, instruments, tools. $25, incl exh tour on
Feb 5 13:30 & Feb 18 13:30. www.metmuseum.org, 212-535-3700.
18:00 - West Reading - CT - clearsky starviewing
New Pond Farm, obseratory. $10, adv regn reqd. cancelled for
clouds. www.newpondfarm.org, 203-938-2117
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. tags_p@yahoo.com, www.nyskies.org, nyskies@nyskies.org
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,
pparkerrs@cs.com
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing
OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Inwood Astronomy Project. Meet at park entrance, Seaman Av
& Isham St. Free. Cancelled for clouds. 917-529-2359
www.inwoodastronomy.org, asonskendall@gmail.com
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing
Amat Obsrs Soc. capus of Custer Institt. Sessions concurrent
with Custer's own events. Free, cancelled for clouds.
www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting
OCCASIONAL EXTRA EVENTS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Custer Instt. Indoor program, clearsky starviewing. $5-$15.
Varies with program. www.custerobservatory.org,
president@custerobservatory.org, 631-765-2626
Sun 2 Feb
13:15 - Uniondale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting.
Hofstra Univ, Berliner Hall. Free. www.aosny.org,
suerose@optonline.net
18:00 - Uniondale - LI - clearsky starviewing
Hofstra University,Berliner Bdg, Rm 117. Free,
adv regn reqd. Cancelled for clouds. 516-463-2759,
www.hofstra.edu/Academics, observatory@hofstra.edu
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Tue 4 Feb
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture
726 Broadway, Rm 940. Various topics in astrophys and
relativity. Free. Have GI photo ID for campus security.
physics.nyu.edu/events.htm
Wed 5 Feb
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Colloquium series. Rutgers Univ, Busch Campus, Astro & Phys
Lecture Hall. Free. www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium,
732-445-3974+
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture
Ctr for Atmosp & Ocean Studies. Weaver Hall, 251 Mercer
St. Various topics in geophysics and earth science. Free.
caos.cims.nyu.edu, shafer@cims.nyu.edu
16:00 - Natl Musm of Mathematics - MH - science show
Also 19:00. 'Mathematical Encounters'. Free, adv regn
reqd. 212-542-0566, www.momath.org, info@momath.org
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St.'How gravitational waves pointed us to the
origin of gold'. Tea 16:15, lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn
reqd. 646-654-0066, ww.simonsfoundation.org
19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of Greenwich. Curtis Elem Schl, Bowman Obsy. Free.
Cancelled for clouds. rickbria@optonline.net, 203-415-6762. ,
astrogreenwich.org
19:00 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - SciCafe' show
Hall of Ocean Life or hall of planet Earth. Music, drinks,
chat with Museum scientists. Free, be 21 or be gone. GI photo
ID reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing
Westport Astro Soc. Rolnick Obsy. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing
MEETS ONLY DURING CLASSES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Wesleyan U, Van Vleck Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds.
860-685-3664, www.wesleyan.edu/astro/events
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting
Vanderbilt Plm. Free. asliastronomy@yahoo.com,
www.asliclub.org
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing
MEETS ONLY DURING CLASSES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Vassar College, Observatory. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
physicsandastronomy.vassar.edu/observatory.html,
Thu 6 Feb
18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural lecruee
15 E 84 St, 5/Madison Av. Various topics on history and
culture of ancient societies. Free, adv regn reqd.
isaw..nyu.edu, isaw@nyu.edu, 212-992-7800
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing
No Jersey Astro Gp. Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall.
Free, cancelled for clouds. njastro.org, 973-655-7266
20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
fri 7 Feb
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour
Plasma Physics Lab. Walk thru history and culture of fproject
to capture energy from controled hydrogen fusion. Free, adv
regn reqd. Have GI photo ID for campus security.
www.pppl.gov/events
18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural lecruee - see Feb 6
18:00 - Amagansett - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. Amagansett Library. Indoor talk, clearsky
sunviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
DISCUSSION: WHY STARS CHANGE THEIR BRIGHTNESS
125 W 14 St, 6/7 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nyskies@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org
19:30 - Suffern - NY - RRockland Astronomy club meeting
Rockalnd Commty Coll, main bldg. Free.
www.rocklandastronomy.com
19:30 - Boonton - NJ - Sheep Hill Astro Assn meeting
Boonton Senior Ctr. Free. www.sheephillastro.org,
contacts@sheephillastro.org, wwestura@optonline.net
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show
100 Cable Way, Mariners Hr SI. 'Geology forum' Live audience,
seating at 19:30, on air at 20:00. Free. www.sictv.org,
718-727-1414
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting
Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
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, slutterbie@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
19:30 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Lienhard Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture
Stamford Obsy. $5. Indoor lecture, clearsky starviewing.
starviewing also called off for outdoor temp < -6C.
203-322-6537, www.stamfordmuseum.org
info@stamfordmuseum.org
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Sat 8 Feb
20:00 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture
McCarthy Obsy, New Miford HS. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org, 860-354-1595,
mccarthyobservatory@gmail.com
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Feb 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Sun 9 Feb
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Mon 10 Feb
19:00 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - 'Frontiers' lecture
Kayfnamm Thtr. Enter at 81 St/Cntl Pk W. $15, adv regn reqd.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
Tue 11 Feb
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Feb 4
18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural lecruee - see Feb 6
19:30 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.org
Wed 12 Feb
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 5
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture - see Feb 5
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St.'Tje race to build quantum computers'.
Tea 16:15, lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn
reqd. 646-654-0066, ww.simonsfoundation.org
18:00 - Columbia University - MH - science lecture
Ctr for Global Energy Policy. Intl Affairs Bldg, 420 W 118 St.
'new and emerging policies for carbon capture'. Free, adv regn
reqd. energypolicy@columbia.edu.
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free.
njastro.org, 973-655-7266 jjj
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 5
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
Thu 13 Feb
19:00 - Ukrainian East Vg restuarant - MH - science lecture
Metropn Engg soc Cncl. 140 2 Av & 9 St. 'From moonwalks to
spaceplanes: A history of the Space Shuttle'. Free, lecure
only. $ opt dinner at 17:30, adv regn reqd. info@mescnyc.org,
212-669-2003
19:30 - Morristown - NJ - Morris Museum Astro Soc meeting
Morris Museum. Free. 973-386-1848, 973-386-1848,,
www.morrismuseum.org/astro-society, info@morrismusem.org,
ckkrish@gmail.com
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - se Feb 6
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewng
Rutgers Univ, Schommer Obsy. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
732-205-0020, www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/ast-serin.html
pryor@physics.rutgers.edu
Fri 14 Feb
15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture - see Fen 7
18:15 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - Amat Astro Assn lecture
Kaufmann Theater. Free, no musm adm fee. 718-522-5014,
president@aaa.org, www.aaa.org
19:00 - Columbia University - MH - astronomy lecture
Pupin Hall, signs to lecture room. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. outreach-admin@astro.columbia.edu,
www.astro.columbia.edu/outreach, 212-854-3278
19:30 - whole CIty - MH - Globe at Night exercise
Thru Febb 23. NYSkies runs its own Globe at Night exercise in
2019-2020 while Orion is in sky at nighfall. Same method and
procedure as for prior years for documenting sky transparency
over City. Details at www.nyskies.org/gannyc.htm
19:30 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills Amat Astro Club mtg
Central Congregational Church. Free. lhastro.org,
lhastro@gmail.com
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Feb 7
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Feb 7
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Feb 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Sat 15 Feb
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Feb 1
Sun 16 Feb
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Mon 17 Feb
all day - whole City - MH - Presidents Day
Please check with event contaact for session falling on this
day by rule or ediurnate schedule
Tue 18 Feb
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
Wed 19 Feb
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 5
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St.'Quantum technologies: New quantum
revolution'. Tea 16:15, lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn
reqd. 646-654-0066, ww.simonsfoundation.org
19:00 - York College - QN - astronomy lecture .
Core Academic Bdg, Rm AC-2E01. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free, adv regn reqd. 718-262-2082,
www.york.cuny.edu/centers-institutes/observatory,
19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
19:30 - New Brittain - CT - Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford meeting
Central CT St Univ, Copernicus Plm. Free. www.asgh.org,
860-872-9069, pparkerrs@cs.com
20:00 - Way Station Pub - BK - Astronomy on Tap meting
683 Washington Av & Prospect Pl (Prospect Hts). Informal
astronomy discussion in pub setting. Free, one drink purchase
reqd. astronomyontap.org/locatons/new-york-city
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 5
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
Thu 20 Feb
18:00 - Palisades - NY - science lecture
Lamont-Doherty Earth Obsy, Monell audm. 'Climate, carbon
``` dioxide, and sea level: Past is prologue'. Free,
845-365-8634, www.ldeo.columbia.edu,
suzana@ldeo.columbia.edu,
18:30 - ISAW - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
15 E 84 St & Mad/5 Av. Various topics on archaeology and
anthropology. Free, adv regn reqd. GI photo ID required for
campus security. www.aia-nysociety.org,
info@aia-nysociety.org
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - se Feb 6
Fri 21 Feb
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour - see Feb 7
15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture - see Fen 7
17:00- Lk Taghkanic St Pk - NY - clearsky starviewing
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn. West Beach parking lot. Free,
cancelled for clouds. Adv regn reqd with vehicle make,
model, plate number for park security. `
www.nidhudsonastronomy.org
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
DISCUSSION: WHAT ARE THOSE LINES ACROSS A STAR'S SPECTRUM?
125 W 14 St, 6/7 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nyskies@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Feb 7
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
20:00 - Litchfield - CT - Litchfield Hills A A C lecture
White Meml Consrvn Ctr. Free. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. lhaacsec@gmail.com, lhastro.org
20:00 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn Obsy, Free. Cancelled for
clouds. sheephillastro.otg, contacts@sheephillastro.org,
wwestura@optonline.net
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Feb 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Sat 22 Feb
11:00 - P S 3 - MH - Greenwich Village Antqn Book Fair
Thru Sun 23 Feb. 490 Hudson St & Christopher St. Deep source
for astronomy books, maps, prints, posters. $15, 2-day tkt.
www.ps3nyc.org/bookfair.htm, www.gvabookfair.org,
gvabookfair@gmail.com, 516-657-6212, www,gvabf.com
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Feb 1
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Sun 23 Feb
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Mon 24 Feb
18:15 - Columbia University- MH - Ctr for Sci and Soc lecture
Heyman Ctr for Humanities. 'The disposition of naturer'. Free,
adv regn reqd. 212-854-7211, scienceandsociety.columbia.edu
Tue 25 Feb
19:00 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - 'Astronomy live!' lecture
Live narrated planetarium show. Enter at 81 St/Cntl Pk W.
$15, adv regn reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
19:30 - New Haven - CT - Astro Soc of New Haven meetinG
Yale Univ, Leitner Family Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asnh.org, prez@asnh.org
Wed 26 Feb
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 5
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture - see Feb 5
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 5
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 5
Thu 27 Feb
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - se Feb 6
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewng - see Feb 13
Fri 28 Feb
15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture - see Fen 7
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Feb 7
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Feb 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Feb 7
Sat 29 Feb
14:00 - Avenues HQ - MH - New York Map Society lecture
11 E 26 St, 17th floor. Various topics about map making,
cartography, geography. Free, adv regn reqd. Have GI photo ID
for caampus security. www.newyorkmapsociety.org,
mapsocietyny@gmail.com
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Feb 1
Events Skipped This Month
-----------------------
EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[SPR] SPRING RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
13:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Seminar series. Rutgers Univ, Serin W330. Free. 732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/seminar
15:30 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Greenwich Audubon Center. Free. rickbria@optonline.net,
203-415-6762. astrogreenwich.org
17:00 - Danbury - CT - astronomy lecture
Westn Conn St Uv, Obsy/Plm. Indoor planetarium show,
clearsky starviewing. Free. www.wcsu.edu/starwatch,
203-837-8671, dawsond@wcsu.edu
17:30 - Intrepid Museum - MH - Free Friday show
Pier 86 and ship. Exhibits, demos, talks. Clearsky movies
and starviewing. Free. www.intrepidmuseum.org
18:30 - CUNY Graduate Center - MH -'GC presents' lecture
365 5 Av & 34 St, Skylight Room. 'Navigating the maze of
science and technology policy'. Free, adv regn reqd.
www.gc.cuny.edu/publicprograms
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Amat Astro Assn of Princeton. Simpson Obsy. Free, cancelled
for clouds. www.princetonastronomy.org, 609-737-2575,
info@princetonastronomy.org
20:00 - Ward Pound Ridge - NY - clearsky starviewing
Westchester Amat Astro. Meadows Picnic Area. Free. Cancelled
for clouds. waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org
www.westchesterastronomers.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 - Great Kills Pk - SI - clearsky starviewing
Natl Pk Svc. Enter at Hylan Bv to playground; Free. Cancelled
for clouds. www.nps.gov/gate, 718-987-6790 n
20:00 - Floyd Bennett Field - BK - clearsky starviewing
Community Garden. NYSKies & Natl Park Svc. Free. Cancelled
for clouds. www.nyskies.org, stephenlieber@nyc.rr.com,
nyskies@nyskies.org
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting
NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8500
20:30 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing
Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818,
csivc.csi.cuny.edu/supernove7/files/home.html,
robbins@mail.csi.cuny.edu,
845-437-7340
--------------------------------------
[???] UNCERTAIN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
15:00 - Upton - LI - Summer Sundays science show
Brookhaven Natl Lab. Bldg 510. 'A new paradigm for dark matter
search at the LHC'. Free, have GI photo ID for campussecurity.
631- 344-2651, www.bnl.gov/evnts
18:00 - Bethpage - LI - Amer Instt Aero & Astro lecture
Hofstra Univ, Breslin Hall, rm216 . Various topics in
aeronautics and astronautics. 'Observations from the
Apollo LM to the Shuttlre and ISS, and beyond'. Free, $7 opt
pizza-soda, adv regn reqd.718-812-2727, greghomatas@msn.com
19:00 - NY Academy of Sciences - MH - astronomy lecture
'The nystery of our mathematical universe'. $20. www.nyas.org
19:00 - Toms River - NJ - Astro Soc of Toms Rv Area meeting
Ocean Co Coll, Novins Planetarium. Free.
www.astra-nj.org, 732-255-0343, webmaster@astra-nj.org
20:00 - Princeton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Princeton Univ, Peyton Hall. Free. Cancelled for clouds
www.astro.princeton.edu/observatory/publicobserving.php,
jeg@astro.princeton.edu, lee@astro.princeton.edu
20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
General News
----------
---Metropolitan Museum of Art, for its running exhibit of scientific
devices 'Making Marvels,' has two guided tours in February. Museum
admission includes them on the 5th and 18th. See Feb 1st.
Stamford Obsy stays closed not only for clouds but also for air
temp colder than -6c. check with contact on clear, but cold, nights.
Morris Museum Astro Soc now meets every month except Jul & Aug.
It previously also skipped Jan & Feb. See Feb 1.
Columbia Univ Obsy posted one lecture for spring 2020, but not
yet a full slate. There could be a second talk later in the month,
since the Obsy usually runs two per month.
Lamont-Doherty Obsy has both weekly colloquia and a lecture
program. The lecture is on the 20th while colloquia are on all
Fridays.
Altho the measles epidemic seems under control, the NYSkies
territory still has quite half of all cases in the US. Most are in
metro-North and brooklyn. I keep this item until the situation abates.
Ramapo Challenger Ctr leaves NYSkies. it no longer runs public
shows. Operations are focused on prearranged groups, such as school
classes, camps,scouts.
'City of science' talks at CUNY Grad Ctr are part of its 'GC
Presents' lecture series. I list 'GC Presents' to capture possible
other events for astronomers.
Mid Hudson Astro Assn put out its 2020 starviewing schedule.
Please sign up in advance with specs of your vehicle. State park will
admit only those in its register.
Liberty Sci Ctr's planetarium was built into former IMAX chamber,
making it the largest planetarium in the Americas. Its dome is 27m
across. Moscow's planetarium seems to still hold the world's size
record of 30m.
City News
-------
The John Batchelor radio show, 770AM in NYSkies,, on January 3
discussed Betelgeuse. It reported the star dimmed in prior couple
months, described star's activity and location in the sky. It assured
that Betelgeuse will not explode in near future but will eventually
return to normal brightness.
Parking meters in NYC on January 1 tripped on computer glitch.
Software no longer recognized credit card wxpiry dates in 2020 and
late and rejected the card. Debit card and phone tap still worked.
Software was patched by Jan 3 to handle dates in 2020s.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on january 3 was one of the fuller
sessions recently. A dozen of us turned out to learn about Betelgeuse.
Myrna Coffino set out bit-size cakes to munch. We went thru a quick
overview of star lifecycle, showing how a star needs internal pressure
to keep it from collapsing. Pressure comes from radiant energy
generated in the star's core. Stars producing energy by hydrogen-
helium process plot on HR Diagram along its main Sequence. The star's
location on the MS is a function of mass, low to high from bottom to
top. We learned that when H-He process gives out, the star no longer
can maintain place on MS as it shifts to other nuclear energy
processes. The star migrates to the upper right section of the HRD as
a red giant or supergiant. Chemical elements are fused from helium to
ultimately iron. The core fills with iron, which can not be further
fused to yield radiant energy. when these other reactions peter out
the star collapses. a low mass star subsides softly to becomes a white
dwarf. Medium mass stars collapse fast enough to crush the core and
trigger a supernova eruption. The core compacts into a neutron star. A
more massive star also supernovates but the core becomes a blackhole.
he event fuses the material outside the core into all the other
chemical elements beyond iron. Betelgeuse is a supergiant star near
the end of its life, supposedly on the cusp of going supernova. We
monitor it on & off but so far it behaved itself. It fluctuates a
couple tenth magnitude in a lazy pattern. We traced a current
lightcurve of Betelgeuse to se how in November 2019 it began a normal
decrease. In a couple weeks the decline continued more rapidly and
deeper than normal. Joe Fedrick got a glimpse of betelgeuse thru thin
cloud on jan 2nd and found it as dim as Bellatrix. john Pazmino on Dec
27 saw it about equal to Aldebaran. We discovered how humongous
Betelgeuse is from several observatory pictures. The optical star,
what we see by visual light, is about the diameter of Jupiter's orbit.
Its disc is spotted with bright and ark patches, looking somewhat like
Mars! These swirl around like clouds and loft away from the star. In
infrared and longer wavebands the star fills the solar system and
reaches to some 800aU diameter. Takeaways were diagrams of star
lifecycles, HRDs, spectral classes, evolution of post-MS stars,
starchart of Betelgeuse region with comparison stars, lightcurve for
past1-1/2 years, pictures of Betelgeuse in different wavebands, series
of disc images, descriptive article on Betelgeuse.
On Jan 17 at NYSkies Seminar Myrna Coffino gave news of her incite
to sit on BoD of Kepler Space Instt. Kepler, no relation to Kepler
spaceprobe, promotes exploration a d human habitation in outer space.
Her work with Natl Space Soc, UN committees, NYSkies factored into HER
invite.
At the UN Holocaust memorial on Jan 27 I saw many guests impeded
at entry to the campus because they lacked proper ID. A few handed up
a business card or the registration letter. For all events at United
Nations -- and at lots of other places -- you must have in hand a duly
issued validated photo ID from a government office. so far, a driver's
licence is accepted even if not yet REAL-ID compliant. I note in event
listing any need for such ID.
NYS tax dept in mid Jan 2020 invited state taxpayers to use its new
online tax return system. It compiles both state and federal returns
to make sure the two are properly congruent. Service, with electronic
filing of both returns, is free. Details at www.tax.ny.gov.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on Jan 17 overviewed action of planets
in 2020. We first clarified the aspects or configurations of planets
relative to the Sun. We saw they occur when planet sits at certain
elongation from the Sun. Most are esily observed but two are dependent
on terrestrial factors. These are first and last sighting around
conjunction when the planet enters or leaves twilight. We learned that
many aspects were watched by the Egyptian sand Babylonians some 4,000
years ag! We discovered how configurations seen from Earth are inverse
of those sen from the planet. Several were verified by pictures of
Earth taken by spaceprobes at other planets. We can simulate them in
solar system softwares allowing a sky view from other planets. We next
walked thru many arrangements of Venus. Mars. Jupiter, Saturn in
2020. These are alignments with each other planet, Moon, stars. All
are visually attractive but require clear sky. All are suitable for
bare-eye, with binocular or telescope giving more detailed views. For
many configurations we examined a sky view, solar system view, and a
visibility view. The solar system scene showed the sightlines from
Earth to Sun and planet. The visibility view showed the portion of
night when the planet is in the sky during two months centered on the
event date. For example we saw how Venus at inferior conjunction
shifts sides from evening star to morning star in early June. We
learned that events among planets and stars should be watched from a
week before thru a week after the date to appreciate the kinetics of
planetary motion. don't look only on the very date of the event.
Aspects with the Moon must be captured on the event date because the
Moon moves so fast. a day before and after dissolves the scene. The
configurations dealed with Venus east elongation and inferior
conjunction, Mars east quadrature thru opposition and retrograde loop,
Jupiter-Saturn thru conjunctions with the Moon and then with each
other. The latter is specially important because a Jupiter-Saturn
conjunction occurs only every 20 years! for the elders of us this
instance, 2020 December 21, is the last one we will witness. I myself
watched three previous ones, 1960, 1980-81. 2000. The 1980-81 show was
a triple event because the planets were gyrating in their retrograde
loops. passing each other three times in several months. We saw that
the Moon joins J-S in October and November in a dusk convention, but
misses the planets in December. We'll look more carefully at Mars and
Jupiter-Saturn later this year. We had a Venus session in fa;ll 2019.
Takeaways were tables and diagrams of planet aspects, chart of
Babylonian aspects, graph of Mars position and motion near opposition,
series of scenes for all four planets, usually with a sky and solar
system view.
Many NYSkiers and ~150 other scientists packed Simons Foundation
on Jan 22 for a quantum physics/blackhole talk. They saw similarities
between particle and blackhole behavior, including some with 'hot'
electrical superconduction.
In early January 2020 AT&T put out revised privacy policy rules.
The changes may result from the public release of personal phone logs
obtained from AT&T in the recent impeachment inquest.
Meade Instruments on 4 Dec 2019 filed for Chap 11 protection in
Central Dist of CA federal court. Action followed Meade's loss of
price-fixing lawsuit from Orion Telescopes and Binoculars. Case
awarded ~$8 million damages to Orion, leaving Meade unable to finance
its own debts. Meade continues operations under federal trustee
during its reorganization.
Grace period on 14 St ended on Jan 21. Vehicles obstructing bus
lanes get $50 moving violation based on photo of vehicle taken with
bus-mounted cameras. Traffic in 14 St, in front of NYSkies meeting
room, seems calm with a few cars skirting thru in curb lanes.
Larry Elder radio show on Jan 24 had a maths question in its 'Can
you beat Kurt' segment: What is the longest side of a right triangle
called? First player passed up answer. other cone correctly named it
'hypotenuse' but lost game for low total score.
sky News
------
Betelgeuse seemed to slow or pause its decline in early Jan 2020.
It stayed at or a bit dimmer than Bellatrix thru late month. Continue
monitoring the star with the comparison stars below.
-------------------------------
COMPARISON STARS FOR BETELGEUSE
-------------------------------
star | name | magn
-----+--------------+-----
alp Ori | Betelgeuse | var
---------+-----------+--------
alp CMa \ sirius | -1.4
alp Aur | Capella | +0.1
bet Ori |Rigel | +0.2
alp CMi | Procyon | +0.4
alp Tau | Aldebaran | +0.9
bet Gem | Pollux | +1.2
eps CMa | Adhara | +1.5
alp Gem | Castor | +1.6
gam Ori | Bellatrix | +1.7
bet Tau | Elnath | +1.7
bet Aur | Menkalinan | +1.9
gam Gem | Alhena | +2.0
bet CMa | Mirzam | +2.0
kap Ori | Saiph | +2.1
eta CNa | Aludra | +2.5
alp Lep | Arneb | +2.6
---------------------------
Orion stick-figure is significantly distorted without the normal
brightness of Betelgeuse. Thru NYSkies assistance in January, Night Sky
Network and Globe at Night now promote observing Betelgeuse.
Cloud-burst of snow fell on Jan 18 ~10h EST on scattered sections
of NYSkies. Lasting only one hour, it put down several centimeters of
cover. It persisted in full sunlight for rest of day and melted
overnight under warmer temps.
Spring-like weekend came to NYSkies land on Jan 11-12. Temps rose
to mid 10Cs with gentle breeze and partly sunny sky. Some towns
reported all-time high for these dates, which are usually in the f-10C
range. Weather on the 13th slided back to normal winter.
Scarsdale HS student Wolf Cukier, Scarsdale NY, helped find the
first circumbimary exoplanet. It, TOI1338b in NASA's TESS planet-
hunting spaceprobe program, orbits BOTH stars of an eclipsing binary.
Cukier worked with the TESS team as summer intern in 2019. Discovery
was highlighted at Amer Astro Soc meeting on 6 Jan 2020.
Ultra clear dark night on January 16. Transparency hit 5th magn in
most of NYC. Air was chilly and windy. Several DSOs seen by eye, sky
filled with small stars, fainter constellations traced out.
air was about 0C with strong wind.
Steve Kaye on Jan 3-5 was in Arizona for a friend's wedding He
watched the Quadrantid meteors, telling friend they were nature's
fireworks for the wedding. He noted there were enough bright meteors
to give a shower effect even with large Moon in the sky.
A rare winter sun-shower fell on Jan 16 early morning. With Sun
shining, thin cool rain started ~09h EST over scattered parts of NYC.
It lasted an hour or so, leaving streets wet.. Water dried up by noon
under continued sunshine.t
Venus in January 2020 broke into higher sky in twilight. Every one
sees her as she starts her majestic flight in western sky thru May