NYSkies
Astronomy Inc |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
NYC EVENTS FOR OCTOBER 2020
--------------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy In+c
nyskies@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 hours are Eastern Daylight Savings Time (UT - 4h). Coronavirus
---------
Cotonavirus, while still a serious disease, is no longer credible
to justify continued restrictions on civil and social life in the
NYSkies region. The 'science' to explain the constraints has closed
borders! The Queens-Nassau border is, for part of its length, in the
middle of certain streets. Social events on the Queens side are
shuttered but those on the Nassau side -- a couple ten meters away --
are open for service. Nassau science has more lenient laws of nature
than Queens?
other evidence that governments are getting tired of the
coronavirus episode comes from Louisville KY. Indoor eating opened
several weeks ago, after coronavirus closure. Monitoring of virus
positives revealed no greater incidence than in the general public.
partly from this finding, NYC restaurants sued NYS Gov Cuomo to end
the ban o indoor eating. Before case went to court, Cuomo settled by
letting City restaurants open with 25% capacity. Doors scheduled to
open on September 30. See October 1 in 'List of events'.
More from NYC. Persons arriving from coronavirus hotspots must so
14-day quarantine and file a contact history with NYC Bd of Health.
Violators face compulsive quarantine and $10,000 (one myriad of
dollars) fine
Among arrests during protests and demonstrations were many from
such places. As deep as the media could dig, none of these persons
submitted a contact history, did quarantine, or fined.
New York University lets its students gather, mingle, agitate in
Washington Sq. The square functions as the school's quadrangle while
being a public park. Neither the college security nor the city police
enforce any corona practices among the students.
The Catholic schools for both Brooklyn and New York (they are
separate districts) opened in mid September for fully in-class
sessions. As at Sep 25 there was no significant increase in virus
infection in students or staff. Schools do routine testing of
occupants and send positive persons home for medical attention.
And, yes, altho New Jersey is still a hotspot, all persons
entering NYC from there are exempt from the filing/quarantine rule.
Many myriads of NJ folk commute to the City every weekday..
The CNN town hall for presidential candidate Biden didn't mind the
xcirus. During the formal segments the participants sat apart and some
wore face masks. During the breaks everyone commingled normally. For
the next segment, all sat again in spaced-apart seats. Thee scenes
were captured by personal cameras and 'accidently on purpose' put out
in public.
Health officials remind that effective treatments are to hand. If
you, be what ever way, are positive for the virus or display symptoms
of it, get medical attention soonest. This is specially crucial
starting in September when the seasonal fly and colds return.
When in close surrounds, do wear the mask and keep hands away from
face. Wash hands often, each tome for two rounds of the alphabet.
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.
'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
Moon phase: .NM., .FQ), (FM), (LQ.
Sunset is noted for each Saturday
---------------------------------
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat sunset
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ----------
-27 -28 -29 -30 (1) 2# 3 18:34
4 5 6 7 8 (9. 10 1823
11 12 13 14 15 .16#. 17 18:12
18 19 20 21 22 .3. 24 18:02
25 26 27 28 29 30 .31) 17:53
----------------------------------------------
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' section,
'!!!' = entry in 'skipped, constrained due to coronavirus
------- -----------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN - BK
Astronomy on Tap - - - - !!!
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - !!!
Secret Science Club - - - !!!
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - !!!
Astro Soc of Greenwich - !!!
*Astro Soc of New Haven - 27
Bowman Observatory - - - !!!
*Litchfield Hills AAC mtg !!!
*Litchfield Hills lecture !!!
*McCarthy Observatory - - !!!
New Pond Farm - - - - - - !!!
Stamford Observatory - - !!!
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - !!!
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - !!!
Western CT St Univ Obsy - !!!
*Westport Astro Soc mtg - !!!
*Westport Astro Soc starvg !!!
-------------------------
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - 203-377-9933,
www.facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society
LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amateur Observers Soc - - !!!
*Amat Obsrs Soc starviewing!!!
Amer Instt Aero & Astro -!!!
Astro Soc of Long Island !!!
Brookhaven National Lab - !!!
Custer Institute - - - - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - !!!
Hmaptons Observatory - - !!!
PubSci - - - - - - - - - !!!
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - !!!
*Susan Rose Observatory - !!!
MANHATTAN - MH
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - !!!
*Amat Astro Assn lecture - !!!
Amer Instt Archarology - !!!
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Sci !!!
Ctr for Science & Society !!!
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - !!!
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - !!!
Columbus Day - - - - - - 12
early on-site voting - - 1
Earth Institute - - - - - !!!
GC Presents - - - - - - - !!!
Governors Island - - - - !!!
Hayden Plm 'Frontiers' - !!!
Hayden Plm 'Live!' - - - !!!
indoor eating/drinking - 1
Instt Stud Ancnt World - !!!
*Inwood Astronomy Project !!!
Jupiter Joe's Astronomy - !!!
Milky Way fall season - - 1-Nov 30
Natl Musm of Mathematics !!!
'Nature of color' exhibit 1-2021 Aug
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - - !!!
New York Map Society - - !!!
NYU Astrop & Relatvty - - 111
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar !!!
Observer's Handbook offer 1
plastic shopping bag ban 19
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - !!!
Simons Foundation - - - - !!!
SpaceX NYC - - - - - - - !!!
*Top of the Laawn - - - - !!!
Urban Park Rangers - - - !!!
-------------------------------
Ctr for Space Sci Edu - - info@nyccsse.org, www.nyccsse.org,
212-608-6164 n
METRO-NORTH - NY
Bear Mountain - - - - - - !!!
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - !!!
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - !!!
Rockland Astro Club - - - !!!
Vassar College Obsy - - - 7, 14, 21, 28
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - !!!
Westchester Amat Astro - !!!
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - !!!
*Amat Astro Inc meeting - !!!
*Amat Astro Inc lecture - !!!
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - 9
McDowell Observatory - - !!!
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - !!!
New Jersey Astro Assn - - !!!
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - 14
No Jersey Astro Gp starvg !!!
Peyton Observarory - - - !!!
Plasma Physics Lab - - - !!!
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm !!!
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr !!!
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - !!!
Schommer Observatory - - 8, 15
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - !!!
*Sheep Hill Observatory - !!!
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Washington Xing St Pk - - !!!
-----------------------------
Dark Sky Observers - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club
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
York College Observatory !!!
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
Coll of Staten Is Obsy - !!!
Great Kills Park - - - - !!!
Staten Is Community TV - !!!
THE BRONX - BX
=============================
Ongoing and continuing events
--------------------------
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
List of Events
------------
#################################################################
# Events resuming operations in September may have coronavirus #
# restrictions for attendees. Have in hand your facial mask and #
# follow all procedures at the event. inquire at each event's #
# contact for specific instructions. Mind well that local virus #
# control authorities may intervene on site against violators. #
#################################################################
Thu 1 Oct
all day - whole City - MH - Observer's Handbook offer
The NYSkies offer for the Observer's Handbook for 2021 is
called off. Coronavirus constrainsts closed or impeded the
services and facilities we need to give astronomers the deep
discount for this vital book. There being no other nationwide
discount OH offer, astronomers may have to obtain a copy at
list price, plus shipping, some $45. www.nyskies.org/oh.hym,
www.nyskies.org/ohclub.htm
all day - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - 'Nature of color' exhibit
Thru 2021 August. 4th floor. Explore light, wavelength,
vision, pigments, radiation, sprctra. $28 adm & exh.
212-769-5100, www.ammh.org/exhibitions/color
all day - whole City - MH - early on-siee voting begins
States in NYSkies start early voting for November elections.
Voters follow coronavirus cautions set by each district.
Assigned voting station may be differnt from that on general
election day. Start dates:
-----------------------
Connecticut | no early voting; asj kicak vitubg byri fir iotuibs
New Jersey | O September 19
New York | October 24
----------------------------
all day - whole City - MH - indoor eating/dining resumes
NYC eateries on Sep 30 resumed indoor service with new rules
* 25 percent occupancy , based on FDNY capacity signs.
* Temperature checks required at door for all customers
* One member of each party provides contact rracing info
* Bars prepare drinks for serving at tableside
* Masks worn at all times when not seated at a table
* Tables placed six feet (180 cm) apart
* Restaurants close at midnight, 23:59 local time
* Restaurants run enhanced air filtration
& Limit air recirculation, allow for outside air ventilation
utdoor dining continues as is in the interim. Capaciry lmit may
be raised to 50$% on Nov 1. All rules subject to change at State's
discretion. State virus control inspections may invervene on-site
against violators.
19:00 - whole City - MH - autumn Milky Way season
Thru Nov 30. Fall season for sighting Milky Way from within
NYC. Requires dark clear sky and thoro knowledge of normal
luminous graffiti in sky. Milky Way is in high west sky at
at nightfall. www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/milky-ny.htm
Sat 3 Oct
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
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
Wed 7 Oct
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, descent
The 8 Oct
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 9 Oct
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
Sat 10 Oct
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Oct 3
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Oct 3
Mon 12 Oct
all day - whole City - MH - Columbus Day
Please inquire at contact for latest information about events
listed for today by rule or ediurnate schedue.
Wed 14 Oct
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free.
njastro.org, 973-655-7266 jjj
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Oct 7
Thu 15 Oct
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewng - see Oct 8
Sat 17 Oct
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Oct 3
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Oct 3
Mon 19 Oct
00.01 - whole City - MH - plastic shoppng bag ban begins
Initially to start in spring 2020, then suspended for
coronavirus priorities. Stores no longer may use plastic
shopping bags for paxking customer purchases. Stores must use
biodegradable bags, typicly paer.
Wed 21 Oct
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Oct 7
Sat 24 Oct
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Oct 3
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Oct 3
Tue 27 Oct
19:00 - Bew 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 28 Oct
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Oct 7
Sat 31 Oct
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Oct 3
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Oct 3
Events Skipped This Month
-----------------------
EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[AUT] aUTUMN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[???] UNCERTAIN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
[!!! SUSPENDED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS; UNCERTAIN RESUMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------
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 - Weekend Walks street fairs
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural shows
Thru 31 Oct. Island is open every day, 10h-20h. From May 24
thru Aug 30, Fri-Sat, 10h-22h. Walk and tour thru
former military base and new urban park. Shows vary each day
or visit by foot or bike. Ferries run every 1/2 hr from
Battery Marine Terml, MH, and on weekdays from Pier 6, BK.
Island is free but ferry fare is $2 RT. www.nps.gov/gois,
www.govisland.com
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 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 - 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
= = = ==
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
= = = = =
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+
= = = = =
13;15 - unionsale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting
Hofstra Univ, Berliner Hall. free. www.aosny.org,
suerose@optonline.net
= = = = = =
13:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Seminar series. Rutgers Univ, Serin W330. Free. 732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/seminar
= = = = =
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
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
= = = = =
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
15:30 - Upton - LI - Summer Sundays science show
Brookhaven Natl Lab. Small seminar room. 'What is the Higgs
boson hiding?'. Free, have GI photo ID for campussecurity.
631- 344-2651, www.bnl.gov/evnts
15:30 - Greebeich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Greenwich Audubon Center. Free. rickbria@optonline.net,
203-415-6762. astrogreenwich.org
= = = = =
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. 'The quest for the ideal glass'. Tea 16:15,
lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn reqd. 646-654-0066,
ww.simonsfoundation.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
= = = = =
18:00 - Columbia University- MH - Ctr for Sci and Soc lecture
Fauerweather Hsll, Rm 513. 'The triumph of scientific
imagination, 1760-1900'. Free,
adv regn reqd. 212-854-7211, scienceandsociety.columbia.edu
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
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
18:00 - Earth Institute - MH - science lecture
Columbnia Univ, Lerner Hall, Arledge Audm.. 'Sea level rise:
Causes, impacts and options for solutions'. Free, adv regn
reqd. ei.columbia.edu
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, 845-365-8988
18:00 - Shalel Lounge - MH - SpaceX NYC meeting
65 W 70 St, Amsterdam Av. Fiscussion on space industry and
development. Free, opt meal/drink. www.meetup.com/SpaceX-NYC
18:00 - Amagansett - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. Amagansett Library. Indoor talk, clearsky
sunviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
= = = = =
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
= = = = =
18:30 - CUNY Graduate Center - MH -'GC presents' lecture
365 5 Av & 34 St. 'Climate change:The effects on coastal
environments''. Free, adv regn reqd. 212-817-7000,
www.gc.cuny.edu/publicprograms
18:30 - Hunter College - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
Hemmerdinger Screening Room. 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
= = = = =
19:00 - Patchoque - LI- PubSci show
Brookhaven Natl Lab, Blue Point Brewing Co, 225 W Main St.
'The quantum revolution'. Free, opt meal/drink.
pubsci@bnl.go,vwww.bnl.gov/pubsci,
19:00 - West Reading - CT - clearsky starviewing
New Pond Farm, obseratory. $10, adv regn reqd. cancelled for
clouds. www.newpondfarm.org, 203-938-2117
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
19:00 - 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
19:00 - lyndhurst - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Ctr for Enviro & Sci Edu, nMcDowell Obsy. Free. cancelled
for clouds. Requires climbing narrow spiral stairs into domw.
www.njsea.com/observatory, info@njsea.com, 201-460-1700
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
= = = = =
19:15 - 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
= = = = =
19:30 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.org
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 - Suffern - NY - RRockland Astronomy Club meeting
Rockalnd Commty Coll, main bldg. Free.
www.rocklandastronomy.com
19:30 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills Amat Astro Club mtg
Central Congregational Church. Free. lhastro.org,
lhastro@gmail.com
19:00 - 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
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
19:30 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Lienhard Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org Sat 8 Feb
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, www.mmastrosociety.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 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting
Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
= = = = =
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 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
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
20:00 - 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,
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.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 - 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
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 - 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 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
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 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing
Westport Astro Soc. Rolnick Obsy. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting
Vanderbilt Plm. Free. asliastronomy@yahoo.com,
www.asliclub.org
20:00 - 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
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Bear Mountain - NY - clearsky starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Anthony Wayne Rec Area, picnic field.
Free, cancelled for clouds. www.rocklandastronomy.com u
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 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing
Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818,
csivc.csi.cuny.edu/supernove7/files/home.html, 718-892-3259,
irving.robbins@csi.cuny.edu
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 - 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 - 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,
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 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture
McCarthy Obsy, New Miford HS. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org, 860-354-1595,
mccarthyobservatory@gmail.com
= = = = =
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting
NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8500
= = = = =
General news
----------
October has several events listed as open for service, with dates
and places. The mix is different from September because of two
plausible causes. One is that the September items were posted in good
faith that their venues would be available. When they weren't, and
would not be available until further notice, the October item was
shifted to the '!!!' section.
The other is that the items were posted months ago, likely before
the coronavirus episode, and then forgotten or neglected. When the
entries were reviewed for updating, many were found to be constrained
by the virus situation.
On the other hand a few events are apparently open, certainly with
virus procedures for visitors.
Before attending ANY of the events, you MUST inquire at the event
contact for latest news. Do NOT head to an event without prior
knowledge of its status. You could walk up to a locked and dark venue.
The bulk of events are now in the '!!!' section, now with expanded
meaning. an entry there is somehow encumbered by the virus in any od
several ways:
---------------------------------------------------------
* cancelled or suspended, typicly with no later 'do-over'
*& changed to in-house or member-only attendance
* require advance signup, to limit number of visitors
* changed to remote-engagement, via webinar, webcast, video
* terminated, mostly for seasonal events
---------------------------------------
Most schools and colleges opened in NYSkies during September 2020
for limited in-class instruction. Strong emphasis is on remote
teaching via home computers. Most outsider use of campus, for club
meetings and public events, is still closed.
More events affected by the coronavirus situation. They are called
off, postponed, reconfigured.
------------------------------------
* children's Halloween treat-&-treat
& yearend holiday parties and socials
* New Year's Eve in Times Square
* New Year's blessing of animals
* United Way, similar, charity fund raising
* Metropolitan Opera, others, fall season
-----------------------------------------
Already some astronomy and othr events normally staged in spring
are in jeopardy. In some parts of the country there is no positive or
definite program by authorities to release society back to normal
life. Some events need long preparation, like conferencees and
starparties. Already it looks like the NYC Science & Engineering Fair,
in March 2021, will be drasticly curtailed or possibly abandoned, due
to lack of applicants and shortfall of leadtime.
City news
-------
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar for September 4 and 18 were called off.
Our meeting hall McBurney House is still closed for normal indoor
activities.
Altho this year's West Indian carnival was cancelled by
coronavirus worries, the collateral J'Ouvert wilding ignited in the
street. Several thousand young folk did their thing, with only a few
shooting/stabbing incidents. In normal years the carnival attracts some
2-1/2 million celebrants with a few myriads doing J'Ouvert.
The Good Stuff Diner, 209 W 14 ST, Chelsea MH,
closed for ever on/about sep 8. It was casualty of coronavirus shutdown
of restaurants and bars in NYC. Good Stuff was a favorite stop-over
for NYSkies after our Seminars, before heading home, being that it was
next door to our meeting room. It offered solid meals, attentive quick
service, fair prices
NYC on Sep 5 crossed a major meterstone with coronavirus. Its
positives from mass testing remaining under 1$ for fully 30 days!
This is in spite of sporadic enforcement of social spacing and masks
in crowds thruout the state. Even quarantine, for arrivals from
coronavirus hotspots, is haphazardly imposed.
NYS MTA on Sep 14 began fines for not wearing mask on all of its
transit services. Mask inhibits spread of coronavirus. Until then
violators got warning. fine is $50.
French arcjtect firm Rescubika on Sep20 proposed fully 'green'
residence tower, Mandagore, for Roosevelt Is MH. It resembles tree
trunk 725m[!] tall powered by wind & solar electric. It's covered with
thousands of [real] trees and shrubs. These absorb more CO2 than
emitted by tower's occupants.
NYSkiers sat TV show 'Cosmos: Possible worlds' on Sep 22. The 2-hr
aired on TV Ch 5 at 20h. Dr Tyson, Hayden Plm, narrated birth of Earth
and life on it, evolution of human societies, distinction between
humans and other lifeforms.
On Sep 11 the live reading of 9/11 names took place in Zucotti Pk,
next to Ground Zero. Tunnels to Towers Fondtn performed it after 9/11
Museum cancelled for coronavirus concerns. Museum did run the Tribute
in Light twin pillars of light on Sep 11 dusk-dawn.
I added new articles to our web at
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/basic1.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/tissparm.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/ful-greg.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/islamcal.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/ecl-fact.htm
basic1.htm is a webpage I found for basic data about the planets and
other smaller solar system bodies..tissparm.htm discusses Tisserand
parameter, with several examples of its application. jul-greg.htm
gives history and guidance for the Julian-Gregorian calendars in
astronomy software, with a table of when countries actually changed
over. islamcal.htm discusses the relation of Moon phases and eclipses
in the Islamic calendar. ecl-fact.htm is a major update of existing
piece, replacing it, with background and explanation of eclipses..
NYSkies was rattled by earthquake on 9 Sep 2020 02:00 EDST. It hit
~2km SSE of Freehold NJ. 3.1 nagn, 5.0km deep. I felt it in Brooklyn
as a 1-sec vibration of my house, as if heaby truck passed by. Small
loose items on table jiggled or slided. Most reports were from NJ, SI,
BK, QN, LI. No reported injuries or structure damage.
Metro-North officials uncovered on sep 22 a hidden clubhouse deep
under Grand Central Terminal. It was built into a former locksmith
ship under Tracck 114 where a clique of workers relaxed. It had
cots, fridge, microwave, flat-screen, ei-fi hotspot, ventilation.
Several 'club members' now face disciplinary action.
US Sen Rubio & Scott, both R-FL. on Sep 16 put out bill to keep
ddaylight davings time in force year-round. DST ends on Nov 2 but
bill, if enacted, would keep it running thru 2021 Nov 7. Clocks would
stay as is without falling back now or springing ahead in March 2021.
ky news
------
September 2020 was a good observing month, in spite of early
interference from California wildfire smoke. Air generally was cool
and breezy. A mid-month cold front pushing temps to the mid 10Cs. Bu
mid 20s of month temps rose to seasonal low 20Cs. Many clear nights
with stable seeing and good transparency.
Extra clear nights on Sep 5 and 6, 2020. No Milky Way reports but
sky was filled with faint stars, showing many asterisms. large Moon
didn't scatter light, dim stars seen next ot her.
Extra treat on clear night of Sep 5-6 was close conjunction of Moon &
Mars. Moon passed a degree s of Mars. In far south latitudes Mars was
occulted.
Tribute in Light shined on Sep 11-12 into extra clean air. From
Brooklyn I measured their altitude as 65 degrees, where they blended
into background sky. The top of the beams was, gulp!, 30 km! In some
previous years I traced them to over 40 km tall.
Uranus and Neptune are in high south in early night. Uranus in
Aries can be followed with binoculars. Neptune in aquarius needs a
telescope.
A few readers tried to spot the First Crescent of Rosh Hashanah
on Sep 18. Mixed success depending on clarity of horizon air and
eyesight strength. This is the first instance i recall of astronomers
looking for First Crescent beyond that for Rosh Chodesh.
On Sep 18 US Natl Hurricane Ctr ran out of personal names for
storms for only 2nd time ever. On Final name was Wilfred. On same day
new storm Alpha spawned to start names by Greek letters. Last time was
2005 with final name Wilma, then letters to zeta. Names began in 1953
with females. In 1979 names alternate M/F
Jupiter & Saturn are now a 'twin star' in low south in early
night. Jupiter is the right the brighter on star; Saturn, left
dimmer. Both are now in direct movement, closing in steadily toward
the tight conjunction in late December.
An ultra clear on September 11, with only minor interference from
last quarter Moon. Constellation catch-figures and many asterisms
were clearly delineated with the dimmer stars. Tribute in Light beams
were brilliant and sharp in the cleat air.
Smoke from West Coast forest fires spread across US, reaching
NYSkies on September 12-13. For rest of month daytime sky had frequent
gray haze. sun was subdued, Moon showed maria and rays clearly. Night
transparency pinned at 4th magn. Some readers reported orange Sun near
sunset that sank into dense horizon haze. Smoke came on some days,
leaving others with deep dark sky. Day sky was strong blue. Night
transp fell to 4-1/2 to 5.
Cold air moved into NYSkies on September 12 with refreshing breeze
and temps of 10-15C. Couple readers noted their home heating turned on
for first time in this fall-winter 2020 season. between sweeps of West
Coast smoke, were clean and dark. Dim stars filled out constellation
figures and asterisms. Some DOS were textured by eye. With Jup-Sat in
south near Milky Way, more attention is attracted for possible ME
sightings. So far there were no reported sightings.