NYSkies
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NYC EVENTS FOR 2025 DECEMBER
===========================
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy In+c
www.nyskies.org
nyskies@nyskies.org
The following astronomy activities in the NYSkies region,roughly 100km
radius from Herald Square on Manhattan, are open to the public. A few cultural
items of interest to astronomers are also included.
Altho NYC Events confirms the items, they are subject to change after NYC
Events is issued. Inquire at the event's contact for addiurnate news. Let the
contact know that you learned of its event thru NYC Events.
Frequently asked questions about NYC Events are at 'www.nyskies.org/nyc-
faq.htm'.
Only the current issue is in the web. It is replaced by next month's
issue. You may request previous NYC Events thru 'nyskies@nyskies.org'. These
are archived offline and incorporate corrections refered to our attention
since their issuance.
For events missing NYC Events, check the NYSkies email GROUP at
'nyskies@groups.io'. When ADVISING about a new event deliberately account for
the seven W's: What, Where, When, Who, Wht, Why, hoW, Wow.
Join the nyskies group by sending an empty, blank, email to
nyskies+subscribe@groups.io'. Any text and subject in the email
are ignored.
The email address from where you sent the subscribe is the one you then
after converse with the group. Messages come to you when posted in the group.
Send messages to the group AT 'nyskies@groups.io'.
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 contact.
'adv regn reqd', for 'advance registration required/requested', means that
YOU MUST SIGN 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. Mind
well all instructions in he ticket. skipping or improperly following them may
complicate your admision.
Admission prices are the 'rack rate'. You could qualify for discounts, as
may be offered by the event. Besides the admission price there may be
collateral or optional fees to consider.
CURRENT MONTH CALENDAR
--------------------
Plain dates are in current month;
-, previous month; +, next month.
#, NYSkies Astronomy Seminar, digital sessions at
'www.nyskies.org/av-files/av-files.htm'
Moon phase: .NM., .FQ), (FM), (LQ.
Sunset is given for each Saturday
---------------------------------
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat sunset
--- --- --- -- ---- --- -- --- -
-30 1 2 3 (4) 5# 6 16:28
7 8 9 10 (11. 12 13 16:28
14 15 16 17 18 .19#. 20 16:31
21 22 23 24 25 26 .27) 16:35
28 29 30 31 +1 +2# +3 16:41
------- --------------------------------------------
All houurs are Eastern Standard Time (UT - 5h).
INDEX OF EVENTS
-------------
* = NASA-JPL Night Sky Network affiliate date = in-person event in 'list of
events' /ection
'0 ' = in-person event in 'ongoing and continuing events' section
'AUT'= event in 'skipped, autumn resumption' section
'SPR' = event in 'skipped, spring resumption' secrion
'???' = event in 'skipped', uncertain resumption or irregular event
------- -----------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN - BK
-------------
Hanukah menorah lighting - 14
Secret Science club - - - ???
telescope borrow progrqm - 0
----------------------
CONNECTICUT - CT
-------------------
*Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford ???
*Astro Soc of New Haven - 30
Boothe Memorial Astro Soc 5, 19
*Bowman Observatory - - - 3, 17
Litchfield Hills AAC mtg 12
Litchfield Hills AAc lect ???
*McCarthy Observatory - - 13
New Pond Farm - - - - - ???
Stamford Museum - - - - 5, 12, 19, 26
Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - 14
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - -- 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Westport Astro Soc mtg - 16
Westport Astro Soc starvwg 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
---------------------------------------
Astro Soc of Greenwich mtg - greenwichtars@gmail.com, astrogreenwich.org
LONG ISLAND - LI
--------------------
*Amateur Observers Soc mtg 7
*Amat Obsrs Soc starvwing 0
Astro Soc of Long Island - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Custer Institute - - -- 6, 13, 20, 27
Hamptons Observatory - - ???
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - 7
SUNY Stony Brook Astro - 5
*Susan Rose Observatory - -6, 12, 20, 27 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
--------------------------
MANHATTAN - MH
----------------
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - 0
Amazon Prime regunds - - - 1
Ctr for Atmos & Ocean Sci SPR
Ctr for Sci & Soc - - - 0
Columbia Univ Astro - - - 12
CUNY Graduate Center- - - 3, 10, 12
'Divine Egypt' exhibit - - 1-Jan 19
Fifth Avenue pedway - - - 14
Globe at Night - - - - - 10-19
Govvernors Island - - -- 0
Hanukah menorah lighting 14
Hayden Planetarium - - - 16
Instt Stud Ancnt World - 1, 4, 10
Intrepid Museum - - - -- SPR
MetroCard sales end - - - 31
Natl Musm of Mathematics 3
New Years celebration - - 31
New Years Eve - - - - - - 31
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - 0
NYU Astrop & Relatvty - ???
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 5, 19 (digital sessions)
nostalgia holiday train - 6, 13, 20, 27
Path of Liberty show - - - 0
Rock'r Ctr tree lighting - 3
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - 3
Simons Foundation - - - - SPR
Urban Park Rangers - - - 0
--------------------------------------
Central Pk (Top of the Laen) - tags_p@yahoo.com, www.nyskies.org
Amat Astro Assn lecture - 718-522-5014, www.aaa.org
Ctr for Space Sci Edu - info@nyccsse.reading org,
www.nyccsse.org, 212-598-6164
METRO-NORTH - NY
------------------
Bear Mountain - - - - - - - SPR
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn mtg - 16
Mid-Hudson A A starvwg - - - 19
Vassar Collee Obsy - - - - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - - SPR
Westchester Amat Astro - - -12
------------------------------
NEW JERSEY - NJ
-----------------
A A A of Princeton - - - - 9
Amat Astro Inc meeting - - 5
Amat Astro Inc lecture - - 19
Astro Soc of Toms Rv Area - 12
McDowell Observatory - - - - 3, 10, 17
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - - ???
NJ Astro Assn starviewing - SPR
NJ Astro Assn sunviewing - SPR
NW Jersey Amat Astro - - - ???
North Jersey Astro Group - - 9
Peyton Observatory - - - - ???
Plasma Physics Lab - - - - SPR
Schommer Observatory - - - - 4, 11, 18
Sheep Hill Asro Assn - - - - 19
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - SPR
Washington Xing St Pk - - - SPR
-----------------------------------------
S*T*A*R - www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
*Raritan Vy Co Coll Plm - www2.raritanval.edu/planetarium
QUEENS - QN
---------------
F and M train flip - - - - - 8
York College ObserVatory - - 10
REST OF WORLD
---------------
STATEN ISLAND - SI
---------------------
THE BRONX - BX
---------------
Holiday train show - - - - - - 1-Jan 11
============================================== Sat 1 Nov
ONGOING AND CONTINDUING EVENTS
-----------------------------
all day - Brooklyn Publ Liby - BK - telescope borrow program
Library lends out telesopes.3-week borrow time, no renewing. Pick up
and return at Grand Army Plaza branch. scope is Celestron StarSense
Explorer 102mm refractor, altaz mount. telescope@!bklunlibrary.org
www.bbklynlibrary/branches/central/telescope,
all day - Freedom Plaza - MH - Path of Liberty exhibit
VARIOUS DATES/HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Thru summer 2026. 41 St & 1 St (Turtle Bay MH, next to UN HQ). Self-
paced walk thru 40 panels, 6m X 12m, playing films & images of
American history and culture. Show commemorates US 250th anniversary.
Free, time tkt, adv regn reqd. pathofliberynyc.com
all day - Governors Island - MH - cultural shows
HOURS VARY BY SEASON; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Open all year! Walk and tour thru former military base and \
new urban park. Shows vary each day or visit by foot or bike.
Ferries run every 40 min from Battery Marine Terml, MH. On
weekdays also from Pier 6, BK; and Atlantic Basin, BK. Island
is free but ferry fare is $3 RT. Adv regn reqd, no at-door
tkts. www.nps.gov/gois, www.govisland.com
allday - 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
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 - Columbia Univ - MH - Ctr for Sci and Soc lecture
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, DATES, TIMES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Fayerweather Hal..Free, adv regn reqd. 212-853-1612
scienceandsociety@columbia.edu, cienceandsociety.columbia.edu
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 or free, adv 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
718-522-5014, www.aaa.org
LIST OF EVENTS
------------- Mon 1 Dec
all day - Bronx Botanical Garden - BX - holiday strain show
Thru Jan 11. marvel at gigantic model train layout with some NYC
landmarks in scene. Indoors, reest of Garden open tor viit. $39 timed
tkt, adv regn reqd. nybg.org.
all day - Metropolitan Musm of Art - MH - 'dIvine Egypt' exhibit
Thru Jan 19. ~200 artifacts from worldwide collections for 25 selected
deities of ancient Egypt. See interaction between deities and humans
in society. Display spand Old Kingsom thru Roman period. Free
with musm adm. www.metmuseum.org, 212-535-7710.
00:00 - whole City - MH - Amazon Prime refunds
As part of settlement with US FTC Amazon Prime is sending refunds to
certain members. To qualify you must have subscribed toPrime between
Jun 2019 and Jun 2025 and have availed of service no more than 3 times
within a 12-month span.Refund up to $51 via PayPal or mailed check
expected by yearend 2025. C. Details in letter to prtential qualifying
members. ¹
17:30 - Instt Stud Anct World - MH - cultural lecture
15 E 84 St, Masison & 5 Av. Various topics on history and
culture of ancient societies. Free, adv regn reqd.
isaw.nyu.edu, isaw@nyu.edu, 212-992-7800,
Wed 3 Dec
16:00 - Natl Musm of Mathematics - MH - scienceshow
Also 19:00. 'Mathematical Encounters'. Free, adv regn
reqd. www.momath.org, 212-542-0566
18:30 CUNY Graduate Center - MH - cultural lecture
365 5 Av & 34 St. Various history and culture topics elated
New York City. Free, adv regn reqd. 212-817-7000
www.gc.cuny.edu/publicprograms
19:00 - Rockefeller Center - MH - Rick'r Ctrtree lighting
Christmas tree stands in Rockefeller Plaza. Ceremony 19h-23h. Then
after it's lighted from 18h-23h thru early Jan 2026. Plaza is VIP
viewing, public view from Fifth Av. Free, local news media.
19:00 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - SciCafe' social
Enter at 77 St, follow ushers to event hall. Discuss various
science topics with Musm sceintists. Re reshments and drinks.
Free, adv regn reqd. For 21+ YO. Have fedl/state photo ID.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of Greenwich. Curtis Elem Schl, .a Obsy. Free.
Cancelled for clouds. greenwichstars@gmail.com,
astrogreenwich.org
19:00 - Lyndhurst - NJ - clearsky starviewing
úú MccDowell Observatory, 2 DeKorte Pk Pz. Free.
www.njsea.com/observatory, 201-460-4001
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing
Westport Astro soc. Westport Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds.
www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
20:00 Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting
CERTAIN MEETINGS ARE ONLY ONLINE; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Vanderbilt Plm. Free. asliastronomy@yahoo.com,
www.asliclub.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
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,
845-437-7340 end
Thu 4 Dec
17:30 - Instt Stud Anct World - MH - cultural lecture - see Dec 1
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearssky starviewing
Rutgers Univ, Schommer Obsy. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
732-205-0020 , www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/ast-serin.html
Fri 5 Dec
18:30 - McBurney Houall - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
SEMINARS ARE OFFERED AS DOWNLOAD AUDIO-VIDEO FILES AT
'www.nyskies.org/av-files/av-files.htm'.
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 r
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, astro.sunysb.edu
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture
MEETS ON CERTAIN FRIDAYS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Stamford Muum & Natr Ctr. Live planetarium show and talk. $14
musm adm. Obsy itself is closed. www.stamfordmuseum.org,
203.977.652,
20:00 - Srattford - CT - Bootge Meml Astro Soc mtg
Boothe Memorial Pk, Museum. Free. 203-375-9675
sites.google.com/view/bmas-ct/home,
friendsofboothepk@gmail.com
20:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc - meeting
Union Commty Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
Sat 6 Dec
10:00 - 6th Av line - MH - nostalgia holiday train
MTA runs vintage subway train from 10h to 17h. Ride it like regular
train akibg its route. Lv 2 Av/Houston St 10h,12h,14H, 16H. Lv 96 St/2
Av 11h, 13h, 15h, 17h. Uptown stops are 2 Av, Bdy-Laf, W 4 St, 34
St/6 Av, 42 St, 50 St, 57 St/6 Av, Lex Av/63 St, 72 St/2 Av, 86 St, 96
St/2 Av. downtown in reverse order. www.mta.info
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting
Custer Instt. Indoor program, clearsky starviewing. $5-$15.
Varies with program. www.custerobservatory.org,
president@custerobservatory.com, 631-765-2626
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
Sun 7 Dec
13:30 - Uniondale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting
Hofstra University,Berliner Hall, Rm 117. Free,
www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net
17:30 - Instt Stud Anct World - MH - cultural lecture - see Dec 1
19:00 - Uniondale - LI - clear starviewing
Hofstra University,Berliner Hall, Rm 117. Free,
adv regn reqd. Cancelled for clouds. 516-463-2759
516-463-2759, www.hofstra.edu/starsonsunday,
On 8 Dec
06:00 - Queens Nv line - QN - F & M train flip
Stating Dec 8 routes of f &M trains entering Qns Bv line from Manh
are flipped. From 06:30 to 21:30 on wkdays F trains enter by 53 St
line, stop at Queens Pz, thenn continue intno Qns Bv line as express.
Ms enter by 63 St line, stop at Queensbridge, then merges into Qns Bv
line as local. F & M svc from Qns Bv line to Manh do reverse routes.
Outside thse hors and on wkends, when Ms are off duty from Qns Bv, Fs
revert to 63 St route. Other routes in Qns Bv, E and R, are
unaffexted. www.mta.info.
Tue 9 Dec
19:30 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.org
20:30 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Ctr Enviro & Life Sci. Free.
njastro.org, 732-255-0343 g
Wed 10 Dec
17:30 - Instt Stud Anct World - MH - cultural lecture - see Dec 1
18:30 CUNY Graduate Center - MH - cultural lecture - see Dec 3
19:00 - Lyndhurst - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
19:330 - 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 - whole CIty - MH - Globe at Night
NYSkies runs its Globe at Night exercise this season while Orion is in
sky at nighfall. Same method and procedure as for prior years for
documenting sky transparency over City. Dates this year ar:
----------------
2025 Nov 11-20
2025 Dec 10-19
2026 Jan - not posred yet
2026 Feb - not posred yet
2026 Mar - not posred yet
--------------------
20:00 Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
Thu 11 Dec
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearssky starviewing - see Dec 4
Fri 12 Dec
18:30 CUNY Graduate Center - MH - cultural lecture - see Dec 3
19:00 - Toms River - NJ - Astro Soc of Toms Rv Area meeting
Ocean Cnty Coll, Building #13. Free.
www.astra-nj.com, webmaster@astra-nj.or
19:30 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills A A C meeting
Five Points Arts Cttr. Free.lhaacsec@gmail.com, lhastro.org
19:00 - Coluubia University - MH - astronomy lecture
Pupin Hall, follow signs to room. Insdoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.astro.columbia.edu/content/outreach,
212-854-3278, 212-854-3257
19:30 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Wilcox Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@wes
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Dec 5
Sat 13 Dec
10:00 - 6th Av line - MH - nostalgia holiday train - see Dec 6
20:00 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture
NcCarthy Obsy, New Milford HS. indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org, 860-354-1595,
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Dec 6
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 6
Sun 14 Dec
12:00 - Midtown - MH - Fifth Av pedway
Fifth Av, 17-57 St, closed from motor traffic 12h-18h. Street is
pedestian walkway, pedway, to ease visitor congestion during
holiday season. Free. Local news edia.
18:00 - Fifth Av - MH - Hanukah menorah lighting
In fornt of Plaza Hotral, 5 Av & 59 St. First lamp n world's largwst
menoorah is lighted in ceremony to start Hanukah season. Next lamp is
lighted each night thru Dec 22. Public viewing from surrounding
streets.
18:00 - Grand Army Plaza - BK - Hanukah menorah lighting
Next to N side of Plaza. 5 Av & 59 St. First lamp n world's largwst
menoorah is lighted in ceremony to start Hanukah season. Next lamp is
lighted each night thru Dec 22. Public viewing from surrounding
streets.
Tue 16 Dec
19:00 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - astronomy lecture
TOPIC IS MANHATTANHENGE FOLLOWED BY CLEARSKY VIEWING
Lecture in 'Live!' or 'Frontiers' series, besides routine SKY
shows. Enter at 81 St/Cntl Pk W, then follow usher.
$15, adv regn reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/calendar
20:00 - New Paltz - NY - M6d3H udson Astro Assn mtg
SUNY New Paltz, CSB Audm. Free.
www.mhaa.nidhudsonastro.org
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro soc meeting- see Oct 1
Westport Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
203-227-0925 =====================================================
Wed 17 Dec
19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec3
19:00 - Lyndhurst - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
20:00 Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 3
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
Thu 18 Dec
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearssky starviewing - see Dec 4
Fri 19 Dec
16:30 - Lk Taghkanic St Pk - NY - clearsky starviewing
M6d Hudson Astro Assn. West Beach parking lot. Free, ,
cancelled for clouds. Free, adv regn reqd.
www.mhaa.nidhudsonastro.org
18:30 - McBurney Houall - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
SEMINARS ARE OFFERED AS DOWNLOAD AUDIO-VIDEO FILES AT
'www.nyskies.org/av-files/av-files.htm'.
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 r
19:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn, Sheep Hill Obsy. Free, cancelled for
clouds. www.sheephillastro.org
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Commty Coll, Roy Smith audm. indoor talk, clearsky
starvireing. free. www.asterism.org
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Dec 5
20:00 - Srattford - CT - Bootge Meml Astro Soc mtg - see Dec 5
Sat 20 Dec
10:00 - 6th Av line - MH - nostalgia holiday train - see Dec 6
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 6
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Dec 6
Wed 24 Dec
all day - whole City - MH - Christmas Eve
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or ediurnate schedule
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
20:00 Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 3
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
Thu 25 Dec
all day - whole City - MH - Christmas Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or ediurnate schedule
Fri 26 Dec
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Dec 5
Sat 27 Dec
10:00 - 6th Av line - MH - nostalgia holiday train - see Dec 6
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see De 6
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 6
Tue 30 Dec
19:00 - 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 31 Dec
all day - whole City - MH - New Years Eve
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or ediurnate schedule
18:00 - Times Sq - MH - New Years celebration
Anywhere in Sq with cleaar view of timeball. Performers, music,
speeches, firewoeks,ball on Tines tower drops at midnight to
ring in new year. Expect pre-virus attendance of full one
million. Stand in designated areas for viewing the ball. You
MUST ne emtirely self-sufficient with NO chance to refresh or
relieve until after midnight. Times Sq station is closed;
arrive by nearby stations. Free. Cautions and rules annbounced
in local news media.
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
20:00 Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Dec 3
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Dec 3
23:59 - whole City - MH - MetroCard sales end
No new MetroCars at sale after today. Only new OMNY tap-&-go cars
offered. Current MCs honored uantil their expiy. Leftover value on MC
may be applied to OMNY card. www.mta.info.
EVENTS SKIPPED IN THIS MONTH
--------------------------
EVENT MAY RvESUME AT DIFFERNT PLACE AND TIME
INQUIRE AT EVENT CONTACT
=========================================
[SPPR] SPRING RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY OR IRREGULQR QCTIVITY
----------------------------------------------------------
09:00 - Princeton - NJ - science lecture
Plasma Physics Lab. Various topics related to PPPL work.
Free,. Have state/fedl photo ID for campus security.
www.pppl.gov/events/science-saturday
14;00 - Vorhees St Pk - NJ - clearsky sunviewing
Robinson Obsy. clearsky sunrviewining.
Free. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8500
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
17:00 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
TOPIC IS THE APRIL 8TH SOLAR WCLIPSE
160 5 Av & 21 St. Various topics on physics, astronomy, maths.
Free, adv regn reqd. 646-654-0066,
www.simonsfoundation.org
18:00 - Intrepid Museum - MH - astronomy & movie show
Pier 86 and ship. Exhibits, demos, talks. Clearsky movies
and starviewing. Free. www.intrepidmuseum.org
20:00 - Beear Mountain - NY - clearsky starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Anthony Wayne Rec Pk, picnic field. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.rocklandastronomy.com
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 - 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;30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn lecture
Robinson Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewining. Free.
www.njaa.org
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
================================================
;???] UNCERTAIN DATE OR LOW-INTEREST EVENT
------------------------------------------
11:30 - Morristown - NJ - Morris Museum Astro Soc meeting
MEETS AT MORRIS COUNTY LIBRARY, NOT MORRIS MUSEUM
Morris Museum. Free adv regn reqd. 973-386-1848
www.morrismuseum.org/astro-society, info@morrismusem.org,
ckkrish@gmail.com, www.mmastrosociety.org
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 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting
MEETS AT ENSEMBLE STUDIO, 545 W 52 ST, 10/11 AV, $24 ADM
149 7 St, 2/3 Av. (Gowanys Hills) Lecture and music on various
science topics. Free, adv regn reqd.
secretscienceclub.blogspot.com,
18:00 - West Reqding - CT - astronomy lecture
New Pond Farm, obseratory. outdoor clearsky starviewing.
$10, adv regn reqd, cancelled for clouds. www.newpondfarm.org
www.newpondfarm.org d 0
19:00 - 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
19:00 - East Hampton -LI - astronomy lecture
Hampatonns Obsy. East Hampton Liby,159 Main St.Indoor talk,
clearsky starviewing. Free, adv regn reqd.
www.hamptonsobservatory.org
19:00 - Litchfield - CT - Litchfield Hills A AC lecture
White Memorial. Inddor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
19:30 - Rocky Hill - CT - Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford meeting
Rocky Hill Commty Ctr, Rn 1C,761 Old Main St. Free asgh.org
20:00 - Blairstown - NJ - NW Jersey Amat Astro meeting
Alan Observatory. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing.
Free, adv regn reqd. www.nwjaa.org, info@nwjaa.org
20:00 - Middletown - CT -clearsky starviewing
astro Soc of Gtr Hartford, Wesleyan U, Van Vleck Obsy.
Free. cancelled for clouds. asgh.org, 860-872-9069
pparkerrs@cs.com
GENERAL NEWS
----------
This issue of NYC Events was compiled with substantial assistance from AI.
When normal sources didn't yield event details, I handed the case to AI thru
the browser. It was just like handing it to a human assistant who then came
back with the answer. About half of the cases were resolved by AI within
seconds. This assistance speedassembling this issue. I used AI on * off since
the spring, when it was added into the browser, and not only for NYC Events.
It worked well for collecting images for the Seminars and lookingup astronomy
facts & figures.
Like a human helper AI can make mistakes. I asked in early November for
the date of the next NYC mayor election because there was talk about the new
mayor will have only a three-year twem. AI insisted the next election will be
on Nov 4 -- when I put in the query on the 7th or 8th. On e time it said the
election will be on Nov 5 th, ehich was Wednesday! AI couldn't give the next
elecvtion even I stated I wanted the election after year 2025. So do not
accept AI as is but apply sanity and purity tests, just as you do for working
with a human aide.
The Hanukah menorah lightings on Dec 14 are annual events. Both Manhattan
and Brooklyn clai its own menorah is world's largest but each is quite 9.75m
tall, maximum allowed for copasetic (kosher) menorah. Height is from structual
base to rim of central lamp.
Some readers ask if the Bronc Botanical Garden train show is a relocation
of the fantabulous 'Station at Citicorp' show on Manh. No. They were separate
events. When Citicorp show was discontinued the Bronx one got increased
attention.
December each year brings many holiday exhibits and shows. I list only a
small selection of them with no intent to capture all the 'maor' ones.
I list the 'Divine Egypt' exhibit, Dc 1, bccause many readers are googoo-
gaga for Egyptian history and astronomy. Senior readers fongly remember the
King Tut shows in the City in 1978 and 2010 and just must see this new one.
A couple astro orgs with weekly events on Wednesday noted they skip De 24
& 31. Others offerd no specific note. I list the events as presented but
please erify them with event contact before setting off to attend.
Astro Soc of LI reminds that certain of its meetings are only online with
no inperson option. Check with ASLI before planning to attend a meetings. You
could do a wasted teip, or a miserable one in this winter season.
CITY NEWS
-------
The US govt shytdown rolled thru Nov 4, equal in length to the record of
35 days. That was 2018 Dec 22-2019 Jan 35. Some agencies had discretinal funds
to continue paying workers, others did not. They let workers stay on duty
eithout pay or furloughed them.
The Snowflake was lighted on Nov 19 ~21h EST on 5 Av & 57 St, Manh, with
full ceremony and public viewing. This, world's only 4-faced sowflake, was
gingerly hoisted from its cryogenic tank a few says earlier and hung in its
harnes 7m m 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000avove
street intersection. It glows thru early Jan 2026, then placed back in sotrage
for nezt year.
US FAA on Nov 10 starting phasing in flight curtailments at 40 largest
airports in US due to shortfall of air traffic controllers during gove
shutdown. In NYSkies these are JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Teterboro. flightss
reduced y 4%, stepping up to 10% on Nov 14. airlines are adjusting schedules
with many cancellations. Discuss flight oprions with your airline.
'Cpast to coast AM' on Nov 13 featured James McCanney discussing his new
hook 'The physics of 3I/ATLAS'. e explained this comet is the 3rd one known
to arrve from interstellar space rather than from outer edge of solar system.
Its behavior, while unusual, is well-known in other cometsand not those of
some alien spy crft.
On Nov 12 the US govt shutdown ended when Prez Trump signed off on new
spending bill in late night. It runs thru 2026 Jan 30 with certain operations
funded thru Sep 30. Senate passed bill on Nov 10, HOR on 12th afternoon, then
sent to Trump. Fedl workers reported back to duty on 13th and will get all
lost salary and accruals US FAA halted flight restrictions at 6%, not
advancing to 10%. As ATCs get back on duty the curtailments will be eased.
This is by far the longest shutdown in US history, 43 days, passing the 35-day
incident in 2018-19. =[ \
Resi;ts pf muc ,aupr e;ectopm pf 2025 Mov 4, from NY Times
---------------------------------------------
Zohran Mamdani Dem 1,036,051 50.4%
Andrew Cuomo indy 854,995 41.6%
Curtis Sliwa Rep 146,137 7.1%
Total reported votes 2,055,921, 93% of reported voters
----------------------------------------------------
By end Nov probably all qualified NYS folk received their NYS trax rebate.
Among NYSkiers this was $150 or $200. A curious not on check under the dollar
amount suggests the rebate is an advance from expected refund on 2025 tax
filing. NYS DT&F asured that rebate is one-time tax-free payment with no
influence on 2025 filing. If you did not by end Nov get a rebate, your tax
status may miss youa out.
NYS All-Electirc Buildings lae, set to go into effect on Jan 1, is tolled.
Lae is in litigation in state and fedral courts. NYS will eait for case
rulings before further action. Lae would ban all fossil furl consumption -- by
furnaces, stoves, grills, lamps,,,, heaters, &c -- in certain new residence
and commercial buldings. All energy needs must be supplied only by electric.
Existing buildings and homes are exempt but could be included in future
years.
NYC Mayor-elect Mandani conferred with Prez Trump at wHite House on Nov
21. At issue date only general news was issued but discussion included
cleanig out street crime, fizing civil works, and reducing lving costs. Each
praised the other and pledged to work together for the City.
SKY NEWS
------
November 2025 was a poor observing month overall with few reaally clear
nights. Hlobe at Night was routinely clouded out, as were the Leonid meteors
and most attempts to spot comet 2025-N1 (ATLAS). NAir was cool/chilly in moost
of month, ranging 5C-15C.
some observers are newly aware of aerial spraying of aluminium and CO2-
removal materials iver tge US. They wonder if part of the sky deterioration is
caused by that activity. They note that since US govtreopened there seemed to
be increased pale blue sky color, cloudiness, dull Sun. .
Autumn is perfect time to hunt up Nwptune, being couple deg N of Saturn in
high S sky at nightfall. Make finder chart from planetarium being sure to
include stars to 9th magn. Altho Nep is 8th magn you need the fainter stars to
confidently pick it out from surrounding stars. Uranus comes into view in E
near Hyades & Pleiades. Finder chart should go to 7th magn to be sure of
spotting 6th magn planet. Saturn leaves us in late winter but Uranus stays
around thru late spring.
Comet 3I/ATLAS -- not '31 ATLAS' -- is all over news media as a spaceship
from deep space! Several talk shows have 'astronomers' or 'scientists' talking
up the explanation for the objects weird activity. Some hint that the craft is
scoping out Earth for a visit or inasion! The web has many films, mostly done
by simulation and animation, showing the comet prancing around the Sun with
amninous voiceovers. 3I/ATLAS is just a regular comet that happened to enter
sun vicinity from deep space but is otherwise acts like other ordinary comets.
The comet was at first designated 2025-N1, discovered in rarly Jul, but when
interstellar origin was detemined it shifted to 3I, the 3rd known IS comet.
NYC scored first frost of 2025-26 winter on Nov 28 owl hours. Temp dipped
to -12 C. It persistedthru dawn then rose to ~5C for rest of day. Other parts
of NYSkies since mid Nov had first frost down to -5C.
Orbit elements for comet 2025-N1 or 3I, ATLAS from HPL. Comet is well
beyond easy reach of home scopes. Comet never comes near Earth and is utterly
no threat to us.
-------------------------------------------
Designation C/2025-N1, also 3I/ATLAS
Discovery Date July 1, 2025
Magnitude at discovery 17.7 mag
Discoverer Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) search
Epoch 2025 Nov 21.0 TT = JDT 2461000.5
PeriT 2025 Oct 29.48361 TT
PeriAU 1.3564111 AU
Semimajor Axis -0.26391591751781 AU
1/SMA -3.7887334 1\AU
ArgPeri 128.01200 deg
AscNode 322.15838 deg
Exc 6.1390799
Incl 175.11315 deg
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Some planetarium or solar system programs may choke on these elements. They
expect normal elliptic or parabolic comets and could reject entry of hyperbola
ones.
Rare autumn hailfall on Nov 13 15-16 h EST in Flatbush BK. Out of chilly
sunny sky a sudden down-dash of pea-size hail hit eastern section, mostly
along Church Av from Utica Av to Kings Hy. Pellets melted by nightfall in
temps ~10C.
On/abt Nov 10 solar storms erupting a couple days earlier hit Earth.
Several X-class geomagnetic disturbances occurred in NYSki Sky eas overall
cloudy, but clear places in N NYSkies, and the Bronx, got deep red glow in N
sky. Far N area saw horizontal arc or band with small rays. In many of NYSkies
AM radio suffered blackouts in certain bands. These seem to be concentrated in
500s to 700s frrq while 900s and out remained clear. Solar activity remains
high. Keep watch with early nightfall for aurorae.
Intl Earth Rotth Scv advises that NO leapsecond is added on 2025 Dec 31.
Offset UTC - RAI remains -37 sec until further notice. Previous leapsecond was
added on 2016 Dec 31, making now a 9-yr interval between leapseconds.
Confirmed interstellar objects treated as comets:
rose gives designation, nucleus, diam, discovery year, comet designation
------------------------------------------------
1I/Oumuamua 82m (ean of stick shpqe 2017 2017-U1
2I/Borisov 400m 2019 2019-Q4
3I/ATLAS 0m 2025 /2025 N1
----------------------------------------
Globe at Night first round, Nov 11-20, scored no really clear nights in
NYC. Nights noted in news media weather reports as 'clear' were laced with
thin cloud, smothering view of Orion. Next round is Dec 10-19.
Geminid meteors fall during the Dec Globe at Night run. Shower prak is Dec
14-15.; GaN runs Dec 10-19. Moon is near new and out of sky until dawn. Gemini
is 1/3 up in east by 22h EST, giving long bireing period then after. With
Orion in high sky you can sassess sky transp for GaN several times during your
meteor watch.
'Dr Sky experience' radio show on Nov 22, 770AM in NYSkies, gave maor
update on geoengineering effect on sky. Activity ebbed during govt shudown,
letting sky clear up and darken at night. A few days after opening, contrails
and white haze returne eith resumed spraying of particles and gases into
stratosphere. Callers noted loss of deep blue daytime sky, dull sunlight,
persistent cloud/haze. Also erratic swings in temp within a couple
hours.Effect in NYSkies seems msked by shift from Indian summer to glatt
autumn weather in late Oct.
NYC