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-NYC EVENTS FOR FEBRUARY 2012 
 -------------------------- 
 John Pazmino  
 NYSkies Astronomy Inc  
 nyskies@nyskies.org  
 www.nyskies.org   
    The following astronomy activities in the commuting ring enclosing 
New York City are operated by various organizations. A few cultural  
items of special importance to City astronomers are also included.  
    Altho NYC Events confirms the listed items, they are subject to 
change by their sponsors. Check with their contacts. Let the sponsor  
know that you learned of its event thru NYC Events.  
    Frequently asked questions and explanation of NYC Events is at 
'www.nyskies.org/nyc-faq.htm'.  
    You may ask for previous NYC Events thru '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 Standard Time. 
Index of Events  
 ------------- 
 * = NASA-JPL Night Sky Network affiliate  
 Date = entry in main listing, else month of resumption 
 ------------------------------------------------------
    BROOKLYN - BK  
 *Floyd Bennett Field - - - MAR 
  Observatory - - - - - - - 17
  Secret Science Club - - - XXX 
  Tri-State computer fair - 12 
    CONNECTICUT - CT  
 *A S of Gtr Hartford - - - 15
  Astro Soc of Greenwich  -  1
 *Astro Soc of New Haven  - XXX
 *Bethany Observatory - - - XXX
  Boothe Meml Astro Soc - -  3, 17
  Bowman Observatory  - - - 14, 28
 *Mattatuck Astro Soc - - - 16
 *McCarthy Observatory  - - 11
  Stamford Observatory  - -  3, 10, 17, 24
 *Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 18 
  Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - -  1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  Western CT St Univ Obsy -  4, 18
 *Westport Astro Soc mtg  - 28
 *Westport Astro Soc starvg  1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  -------------------------
  Litchfield Hills AAC  - - lmaac@hotmail.com,  
                  www.fortunecity.com/victorian/twain/1206/id19.ht 
    LONG ISLAND - LI  
 *Amateur Observers Soc - -  5
  Astro Soc of Long Island   1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  Brookhaven National Lab - MAR
  Custer Institute  - - - -  4, 11, 18, 25
  Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - -  5
  Innovative Stone Co - - -  0 
  Montauk Observatory - - - XXX 
 *Robert Moses St Pk  - - - XXX
  SUNY Stony Brook  - - - - 17
  -------------------------
  National Space Soc-LISS - chapters.nss.org/ny/longisland,  
                            trekker724@aol.com  
    MANHATTAN - MH  
  6th Av subway closing - - 27-Mar 1
  92nd Street Y (Lex & 92)  MAR
  92nd Street Y (Tribeca) -  2
  Amat Astro Assn starvwg -  1  
  Amat Astro Assn lecture - 10
  Amer Musm Natl Hist - - -  1 
  Beyond planet Earth exhbt  1-2012 Aug 12 
  Bodies exhibit  - - - - -  0 
  Cafe' Science - - - - - - 13
  Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Std   8, 15
  Central Park  - - - - - -  3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
 *Columbia Univ Astro - - -  1, 8, 22, 29
 *Columbia Univ Obsy  - - -  3, 17
  comet Garradd - - - - - -  1 
  Cormelia Street Cafe' - - 12
  Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit   1-Apr 15
  Dialogue in the Dark exhbt 1-2012 
  Earth Institute - - - - - 16 
  Rxplorers Club  - - - - -  6
  Galileo play  - - - - - -  1-Mar 11 
  GLOBE at Night  - - - - - 12-21 
  Good Housekeeping lab - - 10
  Greenwich Vg Book Fair  - 24-26
  Hayden Planetarium  - - -  6
  History of Science Soc  -  29
  Inittv for Theortcl Sci - MAR 
  Instt Strings, Cosmology   9
  Instt Stud Ancnt World  -  8, 9, 16, 23, 28
 *Inwood Astronomy Project   4, 11, 18, 25
  Madoff benches  - - - - -  0  
  Madoff clawback - - - - -  0  
  Mid-Manhattan Librariy  -  7, 11, 14, 15, 16, 22 
  Musm of American Finance   9 
  Musm of City of New York  15
  Museum of Mathematics - -  1
  NY Academy of Sciences  - MAR
  New York Univ Astro - - - MAR 
 *NYSkies Astronomy Seminar  3, 17
  Occupy Wall Street  - - -  1-indef 
  Physics Club of NY  - - - 10
  Presidants Day  - - - - - 20 
  Rockefeller University  - MAR    
  SciCafe'  - - - - - - - -  1
  Science & the Arts  - - - XXX
  Serving Science - - - - -  6
  subway reconstruction - -  0  
  Surveillance Camera tour  XXX 
  Tenement Museum - -- - -   16
 *Top of the Lawn - - - - -  3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26  
  Urban Park Rangers  - - -  1  
  -------------------------
  Ctr for Space Sci Edu - - info@nyccsse.org, www.nyccsse.org,  
                            212-608-6164 
  National Space Soc - NYC  astrohal@webtv.net 
    NEW JERSEY - NJ  
  A A A of Princeton  - - -  8
  A S of Toms Rv Area - - - 10
 *Amat Astro Inc meeting  -  3, 10, 24
 *Amat Astro Inc lecture  - 17
  Buehler-Columbia AAA  - - XXX 
  Instt for Advd Study  - -  7, 14, 21, 28
 *Morris Musm Astro Soc - -  9
 *New Jersey Astro Assn - - 25
  No Jersey Astro Gp mtg  -  8
  No Jersey Astro Gp starvg  2, 9, 16, 23
  Princeton Univ Obsy - - - 15
  Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm  1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr   3, 10, 17, 24
 *S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - -  2
  Schommer Observatory  - -  9, 23
 *Sheep Hill Astro Assn - -  5
 *Sheep Hill Observatory  - 17
 *Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - APR 
  Washington Xing St Pk - - APR 
  -------------------------
  Dark Sky Observers  - - - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club  
  Montclair Telescope Club  973-948-5284, bischoff@garden.net,    
                            users.erols.com/njastro/orgs/mtc.hrm  
  Natl Space Soc-NJN  - chapters.nss.org/nj/njn, cpankanin@aol.com 
  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  
  Alley Pond Park - - - - - 11 
  Queens College Physics  -  6
  Tri-State computer fair -  5, 19 
  York College Observatory   8
  
    REST OF WORLD 
    STATEN ISLAND - SI   
  Coll of Staten Is (eve) - XXX
  Coll of Staten Is (day) - XXX 
  Great Kills Park  - - - - MAR
  Staten Is Community TV  -  6
    THE BRONX - BX   
  Tri-State computer fair -  4 
    UPSTATE - NY  
  Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - -  3, 10, 17, 24
  Lwr Hudson Vy Challgr Ctr 19
  Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - 21
  Vassar Coll Obsy  - - - -  1, 8, 15, 22, 29
  Ward Pound Ridge  - - - - MAR
  Westchester Amat Astro  -  3
  Wilcox Park - - - - - - - 17
Monthly Calendar  
 -------------- 
  Plain dates are in current month;  
  -, previous month; +, next month.  
  Moon phase: .NM., .FQ), (FM), (LQ.  
  Sunset is noted for each Saturday  
  -------------------------------- 
  Sun  Mon  Tue  Wed  Thu  Fri  Sat  Sunset  
  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ---  ------ 
  -29 -.30) -31    1    2    3    4  17:17 
    5    6   (7)   8    9   10   11  17:25
   12   13  (14.  15   16   17   18  17:34
   19   20  .21.  22   23   24   25  17:42
   26   27   28  .29)  +1   +2   +3  17:50
   ---------------------------------------
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.  
    Prices cited are the 'rack rate'. You could qualify for discounts 
as may be offered by the sponsor. Besides the base price there may be  
optional extra fees to consider. 
List of events 
 ------------                                                         
all 00 Feb - EVENTS SKIPPED THIS MONTH 
     EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT 
    ----------------------------------------------------------------
    [MAR] MARCH RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY 
    ----------------------------------
    14:30 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture 
        Meyer Hall, 5th fl. Various topics in astrophys and 
        relativity. Free. Have GI photo ID for campus security. 
        physics,nyu.edu, dgsphys@nyu.edu, 212-998-7706 
    15:15 - Rockefeller University - MH - science lecture 
        Caspary Auditorium. Reception followed by lecture. Free. 
        www.rockefeller.edu/calendar, 
        rhoughtali@rockefeller.edu, 212-327-8072 
    18:00 - NY Academy of Sciences - MH - science lecture 
        'Will technology let us avoid the limits to growth?'. $20. 
        www.nyas.org, 212-298-8600. 
    18:30 - Ward Pound Ridge - NY - clearsky starviewing  
        Westchester Amat Astro. Meadows Picnic Area. Free. Cancelled 
        for clouds. waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org   
        www.westchesterastronomers.org, 
    18:30 - CUNY Graduate Center - MH - science lecture 
        Initiative for the Theoretical Sciences. Free, adv regn reqd, 
        its@gc.cuny.edu, 
        web.gc.cuny.edu/its 
    19:00 - Upton - LI - science lecture 
        Brookhaven Natl Lab, Berkner Hall. Free. Have GI photo ID 
        for campus security. www.bnl.gov, 631-344-8000 
    19:30 - Great Kills Pk - SI - clearsky starviewing  
        Natl Pk Svc. Enter at Hylan Bv; Free. Cancelled for clouds. 
        www.nps.gov/gate, 718-987-6790  
    20:00 - Floyd Bennett Field - BK - clearsky starviewing 
        Natl Park Svc. Model airplane flying field. Free. Cancelled 
        for clouds. www.nyskies.org, stephenlieber@nyc.rr.com, 
        nyskies@nyskies.org 
    ----------------------------------
    [APR] APRIL RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY 
    ----------------------------------
    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 - Wash'n Xing S P - NJ - clearsky starviewing  
        Amat Astro Assn of Princeton. Simpson Obsy. Free, cancelled 
        for clouds. www.princetonastronomy.org, 609-737-2575,  
        drexparker@aol.com  
    -------------------------------------
    [XXX] UNCERTAIN RESUMPTIONOF ACTIVITY 
    -------------------------------------
    12:00 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky sunviewing 
        Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818, 
        robbins@mail.csi.cuny.edu, supernova7.apsc.csi.cuny.edu 
    14:00 - Lower East Side - MH - cultural tour 
        Surveillance Camera Players. Meet at 8 St & Av D, NW cnr. 
        Walk thru history and culture of spy cameras installed in Wast 
        Viilage and Lower East Side area. Free. scp@notbored.org, 
        www.notbored.org/scowt.html 
    18:30 - CUNY Graduate Center - MH - Science & the Arts lecture 
        Free. 212-817-7521, web.gc.cuny.edu/sciart, 
        bschwartz@gc.cuny.edu 
    19:00 - East Hampton - LI - astronomy lecture  
        Montauk Obsy, The Ross School. Indoor talk, clearsky  
        starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com  
    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 
    19:00 - Bethany - CT - clearsky starviewing  
        Astro Soc of New Haven. Yale Univ, Bethany Obsy. Free. 
        Cancelled for clouds. www.asnh.org, prez@asnh.org  
    19:30 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing 
        Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818, 
        robbins@mail.csi.cuny.edu, supernova7.apsc.csi.cuny.edu 
    20:00 - R Moses St Pk - LI - clearsky starviewing 
        Amat Obsrs Soc. Field #2. Free. Cancelled for clouds. 
        www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net                    
    20:00 - Paramus - NJ - Buehler-Columbia AAA lecture 
        Bergen Commty Coll, Buehler Obsy. Free.  
        www.bergen.edu/buehler, ropstbaum@bergen.edu. 
    20:00 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting  
        149 7 St, 2/3 Av. Lecture and music on various science  
        topics. Free. secretscienceclub.blogspot.com, 718-638-4400, 
all 99 Feb - ONGOING CONDITIONS AND SITUATIONS 
    all day - whole City - MH - subway reconstruction  
        Every Sat & Sun, indefinite duration. Many subeay lines 
        thruout the City are under major work at various hours. Check 
        posters in stations and trains. www.mta.info  
    all day - South Street Seaport - MH - Bodies exhibit  
        CHILDREN SHOULD OBTAIN ADULT GUIDANCE FOR THIS EVENT!  
        Indefinite duration. 11 Fulton St. About 40 human cadavers, 
        some intact, some dissected and laid out for inspection of 
        organs. Specimina replaced with fresh ones from time to time. 
        $27.50. www.bodiesny.com  
    all day - Central Park - NY - cultural exhibit  
        Indefinite duration. 67 St & 5 Av gate. Several park benches 
        donated years ago by swindler Bernard Madoff with his  
        nameplate on them. They are potential targets for his victims 
        to exert anger, possibly resulting in damage or destruction. 
    all day - whole City - MH - Madoff clawback  
        OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE RESPONDING TO THIS EVENT  
        Indefinite duration. US Bankruptcy Court is sending summonses 
        to investors who realized income from the Madoff swindle. The 
        court claims this income and orders its return. Details at 
        your legal advisor.  
   all day - Hauppauge - LI - cultural exhibit  
        COMPANY IS IN CHAP 11; FATE OF CORNERSTONE IS UNCERTAIN  
        Indefinite duration. Innovative Stone Company, show yard.  
        Actual 20-ton granite inscribed block for Freedom Tower  
        (1 WTC) cornerstone, placed in tower's foundation on 4 July 
        2004. Removed for safekeeping until construction allows 
        reseating in Tower base. Free. info@innovativestone.com, 
        631-273-4445, www.innovativestone.com, 
Wed -  1 Feb 
    all day - South Street Seaport - MH - Dialogue in the Dark  
        Thru 2012. 11 Fulton St. Models of NYC landmarks displayed in 
        total darkness. Visitors are guided by blind ushers. $28.85. 
        www.dialoguenyc.com, dialogueinthedark@prxi.com, 
        888.926-3437, 
    all day - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - science exhibit opening 
        Thru 2012 Aug 12. 'Beyond planet Earth: The future of space 
        exploration'. $25, incl musm adm. 212-769-5100, 
        www.amnh.org/programs 
    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  
    all day - whole City - MH - clearsky starviewing  
        VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT  
        Amat Astro Assn. Sessions convene in parks usually at dusk. 
        Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. Cancelled for clouds. 
        richard_rosenberg@verizon.net, 718-522-5014  
    all day - Zuccotti Park - MH - Occupy Wall Street rallies         
        Indefinite duration. Protest rallies in various places around 
        City against Wall Street neglect of various social and 
        economic problems. Details in local news media. 
    all day - Discovery Center - MH - 'Dead Sea Scrolls' exhibit
        Thru Apr 15. 226 W 44 St, 7/ Av. First time ever public 
        display of Scrolls, plus actual stone block fromWailing Wall 
        and ~500 Biblical artifacts. $27. www.discoverytsx.com, 
        info@tsxnyc.com, 646-368-6759. 
    all day - Classic Stage Company - MH - 'Galileo' play
        Thru Mar 11. 135 E 13 St, 3/4 Av. Life and history of Galileo's 
        discoveries about the heavens. $60-$65. www.classicstage.org, 
        212-352-3101. 
    03:00 - whole City - MH - comet Garradd apparition 
        Binocular comet mvong into midnight and late night in Feb-Mar. 
 C/2009 P1 (Garradd)  Epoch 2011 Dec. 25.0 TT = JDT 2455920.5 
 PariT 2011 Dec. 23.6776 TT    PeriAU 1.550537    Arg Peri  90.7477 
 Asc Node 325.9977             Exc 1.001052       Incl 106.1775 
 From 4943 observations 2009 Aug. 13-2011 Dec. 4, mean residual 0".4. 
 --------- 
 Date 0h UT  R A (2000) Decl.      Geo AU  Sun AU  Elon  Phse  Magn 
 ----------  --------------------  ------  ------  ----  ----  ----
 2012 02 01  17 17 20.4 +41 17 21  1.5479  1.6421   77.3  35.8  7.1 
 2012 02 04  17 13 42.4 +43 23 30  1.5082  1.6560   80.2  35.9  7.1 
 2012 02 07  17 09 12.1 +45 38 34  1.4698  1.6707   83.2  35.9  7.1 
 2012 02 10  17 03 36.3 +48 02 30  1.4330  1.6863   86.3  35.7  7.1 
 2012 02 13  16 56 37.7 +50 34 54  1.3984  1.7026   89.4  35.4  7.0 
 2012 02 16  16 47 53.3 +53 14 51  1.3666  1.7197   92.4  35.0  7.0 
 2012 02 19  16 36 52.1 +56 00 43  1.3381  1.7376   95.5  34.5  7.0 
 2012 02 22  16 22 52.8 +58 49 46  1.3135  1.7561   98.4  33.9  7.0 
 2012 02 25  16 05 01.4 +61 37 54  1.2935  1.7753  101.2  33.1  7.1 
 2012 02 28  15 42 11.0 +64 19 07  1.2786  1.7951  103.9  32.4  7.1 
 ------------------------------------------------------------------
    16:00 - Museum of Mathematics - MH - science show 
        also 18:30. Baruch College, Conf Ctr, 55 Lexington Av. 
        'Mathematical Encounters'. Free, adv regn reqd. 212-542-0566, 
        www.momath.org, info@momath.org 
    16:00 - Columbia Univ - MH - astronomy lecture 
        Pupin Hall, Rm 1402. Free. www.astro.columbia.edu/outreach, 
        212-854-3278, outreach-admin@astro.columbia.edu 
    16:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture 
        Colloquium series. Rutgers Univ, Busch Campus, Phys Lectr 
        Hall. Free. www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium, 732-445-3974, 
    19:00 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - SciCafe' show  
        Hall of Ocean Life or Planet Earth. Music, cash bar, social 
        mixer with Musm scientists. Free, be 21 or be gone, GI photo 
        ID reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs 
    19:30 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting 
        Bruce Museum. Free. anneburns@brucemsuem.org, 
        www.seocom.com/asg, 203-413-6744 
    20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing 
        Wesleyan U, Van Vleck Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 
        860-685-3664, www.wesleyan.edu/astro/events Thu  3 Nov 
    20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting 
        Vanderbilt Plm. Free. www.asliclub.org, info@asliclub.org  
    20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing 
        Westport Astro Soc. Rolnick Obsy. Free. Cancelled for  
        clouds. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925 
    21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing 
        Vassar College, Observatory. Free. Cancelled for clouds. 
        physicsandastronomy.vassar.edu/observatory .html, 
        845-437-7340 
Thu  2 Feb
    19:00 - 92nd St Y - MH - science show 
        200 Hudson St (Tribeca). 'The story collider: science 
        teachers'. $12. www.92y.org, 212-415-5500 
    20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting 
        Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free. 
        www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net 
    20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing 
        No Jersey Astro Gp. Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 
        232. Free, cancelled for clouds. njastro.org, 973-655-7266, 
        mwest@pegasus.montclair.edu 
Fri  3 Feb 
    15:00 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture 
        Seminar series. Rutgers Univ, Serin 385E. Free. 732-445-3974, 
        www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/seminar 
    15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture 
        Lamont-Doherty Earth Obsy, Monell Audm. Various topics in 
        geophysics and earth science. Free, 845-365-8634, 
        www.ldeo.columbia.edu, suzana@ldeo.columbia.edu, 
    18:30 - McBurney House - NH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar  
        PRESENTATION: THE SUPER BOWL FOOTBALL OVER NEW YORK
        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 
    19:00 - 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 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting  
        Pace Univ, Miller Hall, Free. www.westchesterastronomers.org, 
        waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org  
    19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting 
        Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky  
        starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org  
    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 - Stratford - CT - Boothe Meml Astro Soc mtg  
        Boothe Meml Pk, Obsy. Free. www.bmas.org, info@bmas.org  
    20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing 
        Stamford Obsy. $3. Cancelled for clouds.  
        www.stamfordmuseum.org, cescovil@earthlink.net, 203-322-6537 
Sat  4 Feb
    10:00 - Lehman College - BX - Tri-State Computer Dair 
        250 Bedford Pk Bv. Source of computer systems, 
        software, components, accessories. $7. 718-227-5586, 
        www.tri-statefairs.com, tsf@tri-statefairs.com, 
     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 
    20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting 
        OCCASIONAL EXTRA EVENTS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT  
        Custer Instt. Indoor program, clearsky starviewing. $5-$15. 
        Varies with program. www.custerobservatory.org,  
        CusterDonna@yahoo.com, 631-765-2626  
    20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing 
        OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT  
        Inwood Astronomy Project. Meet at park entrance, Seaman Av & 
        isham St. Free. Cancelled for clouds. www.inwoodastronomy.org, 
        917-529-2359, jasonskendall@gmail.com  
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Sun  5 Feb
    10:00 - York College - QN - Tri-State Computer Dair 
        160-02 Libery Av (Jamaica). Source of computer systems, 
        software, components, accessories. $7. 718-227-5586, 
        www.tri-statefairs.com, tsf@tri-statefairs.com, 
    13:15 - Uniondale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting 
        Nassau Commty Coll, Bdg F, Room 123. Free. www.aosny.org, 
        suerose@optonline.net                     
    18:00 - Hempstead - LI - clearsky starviewing 
        Hofstra University, Chem-Phys Bdg, Rm 117. Free. Cancelled 
        for clouds. 516-463-2759, www.hofstra.edu/Academics, 
        observatory@hofstra.edu 
    19:30 - Boonton - NJ - Sheep Hill Astro Assn meeting  
        Boonton Town Hall. Free. www.uacnj.org/clubs/shaa.htm,  
        ajmonka@att.net  
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Mon  6 Feb
    12:00 - Queens College - QN - science lecture 
        Physics Conf Rm,SB-B326. Various topics in physics and 
        astronomy. Free. www.physics.qc.edu/colloq.php, 718-997-3350 
    18:00 - Kouzan Restaurant - MH - Serving Science lecture 
        685 Amsterdam Av, 93/94 St. Supper/chat with City College 
        profs on sci topics. $10, incl 1 drink, plus own meal. 
        web.cuny.edu/research/Serving-Science-CUNY-Science-Cafe.html 
    19:00 - Explorers Club - MH - science lecture
        40 E 70 St. 'Tara oceans: a modern science cruise'. $20. 
        www.explrers.org, 
    19:30 - Staten Island Community TV - SI - science show  
        100 Cable Way, Mariners Hr SI. Live audience, televised on 
        SI cable. Free. www.sictv.org, 718-727-1414 
    19:30 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - astronomy lecture 
        Space Theater. $15. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs 
Tue  7 Feb
    11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Instt Advd Stud lecture 
        Princeton Univ, Bloomberg Hall, library. Free.          
        www.sns.ias.edu/astro/astrocal.php, 
        wserber@astro.princeton.edu 
    18:30 - Mid-Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture
        'Historical preservation and the livable city'. Free.
        www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm
Wed  8 Feb
    15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture 
        Ctr for Atmosp & Ocean Studies. 251 Mercer St. Various 
        topics in geophysics and earth science. Free. 
        caos.cims.nyu.edu, shafer@cims.nyu.edu 
    16:00 - Columbia Univ - MH - astronomy lecture
    16:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 1
    18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - culturallecture 
        15 E 84 St, 5/Madison Av. Various topics in early 
        civilizations. Free. www.nyu.edu/isaw, isaw@nyu.edu, 
        212-992-7842  
    19:30 - York College - QN - astronomy lecture 
        Core Acadmc Bdg, Rm AC2E01. Indoor lecture, clearsky 
        starviewing. Free. 718-262-2082, paglione@york.cuny.edu 
        www.york.cuny.edu/centers-institutes/observatory. 
    20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting 
        Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free. 
        njastro.org, 973-655-7266, mwest@pegasus.montclair.edu 
    20:00 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting 
        Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org, 
        609-737-2575, drexparker@aol.com  c 
    21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Thu  9 Feb
    12:30 - Musm of American Finance - MH -cultural lecture
        48 Wall St. 'The scientific revolution and the rise of modern 
        finance'. $5 + bring own lunch, www.moaf.org/events
    16:15 - Columbia Univ - MH - ISCAP meeting 
        Inst for Strings, Cosmlgy, and Astropartcl Phys. Pupin Hall, 
        Rm 908. Discussion of cosmology and string theory. Free. 
        www.iscap.columbia.edu 
    18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - culturallecture - see Feb 8
    19:30 - Morristown - NJ - Morris Museum Astro Soc meeting  
        Morris Museum. Free. 973-386-1848, tedbarker-JDCO@att.net, 
        www.morrismuseum.org/static/education/astronomical.html  
    20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 3
    20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewing 
        Rutgers Univ, Schommer Obsy. Free. Cancelled for clouds.  
        732-205-0020, www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/ast-serin.html  
        pryor@physics.rutgers.edu   Fri 13 Aug 
Fri 10 Feb
    10:00 - Good Housekeeping Resrch Instt - MH - science tour  
        Hearst Tower, 57 St & 8 Av. Walk thru history and science of 
        product testing center of Good Housekeeping magazine. Free. 
        Adv regn reqd. 212-649-5000, ghritours@hearst.com  Sat 14 May 
    15:00 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 3
    15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture - see Feb 3
    18:15 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - Amat Astro Assn lecture 
        Kaufmann Theater. Free, no musm adm fee. 718-522-5014, 
        richard_rosenberg@verison.net, 
    19:15 - New York University - MH - Physics Club of NY meeting 
        Silver Ctr, Rm 207. Jointly with Chemistry Teacher's Club. 
        Free. Have GI photo ID for campus security.. 
        jdepalma@nyc.rr.com, www.sconyc-ny.org 
    19:00 - Toms River - NJ - Astro Soc of Toms Rv Area meeting 
        Ocean Co Coll, Student Ctr, Solar Lounge. Free. 
        www.astra-nj.org, 732-255-0343, webmaster@astra-nj.org 
    19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Feb 3
    20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 3
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Sat 11 Feb
    14:30 - Mid-Manhattan Liby - MH - science lecture
        'Operation Icebridge: mapping thin ice sheets in Antarctica'.. 
        Free. www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm 
    19:00 - Alley Pond Park - QN - astronomy lecture  
        Alley Pond Enviro Ctr. Indoor lecture, clearsky starviewing. 
        $12. www.alleypond.com, info@alleypond.com, 718-229-4000 
    20:00 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture  
        McCarthy Obsy, New Miford HS. Indoor lecture, clearsky  
        starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org,  
        860-354-1595, contact@mccarthyobservatory.org,  
    20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Feb 4
    20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 4
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Sun 12 Feb 
    10:00 - Polytechinc instt - BK V- Tri-State Computer Dair 
        6 MetroTech Ctr (Boro Hall). Source of computer systems, 
        software, components, accessories. $7. 718-227-5586, 
        www.tri-statefairs.com, tsf@tri-statefairs.com, 
    18:00 - Cornelia St Cafe' - MH - Entertaining Science show 
        29 Cornelia St & W 4 St, Play & music on various science 
        themes. $10. www.corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319 
    19:00 - whole City - MH - GLOBE at Night campaign
        Thru Feb 21. 2nd round of monitoring luminous graffiti by 
        inspecting Orion. Compare Orion with standard sky transparency 
        charts and record result. www.nyskies.org/gannyc.htm. 
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Mon 13 Feb
    17:30 - PicNic Cafe' - MH - Cafe' Science lecture 
        2665 Broadway & 101 St. Supper/chat with Columbia Univ 
        profs on sci topics. $10. Incl 1 drink, plus own meal. 
        212-222-8222, cafescience@columbia.edu 
        alumni.columbia.edu/alumni-community/alumbi-events-calendar 
Tue 14 Feb
    11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Instt Advd Stud lecture - see Feb 7
    19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing  
        Astro Soc of Greenwich. Curtis Elem Schl, Bowman Obsy. Free. 
        Cancelled for clouds. rbria@juno.com, 203-896-6786-x338, `        
        www.seocom.cgfom/asg, 
Wed 15 Feb
    14:30 - Musm of City of New York - MH - cultural lecture
        1220 5 Av. 'Gridlock: Congestion and flow on New York City 
        streets' plus exhibit 'The greatest grid, the master plan of 
        Manhattan'. $12. www.mcny.org, 917-492-3395
    15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture - see Feb 8
    16:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 1
    18:30 - Mid-Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture 
        'New York from the air: a story of architecture'. Free. 
        www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm 
    19:30 - New Britain - CT - Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford meeting 
        Centl Conn St Uv, Copernicus Plm. Free. www.asgh.org, 
        860-872-9069, pparkerrs@cs.com 
    20:00 - Princeton - NJ - clearsky starviewing 
        Princeton Univ, Peyton Hall. Free. Cancelled for clouds 
        www.astro.princeton.edu/events.htm, 
        jeg@astro.princeton.edu, lee@astro.princeton.edu 
    20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Thu 16 Feb
    18:00 - Columbia University - MH - Earth Instt lecture
        Shapiro Hall, Davis Audm, 'Energy effeciency in the New York 
        City region'. Free. www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu, 
    18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - culturallecture - see Feb 8
    18:30 - Mid-Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture 
        'Harlem is nowhere: a journey to the Mexxaof Blck america'. 
        Free. www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm 
    18:30 - Tenement Museum - MH - cultural lecture 
        108 Orchard St. 'From High Line to Low Line: building an 
        underground park beneath Delancey St'. Free, adv regn reqd. 
        wwww.tenement.org
    19:00 - Waterbury - CT - Mattatuck Astro Soc meeting 
        Naugatuck Vy Commty Coll, Ekstrom Hall. Free. 
        mastransit.org, btbrick@mastransit.org, cbcstargazer@aol.com 
    20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 3
Fri 17 Feb
    15:00 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 3
    15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture - see Feb 3
    18:30 - McBurney House - NH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar  
        PRESENTATION: THE ASTRO- IN -LOGY AND -NOMY
        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 
    19:00 - Columbia University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Feb 3
    19:30 - Wilcox Park - NY - clearsky starviewing  
        Mid Hudson Astro Assn. Free. Cancelled for clouds  
        www.midhudsonastro.org. 845-485-5669, trankin@hvc.cc.com  
    19:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing  
        Sheep Hill Astro Assn Obsy, Free. Cancelled for  
        clouds. www.uacnj.org/clubs/shaa.htm, ajmonka@att.net  
    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 Sat  4 Dec 
    20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture 
        Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky 
        starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org 
    20:00 - Observatory - BK - astronomy lecture
        543 Union St (Park Slope). 'The Moon and its closest 
        associates, a 3D slideshow'. $5. observatoryroom.org
    20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 3
    20:00 - Stratford - CT - Boothe Meml Astro Soc mtg  - see Feb 3
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Sat 18 Feb
    17:00 - Danbury - CT - astronomy lecture - see Feb 4
    20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Feb 4
    20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 4
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
    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  
Sun 19 Feb
    10:00 - JFK Intl Hotel - BK V- Tri-State Computer Dair 
        144-02 135 Av (JFK Airport). Source of computer systems, 
        software, components, accessories. $7. 718-227-5586, 
        www.tri-statefairs.com, tsf@tri-statefairs.com, 
    14:00 - Airmont - NY - science show  
        Lwr Hudson Vy Challenger Ctr, 225 Rt 29. Multimedia  
        simulation of space missions. $20. www.lhvcc.com,  
        director@lhvcc.com, 845-257-3416.  
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Mon 20 Feb
    all day - whole City - MH - Presidents Day holiday 
        Please check with event contact for session falling on this 
        day by rule or outdated schedule. 
Tue 21 Feb
    11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Instt Advd Stud lecture - see Feb 7
    19:30 - New Paltz - NY - Mid Hudson Astro Assn meeting  
        SUNY New Paltz, Coykendall Audm. Free. 845-485-5669,  
        www.midhudsonastro.org, trankin@hvc.rr.com  Fri 22 Apr 
Wed 22 Feb
    16:00 - Columbia Univ - MH - astronomy lecture 
    16:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 1
    18:30 - Mid-Manhattan Liby - MH - cultural lecture 
        'New York diaries: 1609-2009'. Free.
        www.nypl.org/calendar/index.cfm 
    20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 1 
    20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
Thu 23 Feb
    18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - culturallecture - see Feb 8
    20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 2
    20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 9
Fri 24 Feb
    15:00 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 3
    15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture - see Feb 3
    18:00 - P S 3 - MH - Greenwich Village Antqn Book Fair
        Thru Sun 26 Feb. 490 Hudson St & Christopher St. Deep source 
        for astronomy books, maps, prints, posters. $12 3-day pass. 
        www.ps3nyc.org/bookfair.htm, www.gvabf.org
    19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Feb 3
    20:00 - Stamford - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 3
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Sat 25 Feb
    20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Instt meeting - see Feb 4
    20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 4
    20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting  
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6        NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Free. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8600 
Sun 26 Feb
    20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 6
Mon 27 Feb
    22:00 - whole City - MH - 6th Av subway closing-
        Also Feb 28, 29, Mar 1. 6th Av (orange) line closes at 22:00 
        between W 4 St and 59 St/Columbus Cr for repair & maintenance. 
        Reopens at 05:00 on next day. Trains in this zone are turned 
        at endpoints or diverted to other lines. Other services at 
        stations in this zone are unaffected but can not interact with 
        normal orange line service. www.mta.info. 
Tue 28 Feb 
    11:00 - Princeton - NJ - Instt Advd Stud lecture - see Feb 7
    18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - culturallecture - see Feb 8
    19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 14
    20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting  
        Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925 
Wed 29 Feb
    16:00 - Columbia Univ - MH - astronomy lecture - see Feb 1 
    16:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Feb 1
    18:00 - Columbia University - MH - History of Science lecture 
        Mudd Hall, Rm 520. 'How things tasted in the early modern 
        period and how they taste now'. Free. 212-998-2101, 
        nyih.as.nyu.edu, nyih.info@nyu.edu, jdauben@gc.cuny.edu 
    20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Feb 1
    20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
    21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Feb 1
General news 
 ---------- 
    A few events fell into the 'XXX' section for February! This is 
always a colossal embarrassment for the sponsors, who often use NYC 
Events to show how their activity fits into the overall astronomy of 
the City. In some cases NYC Events is part of their request and 
application for support. When their work is 'XXX', well ... . 
    Astronomical Society of Long Island moved their meetings to 20:00. 
from previous 20:30. It is testing if the earlier hour favors more 
attendance. 
    Columbia Observatory in mid January revised its schedule, removing 
the session of Jan 27. NYSkies put a notice in its yahoogroup to alert 
City astronomers. This month's NYC Events has the new schedule, 
starting with February 3rd. 
    This incident illustrates two factors of life for the New York 
astronomer. While you put a supreme faith and trust in NYC Events, it 
can be only as good as the information to hand when issued. 
    I do NOT update NYC Events during the month. Mind well that events 
are entirely the province of their sponsors, who may at any time alter 
any of the specifications. 
    The other factor is that if you're not following the NYSkies 
forum, you may pay dearly for that choice. Did you do a wasted trip to 
Columbia on  January 27th?  See 'www.nyskies.org/yahoo.htm'. 
Event news 
 --------
    NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on January 6 and 20 were a two-part set 
for the two new evening planets. The 6th handled Mars, about to enter 
his retrograde loop. The 20th dealed with Venus, then creeping above 
the skyline at dusk. 
    At each session we examined the motion of the planets, comparing 
the heliocentric and geocentric models. We demonstrated retrograde 
motion for both (yes, Venus has a retrograde loop!) and direct 
movement thru the zodiac. 
    We aw why Mars this year is too small for easy viewing of his 
surface but Venus grows to huge size to show off her phases. For Venus 
we illustrated her conjunctions with the Sun for several instances, 
including one where she was both a morning and evening star on the 
SAME DAYS. There was some discussion about the transit of Venus which 
we'll go thru thoroly at a dedicated Seminar session. 
    On January 19 the official count came in: New York hosted 50.5 
million visitors in 2011 for a new record. One factor was the overall 
mild winter, with hardly any really cold days or major snow. 
    The Depression sent out mixed signals. On the downside is the 
realization in mid January that most employed New Yorkers have no 
retirement plan other than Social Security. Savings, pension, 
investments are too small to supplement Social Security. 
    On the upswing our rails enjoyed rising ridership. Metro North 
Railroad's growth was so vigorous that for the first time in human 
history it became the nation's busiest railroad. This broke the 
century-old standing of Long Island Rail Road. MNR scored 82 million 
riders versus LIRR's 81 million. Neighboring New Jersey Transit also 
did well with ridership growth to keep third place in the country. 
    'Galileo' a new drama about the first telescopist, opens on 
February 1st. Tickets are going fast, even under their high price. The 
fee is within bounds for a major play else where in the City, It may 
simply reflect the solid interest and awareness of science -- 
particularly astronomy -- in New York. 
    The entire Lexington Av subway line,shut down at night on January 
9-13! This is the first of a series of line closings for several 
consecutive nights to speed up maintenance and repair. Work is easier 
and safer when all trains are off duty, rather than the usual one or 
two tracks closed with trains running on the others. 
    This new method of work, Fastrack, closes the 6th Av line on 
February 27-March 1. Plan for alternate routing during these nights. 
    One other factor for the City's increased lifespan, besides those 
in January's NYC Events. was noted by several readers. The massive 
program of waste recycling in New York City captured thousands of 
daily tons of harmful material that would contaminate air, land, 
water, causing quicker deaths. This material was rendered into new 
useful and beneficial goods. 
    NYSkies and about 20 nationwide astroclubs sat a teleconference on 
January 19th about the upcoming transit of Venus. I'll have a thoro 
preparation at a later Seminar but for now I stress that observing the 
transit requires full solar protection. If you do not now have proper 
filter for your optics, get it NOW. 
    Adorama and B&H are two good walkin sources on Manhattan and there 
are many solar filter dealers in the astronomy magazines. Do not THINK 
of waiting until May to get the filter! They;ll be GONE. Demand for 
the filters is strengthened by an annular eclipse in western US and 
large total eclipse in the Pacific Ocean this year. 
    The transit will be a prominent feature in NYSkies public 
activity. We are now starting to organize celebrations around the City 
As you and your clubs move along with transit plans, tell us! We'll 
get them into NYC Events and handouts at NYSkies events. Unless you 
duly post your events at us, we may miss them. You lose precious 
effective promotion for them. 
    I've been out of sports fandom ever since the Dodgers left 
Brooklyn, but this year I'm cheering for the football Giants. They're 
in the SUper Bowl -- again!! And, guess what? We got in the winter the 
asterism of the Super Bowl Football!! 
Sky news 
 ------
    January 2012 was so-so for stargazing with clear nights mixed with 
clouds or rain. Only one small snowfall came on January 20-21, 
dropping 5-8cm in the city. Suburbs got up to 1/2 meter. Temperature 
rose on following days to melt the snow rapidly. 
    The cloudy skies punched out the first round of the 2012 GLOBE at 
Night program. That plus the late announcement of the campaign caused 
most City astronomers to lose the session. The next session is 
February 12-21. Particks at 'www.nyskies.org/gannyc.htm'. 
    With long nights and uptick in solar activity, look for aurorae. 
Yes, aurorae are seen in the City, if rarely. Unlike the Milky Way, 
aurora can be anywhere in the sky. We were clouded out of major aurora 
on Jan 23-27 seen widely in clear skies beyond the NYSkies territory. 
See 'www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/aurorany.htm'.  
    Many City astronomers got their first good look at Venus on Jan 28 
under clear skies after a week of clouds. She soared above the 
skyline, kicking Jupiter off of the hill for brilliance. 
    Look straight east after nightfall for Mars. His 2012 apparition 
is about the very worst possible as Mars rounds his apohelion near 
opposition. He stands farthest away with the smallest disc size. Yet 
he is already a brilliant star near the Leo-Virgo frontier. His 
retrograde loop began in January on his way his March 3rd opposition. 
    Hang around to the owl hours to see the fourth of the classical 
planets in the City sky, Saturn. He's in mid Virgo with rings more 
open than last year to show the north face. 
    Comet Garradd is thrilling us in the owl hours! It's in eastern 
Hercules sliding into Draco by end February. It stays within binocular 
reach in a night sky until the spring. I give an ephemeris under 
January 1st. 
	Last updated 31 January 2012

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