NYSkies
Astronomy Inc |
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NYC EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2019
----------------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy In+c
nyskies@nyskies.org
wwww.nyskies.org
The following astronomy activities in the commuting ring enclosing
New York City are operated by various organizations. A few cultural
tems of special importance to City astronomers are also included.
Altho NYC Events confirms the listed items, they are subject to
change by their sponsors. Check with their contacts. Let the sponsor
know that you learned of its event thru NYC Events.
Frequently asked questions and explanation of NYC Events is at
'www.nyskies.org/nyc-faq.htm'.
You may ask for previous NYC Events thru 'nyskies@nyskies.org'
because only the current issue is in the website. It is replaced by
next month's issue.
For events which missed NYC Events, check the NYSkies Yahoogroup
forum. Join NYSkies by visiting 'www.nyskies.org/yahoo.htm' and
picking either the email or website option.
All hours are Eastern Da/ylight Savings Time (UT - 4h).
General notes
----------- /
'whole City' means the event has no specific or dedicated place.
It may be enjoyed from the whole NYSkies territory or at a number of
individual places. Celestial events are typicly 'whole City' events.
c 'all day' means the event is continuous or repeating during the
open hours of the host facility. Facilities may have limited hours per
day or days per week. Check with the event contacts.
'adv regn reqd',for 'advance registration required/requested'
means that the event requires or requests signing up before the event.
You must have your ticket in hand at the gate. There could be a
deadline some days before the event, after which no more signups are
accepted. Check with the event contact for specifics.
Prices cited are the 'rack rate'. You could qualify for discounts
As may be offered by the sponsor. Besides the base price there may be
noptional extra fees to consider.
Current Month calendar
--------------------
Plain dates are in current month;
-, previous month; +, next month.
#, NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
Moon phase: .NM., .FQ), (FM), (LQ.
Sunset is noted for each Saturday
---------------------------------
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat sunset
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ------
1 2 3 4 .5) 6# 7 19:19
8 9 10 11 12 (13) 14 19:07
15 16 17 18 19 20# (21. 18:55
22 23 24 25 26 27 .28. 18:43
29 30 +1 +2 +3 +4# .5) 18:32
----------------------------------------------
Index of Events / -------------
* = NASA-JPL Night Sky Network affiliate
Date = entry in 'list of events' section
'0' = entry in 'ongoing and continuing events' section
'S/O',= entry in 'skipped, Sep/Oct resumption' section
'M/A' = entry in 'skipped, Mar/Apr resumption' secrion // '???' =
entry in 'skipped, uncertain resumption' seciton
------- -----------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN - BK
Astronomy on Tap - - - - 18
Canarsie line curtailment 0
Culver partial wxpress - - 9
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - 6
Parade of Trains - - - - 28-29
Secret Science Club - - - 0
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - AUT
Astro Soc of Greenwich - 22
*Astro Soc of New Haven - AUT
Bowman Observatory - - - 4, 18
Connecticut Star Party - 27-29
*Litchfield Hills AAC mtg 13
*Litchfield Hills starvg - 28
*McCarthy Observatory - - 14
New Pond Farm - - - - - - ???
Stamford Observatory - - 6, 13, 20, 27
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 7
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - 4, 11, 18, 25
Western CT St Univ Obsy - AUT
*Westport Astro Soc mtg - 17
*Westport Astro Soc starvg 4, 11, 18, 25
-------------------------
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - 203-377-9933,
www.facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society
LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amateur Observers Soc - - 8
*Amat Obsrs Soc starviewing 0
Amer Instt Aero & Astro - ???
Astro Soc of Long Island 4, 11, 18, 25
Brookhaven National Lab - 5
Custer Institute - - - - 7, 14, 21, 28
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - AUT
Montauk Observatory - - - 20
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - 6
*Susan Rose Observatory - 7, 14, 21, 28
MANHATTAN - MH
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - 0
*Amat Astro Assn lecture - AUT
Amer Instt Archarology - 9, 24
Canarsie line curtailment 0
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Sci - 4, 11, 18
Ctr for Science & Society 18
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22,27,28,29
City of Science - - - - - AUT
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - AUT
Earth Institute - - - - - 27
Good Housekeeping lab - 13
Gocernors Island - - - - 1-Oct 31
Gullivar's Gate - - - - - 0
Hayden Planetarium - - - AUT
Instt Stud Ancnt World - 19-20
Intrepid Museum - - - - - 27
*Inwood Astronomy Project 7, 14, 21, 288
Labor Day - - - - - - - 2
Milky Way fall season - - 1-Nov 30
Natl Musm of Mathematics 4
NY Academy of Sciences - AUT
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - - 0
New York Map Society - - 21
NYU Astrop & Relatvty - - 3, 10, 17, 24
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 6, 20
Observer's Handbook offer 16-indef
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - 4
Simons Foundation - - - - 4, 11, 25
*Top of the Laawn - - - - 6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22,27,28,29
Tribute in Light - - - - 11
TriState computer fair -- 0
Urban Park Rangers - - - 0
Weekend Walks - - - - - - 1-Dec
WTC station closings - -- 0
-------------------------------
Ctr for Space Sci Edu - - info@nyccsse.org, www.nyccsse.org,
212-608-6164 n
METRO-NORTH - NY
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - AUT
measles epidemic - - - - 0
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - ???
Ramapo Challenger Ctr - - 15
Rockland Astro Club - - - 7
Vassar College Obsy - - - 4, 11, 18, 25
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - 21
Westchester Amat Astro - 13
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - 10
*Amat Astro Inc meeting - 6, 13, 27
*Amat Astro Inc lecture - 20
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - 13
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - 12
New Jersey Astro Assn - - 28
NJAA oPEN hOUSE - - - - - 21
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - 11
No Jersey Astro Gp starvg 5, 12, 19, 26/
Peyton Observarory - - - 4
Plasma Physics Lab - - - 6, 20
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm 11, 18, 25
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr AUT
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - 5
Schommer Observatory - - 12, 19
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - 6
*Sheep Hill Observatory - 20
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - 7, 14, 21, 28
Washington Xing St Pk - - 6, 13, 20, 27
WTC station closings - - 0
---------------------------
Dark Sky Observers - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club
McDowell Obsy - mec.rst2.edu, 201-460-8300
Montclair Telescope Club - 973-948-5284,,
users.erols.com/njastro/orgs/mtc.htm
NW Jersey Amat Astro - www.nwjaa.org, info@nwjaa.org
Passaic Co Astro Assn - www.users.nac.net/gburke/PCAA, 973-523-0024
*Raritan Vy Co Coll Plm - www2.raritanval.edu/planetarium
Skyland Stargazers - skylandstargazers.tripod.com
s QUEENS - QN
York College Observatory 11
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
Coll of Staten Is Obsy - AUT
Great Kills Park - - - - 7
Staten Is Community TV - 6, 13, 20, 27
THE BRONX - BX
=============================
Ongoing and continuing events
--------------------------
all day - H&M WTC line - MH - WTC station closings s Thru
late 2020. World Trade Center station closes every
weekend to repair tunnels under Hudson River ruined by
hurricane Sandy. Station closes at 00h on each Saturday,
reopens at 05h on following Monday. WTC-bound trains turn at
Exchange Pl station. For service to WTC, use 33 St line to
connect to NYC subways. www.panynj.gov
all day - ehole county - NY - measles epidemic
Indef duration. Outbreaks of measles in several counties
in NYSkies. Of the 1,000+ cases in US, some 800 are in
NYSkies! UN WHO warned that if epidemic continues thru
yearend, it will revoke US status as a measles-free country.
Most counties offer free measles shots. Consult health
provider for precautions and vaccination.
all day - H&M WTC line - NJ - WTC station closings
Thru late 2020. World Trade Center station closes every
weekend to repair tunnels under Hudson River ruined by
hurricane Sandy. Station closes at 00h on each Saturday,
reopens at 05h on following Monday. WTC-bound trains turn at
Exchange Pl station. For service to WTC, use 33 St line to
connect to NYC subways. www.panynj.gov
all day - North Brgen Viaduct - NJ - road closings and rebuild
Thru end 2020. One lane in each direction is closed during
major rebuild of viaduct on NJ495 between NJ Tpk and Lincoln
Tnl. Buses have priority on remaining lanes. On-off ramps for
local street close from time to time. www.restorenj495.com
all day - Canarsie line - MH - night and weekend slowdown
Thru mid 2020. Curtailed service 20h to 05h daily and 20h
Fri-05h Mon on weekends. Trains run single-track thru one
tunnel between Bedford Av statio aand 8th Av terminal. Round-
trip takes about 20 minutes. Other track and tunnel are
closed. Service may change according as progress of work.
Normal two-way service runs 05h-20h on weekdays. www.mta.info.
all day - Canarsie line - BK - night and weekend slowdown
Thru mid 2020. Curtailed service 20h to 05h daily and 20h
Fri-05h Mon on weekends. Trains run single-track thru one
tunnel between Bedford Av statio aand 8th Av terminal. Round-
trip takes about 20 minutes. Other track and tunnel are
closed. Service may change according as progress of work.
Normal two-way service runs 05h-20h on weekdays. www.mta.info.
all day - whole island - LI - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Amat Obsrs Soc. Sessions convene in parks usually at dusk.
Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net
all day - whole City - MH - cultural tour
VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND TIMES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
NYC-H2O. Walk, bike, ride thru history and culture of NYC
muwater system facilities and natural waterways in and near
the City. Events are pay orfree, adn regn reqd. Bike tours
need own bike. www.nych2o.org,
matt@nych2o.org
all day - whole City - MH - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Amat Astro Assn. Sessions convene in parks usually at dusk.
Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
president@aaa.org, 718-522-5014, www.aaa.org
all day - whole City - MH - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy. Sessions convene in parks
usually at dusk. Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. `
Cancelled for clouds. www.jupiterjoesastronomy.org,
jupiyerjoesastronomy@gmail.com
all day - Gullivaer's Gate - MH - cultural exhibit
indef duration. 216 W 44 St, 7/8 Av. Opened in mid April 2017
for preview. Miniature models of landmarks and important
structures from around the world. Rooms arranged by quarter of
world and for New York City. $36, timed ticket, adv regn reqd.
Optional cost for stereoprint of visitor into figurine placed
at desired item in exhibit. www.gulliversgate.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 - whole City - MH - Tri-State Computer Fair
VARIOUS LOCATIONS, GENERALLY ON SUNDAYS
Source of computer systems, software, components, accessories.
$7. www.tri-statefairs.com, 718-227-5586
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,
ist of Events
------------
Sun 1 Sep
all day - whole City - MH - Weekend Walks street fairs
VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND DATES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Thru mid Dec. NYC Dept of Transptn closes certain steets in
all boros on Saturdayss for street fairs. Stores
and local orgs offer ntertainment, discount sales, exhibits,
food service Free.
www.nyc.gov/html/dot/weekendwalks/html/home/home.shtml
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
21:00 - 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
Mon 2 Sep
all day - whole City - MH - Labor Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule
Tue 3 Sep
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture
726 Broadway, Rm 940. Various topics in astrophys and
relativity. Free. Have GI photo ID for campus security.
physics.nyu.edu/events.htm
Wed 4 Sep
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture
Ctr for Atmosp & Ocean Studies. Weaver Hall, 251 Mercer
St. Various topics in geophysics and earth science. Free.
caos.cims.nyu.edu, shafer@cims.nyu.edu
16:00 - Natl Musm of Mathematics - MH - science show
Also 19:00. 'Mathematical Encounters'. Free, adv regn
reqd. 212-542-0566, www.momath.org, info@momath.org
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St. 'Chemistry in the cosmos: From simplicity
to complexity '. Buffet smacks 16:15, lecture 17:00. Free, adv
regn reqd. 646-654-0066, ww.simonsfoundation.org
19:00 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - SciCafe' show
Hall of Ocean Life or hall of planet Earth. Music, drinks,
chat with Museum scientists. Free, be 21 or be gone. GI photo
ID reqd. 212-769-5100, WWW.AMNH.ORG/PROGRAMS
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing
Westport Astro Soc. Rolnick Obsy. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting
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
20:30 - 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
20:30 - 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
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
Thu 5 Sep
11:00 - Upton - LI - Summer Sundays science show
Brookhaven Natl Lab. VBldg 490. ]Beoadband radiometry during
Earh CARE{ An improved solar radiance-to-flux conversion'.
Free, have GI photo ID for campus security. 631-344-2651,
www.bnl.gov/evnts
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.
Free, cancelled for clouds. njastro.org, 973-655-7266
Fri 6 Sep
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour
Plasma Physics Lab. Walk thru history and culture of fproject
to capture energy from controled hydrogen fusion. Free, adv
regn reqd. Have GI photo ID for campus security.
www.pppl.gov/events
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
DISCUSSION: THE GRAND APPARITION OF VENUS
125 W 14 St, 6/7 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nyskies@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting
Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
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 - Boonton - NJ - Sheep Hill Astro Assn meeting
Boonton Senior Ctr. Free. www.sheephillastro.org,
contacts@sheephillastro.org, wwestura@optonline.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
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 - 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 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture
Stamford Obsy. $5. Indoor lecture, clearsky starviewing.
203-322-6537, www.stamfordmuseum.org
info@stamfordmuseum.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
Sat 7 Sep
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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
20:00 - Bear Mountain - NY - clearsky starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Anthony Wayne Rec Pk, picnic field. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.rocklandastronomy.com
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing
Amat Obsrs Soc. capus of Custer Institt. Sessions concurrent
with Custer's own events. Free, cancelled for clouds.
www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Sun 8 Sep
13:15 - Uniondale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting.
Hofstra Univ, Berliner Hall. Free. www.aosny.org,
suerose@optonline.net
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Mon 9 Sep
07:00 Culver line - BK - partial express service starts
TENTATIVE DATE; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Two uptown-only trains in AM RH start at Church Av, do 7 Av and
Jay St, then regular F route to Manhattan. Two downtown-only
trains in PM RH from Manhattan do Jay St, 7 Av, end at Church
Av. www.mta.info Tue 10 Sep
17:30 - Dentons US office - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
1221 6th Av. Various topics on archaeology and
anthropology. Free, adv regn reqd. GI photo ID required for
campus security. www.aia-nysociety.org,
info@aia-bysociety.org
Tue 10 Aep
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Sep 3
19:30 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.org
Wed 11 Sep
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Colloquium series. Rutgers Univ, Busch Campus, Astro & Phys
Lectr Hall. Free. www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium,
732-445-3974 +
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture - see Sep 4
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St. 'Stringy predictions forour universe'.
Buffet smacks 16:15, lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn reqd. 646-
654-0066, ww.simonsfoundation.org
19:30 - whole City - MH - Tribute in Light memorial
World Trade Center. Two parallel blue beams shine dusk to
dawn to honor victims of 2001 World Trade Center collapse.
Beams approximate floor plan of Twin Towers and can reach
tens of kilometers high. Geometry determines height of beam
top as observed from all over NYSkies. Details in local news
media. www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/trib-lt.htm
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free.
njastro.org, 973-655-7266
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 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Sep 4
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
Thu 12 Sep
19:30 - Morristown - NJ - Morris Museum Astro Soc meeting
Morris Museum. Free. 973-386-1848, 973-386-1848,,
www.morrismuseum.org/astro-society, info@morrismusem.org,
ckkrish@gmail.com
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 5
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 13 Sep
10:00 - Good Housekeeping Resrch Instt - MH - science tour
Also 11:30. 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
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
19:30 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills Amat Astro Club mtg
Central Congregational Church. Free. lhastro.org,
lhastro@gmail.com
19:30 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Lienhard Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Sep 6
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Sep 6
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Sep 6
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Sat 14 Sep
20:00 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture
McCarthy Obsy, New Miford HS. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org, 860-354-1595,
mccarthyobservatory@gmail.com
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Sep 7
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Sep 7
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Sep 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 7
Sun 15 Sep
14:00 - Airmont - NY - science show
Ramapo Challenger Ctr, 225 Rt 29. Multimedia
imulation of space missions. $20., director@lhvcc.com,
845-257-3416, ramapoparks#ramapo.org,
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Mon 16 Sep
all day - whole City - MH - Observer's Handbook offer OPENS
The NYSkies offer for the 2020 RASC Onserver's Handbook opens
on September 16. The books are printed in mid October for
delivery to NYSkies in late October. You better put in
your request NOW. Cost is still $23 per copy, with P&P.
www.nyskies.org/oh.htm, nyskies@nyskies.org,
www.nyskies.org/ohclub.htm
Tue 17 Swp
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Sep 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
Wed 18 Sep
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Sep 11
15:30 - Courant Institute - MH - science lecture - see Sep 4
18:00 - Columbia University- MH - Ctr for sci and Soc lecture
Fauenweather Hall, Room 513. 'Comparing domains of
improvisation'. Free, adv regn reqd.
212-854-7211, scienceandsociety.columbia.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
20:00 - Way Station Pub - BK - Astronomy on Tap meting
683 Washington Av & Prospect Pl (Prospect Hts). Informal
astronomy discussion in pub setting. Free, one drink purchase
reqd. astronomyontap.org/locatons/new-york-city
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Sep 4
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
Thu 19 Sep
09:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural conference
Thru Fri 20 Sep. 15 E 84 St, 5/Madison Av. 'Scientific
tradition in the ancient Mediterranean and near East' Free,
adv regn reqd. isaw..nyu.edu, isaw@nyu.edu, 212-992-7842
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 5
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewng see Sep 12
Fri 20 Sep
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour - see Sep 6
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
DISCUSSION: PRECESSION, THE SLIDING CELESTIAL COORDIANTES
125 W 14 St, 6/7 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nyskies@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Sep 6
19:00 - Bridgehapton - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. South Fork Natl Hist Musm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Sep 6
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
20:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn Obsy, Free. Cancelled for
clouds. sheephillastro.otg, contacts@sheephillastro.org,
wwestura@optonline.net
Sat 21 Sep
10:00 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn Open House
NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Talks, demos, food service, sun
viewing, vendors. Free.Clearsky starviewing after supper
break. .
www.njaa.org, 908-368-8500
14:00 - Avenues HQ - MH - New York Map Society lecture
11 E 26 St, 7th floor.Various topics about map making,
cartography, geography. Free, adv regn reqd. Have GI photo ID
for caampus security. www.newyorkmapsociety.org,
mapsociety@ny@gmail.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 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Sep 7
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 7
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Sep 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Sep 7
Sun 22 Sep
15:30 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Greenwich Public Library. Free with musm adm.
rickbria@optonline.net, 203-415-6762, astrogreenwich.org
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Tue 24 Sep
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture - see Sep 3
18:00 - ISAW - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
MEETS WITH INSTITUTE FOR STUDY OF ANCIENT wWRLD
15 E 84 St, madison/5 av. Various topics on archaeology and
anthropology. Free, adv regn reqd.. www.aia-nysociety.org,
info@aia-bysociety.org
Wed 25 Sep
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture - see Sep 11
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St. 'Black hole collisions: The extreme side of
gravity '. Buffet smacks 16:15, lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn
reqd. 646-654-0066, ww.simonsfoundation.org
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Sep 4
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting
21:00 - Poughkeepsie - NY - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 4
Thu 26 Sep
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 5
Fri 27 Sep
09:00 - Earth Institute - MH - science conference
Ford Foundation, 320 E 43 St. 'Climae crisis, global land
use, and human rights'. Free, adv regn reqd. Bring GI photo ID
for campus security. ei.columbia.edu,
16:00 - Goshen - CT - Connecticut Star Party
Thru Sun 29 Sep. Astro Soc of New Haven. Strang Camp. Dark
skies, talks, demos, camping, food service, lodging, tourism.
$24 + extras. www.asnh.org
17:30 - Intrepid Museum - MH - Free Friday show
Pier 86 and ship. Exhibits, demos, talks. Clearsky movies
and starviewing. Free. www.intrepidmuseum.org
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Sep 6
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Sep 6
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Sep 6
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Sat 28 Sep
11:00 - Brighton Beach - BK - Parade of Trains show
Thru Sun 29 Sep. NY Transit Museum. Brighton line, Brighton Bh
station. Visit and ride several antique subway trains. Get
ferroviana at pop-up Museum shop, rap with subway crew, take
pictures and films of trains. Cintinuous rides along Brighton
line. Free with any subway route to Brighton Bh station.
www.nytransitmuseum.org
11:00 - Litchfield - CT - Litchfield Hills A A C lecture
MEEETS ON SATURDAY, NOT FRIDAY
White Meml Consrvn Ctr. Free. Indoor lecture, clearsky
sun viewing. lhaacsec@gmail.com, lhastro.org
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 7
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Sep 7
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Sep 7
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Sep 7 7
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
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
Sun 29 Sep
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Sep 6
Events Skipped This Month
-----------------------
EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[AUT] AUTUMN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
13:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Seminar series. Rutgers Univ, Serin 401. Free. 732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/seminar
15:30 - Palisades - NY - science lecture
Lamont-Doherty Earth Obsy, Comer Bldg. Various topics in
geophysics and earth science. Free, 845-365-8634,
www.ldeo.columbia.edu, suzana@ldeo.columbia.edu,
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 -'Ciry of sceince' lecture
365 5 Av & 34 St, Skylight Room. 'Plants, bioiversity, and the
survival of the panet'. Free, adv regn reqd.
www.gc.cuny.edu/publicprograms
19:00 - NY Academy of Sciences - MH - astronomy lecture
'The nystery of our mathematical universe'. $20. www.nyas.org
19:00 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - astronomy lecture
'Black holes and the force of gravity'. Enter Plm at 81 St &
Cntl Pk W. $15, adv regn reqd. 212-769-5100,
WWW.AMNH.ORG/PROGRAMS
19:30 - New Haven - CT - Astro Soc of New Haven meetinG
Yale Univ, Leitner Family Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asnh.org, prez@asnh.org
19:30 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - astronomy lecture
'Degenrates of the universe'. Enter Plm at 81 St & Cntl Pk W.
$15, adv regn reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
20:00 - 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
20:0:0 - 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 - Uniondale - LI - clearsky starviewing
Hofstra University,Berliner Bdg, Rm 117. Free,
adv regn reqd. Cancelled for clouds. 516-463-2759,
www.hofstra.edu/Academics, observatory@hofstra.edu
20:30 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing
Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818,
csivc.csi.cuny.edu/supernove7/files/home.html,
robbins@mail.csi.cuny.edu,
--------------------------------------
[???] UNCERTAIN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
18:00 - Hempstead - 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
20:00 - West Reading - CT - clearsky starviewing
New Pond Farm, obseratory. $10, adv regn reqd. cancelled for
clouds. www.newpondfarm.org, 203-938-2117
20:300 - 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
General News
----------
Space & Science Festival at Intrepid Museum is skipped this year.
In late August Intrepid advised that it has several other major
programs in the summer, letting the Festival take a rest.
Litchfiled Hills AAC has irs Sep lecture on the 28th, Saturday. it
replaces the normal Friday lecture & starviewing. The meeting starts
at 11:00 with clearsky sun viewing.
Both Vassar Coll and Wesleyan Univ resume their starviewings for
the fall semester. They meet only during class sessions, skipping over
holidays and school breaks.
ISAW opens its fall season with a 2-day conference on Sep 19-20
about early science culture around the Mediterranean region. This
should be of intense interest for us astronomers being that astronomy
was a major sector of ancient science.. Altho the conference is
free, advance registration is required.
Amer Instt Archaeology has a joint meeting with ISAW on the 24th,
listed under AIA. You may sign up thru either ISAW or AIA.
Simons Foundn opens its fall season with THREE astro talks in
september!! All on Wednesday, the 4th, 11th, 25th. (An earlier NYSkies
news notice showed four talks, a misread of simons's schedule. The
fourth astro talk is on Oct 2.) Please register EARLY because they
fill up quickly.
City news
-------
With renovation of LIRR wing of Penn Station, 'Eclipsed time'
astro-art may be discarded! As at mid August 2019 it's in disrepair,
dirty, flecked with pigeon dung. Artifact was the first stop on
Amat Obsrs Soc's 'City of stars' tour.
Work started in mid August on 42 St shuttle to replace antiquated
stations and add more entrances. Regular service continues during the
project with heavy work done when shuttle's normal overnight closing.
Schematic of new stations:
to 7 Av line
+
+
+ @ D track #4
+ ++++++++++++++++~ ~++++++++++++++++++#
= = ======------+ \ / \ / + ----------------
= A B | X x | E F
= +-------+ / \ / \ +----------========
| |#++++++++++++++++++~ ~++++++++++++++++++++ +
| C | track #1 +
to Lex
Av line
+++, tracks 1 & 4, old 2 & 3 filled by new platforms
===, partition or wall, existing and new
@, flip plate over tk 4 removed
#, bumper at end of track
A, area of existing Times Sq station, all structure removed
B, new Times Sq platform on straight track in tunnel
C, existing Times Sq mezzanine, with new entrances
D, Transit workspace in old side platform
E, new Grand Central platform spanning tk 3
F, existing Grand Central mezzanine, with new entrances
Some pieces of tk 2 & 3 may remain abandoned in tunnel.
Connection to Lex & 7 Av lines remain for off-duty train moves.
Both platforms berth 6-car trains, up from 3 and 4 now.
Both platforms have X-overs for 2-way traffic on each track.
NYS Gov Cuomo on aug 19 put up contest for new licence plate
design. Four choices have Statue of Liberty or Manhattan skyline
motif. Fifth choice has the new Tappan Zee bridge, named for Gov's
father, late Gov Mario Cuomo. After winner is selected, motorists in
2020 buy the new plate for $25, replacing their old one.
Automated cars started service on August 7 in Brooklyn Navy Yard.
The vans shuttle workers and visitors around the industrial estate.
Altho they follow a fixed route, the vans self-drive around obstacles
and hazard, like other traffic, stacks of cargo, pedestrians. A human
supervisor in each van takes control for malfunctions.
Larry Elder radio talk show, 970AM in NYC, had an astronomy
question on August 9. In his 'Can you beat Kurt' segment Elder noted
that planet Pluto was recclassified in 2006. What is its new category?
Contestant answered correctly, 'dwarf planet'.
The rainbows are spreading! Occasional reports so far in 2019 show
a few more subway stations carry rainbows. As stations are maintained,
the blood-&-bones band may be replaced. The nw one seems to have the
same iridigenic property as the ones along the 2nd Av line. Our
Seminar's station at 6 Av/14 St, Canarsie line deck became
iridiferous in summer 2019.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on August 2 got us ready for the Perseid
meteor shower and Pazmino's Cluster. We reviewed the history of
meteors, meteorites, comets in the early 1800s. Meteors and meteorites
were a mystery in 1800. In about 1803 a daytime bolide blew up over
northern France, witnessed by hundreds. Biot and team found that
meteor was tens of kilometers up. Newly found iron stones supplied by
witnesses proved identical to meteorites in musea. In 1820s Quetelet
working with statistics of shooting star reports, discovered that
every year most shooting stars were seen in August. He found
occasional high meteor activity in November. Herricks and team in
1830s observed the August meteors, showing that they fell from
Perseus. Analysis of November meteors found they descended from Leo.
In 1860s two comets were discovered, Swift-Tuttle and Tempel-Tuttle.
When their orbits were worked up the upstream direction along them
aimed directly at Perseus and Leo. The meteors from the August and
November showers came from these two comets. We learned how meteor
showers are produced by comet dust sprinkled along the comet's orbit.
When Earth passes close to the orbit, it pulls in the dust to fall
into the atmosphere. The dust burn up, causing the flash of light,
the meteor or shooting star. By 1880s more comet-shower links were
found, with several in many months. The custom is to name the shower
for the constellation they descend from. The August shower from comet
Swift-tuTtle are the Perrseids; November, Twmpel-Tuttle, Lwonids.
Normally Earth crosses a comet's orbit once due to the orbit geometry
but it crosses Halley's comet twice. The May crossing produces the
Aquarids; October, Orionids. We saw that the radiating effect is a
perspective effect. The parallel paths of meteors come from a
vanishing point, like in architecture and landscape drawing. We
studied a picture of the Amtrak railline with parallel rails,
catenary, wires converging in the distance to a vanishing point. From
a front window on a train these seem to emerge from this point in
radial paths. We noted that in 2019 the Perseids peak in owl hours of
Tuesday 13 August in NYSkies region, A large 94% lighted Moon
interferes. It sets at about 04h and dawn arrives at 05h, leaving only
one hour of dark sky viewing. We discussed the moon-skip behavior from
the shortfall of a lunar year against a solar year. We next looked at
Pazmino's Cluster, sitting a few degrees from the Perseid radiant.
Most observers begin their admiration of the Cluster while watching
the Perseids. They follow it thru the next April, when it sinks into
evening twilight. It is an easy binocular target, the one and only
bright target in all of Camelopardalis. It's a favorite photo subject.
We wrapped up at 20:45 EDST, letting us head home early. Takeaways
were charts of sky and Perseus during prime viewing hours, simulation
of Swift-Tuttle spilling off dust, 3-D drawing from 1860s of comet
orbit intersecting Earth's, early infrared picture of dust trailing a
comet, vanishing point on Amtrak mainline,, explanation of why August
has 'dog days', path of Uranus in Aquarius in high sky during
Perseids, shift of radiant in sky as Earth passes thru meteor stream.
NYC Transit in late July started putting out draft plans for
redesign of bus routes. Plans for the Bronx, Queens, Staten Island
issued as at late August. Brooklyn and Manhattan plans come later this
year. Plans completely redraw routes, not just modify or adjust
current ones. New routes take effect during 2020.
A panic erupted in Times Sq on Aug 6 ~21:30 EDST when 'gun shots'
rang out. People stampeded for cover and police converged on the
sounds. The 'shots' were from a motorcycle revving up and backfiring.
As at mid August NYPD lost 9 officers in 2019 to suicide. All were
by self-shooting at home and most occurred since June. In other years
NYPD suffers 5 or 6 suicides peer year.
I loaded two articles into our web:
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/decanate.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/holocrem.htm
One is the explanation of the decanates, a once-mysterious topic for
astronomers. This is a total rewrite of the current piece, adding new
archaeology and astronomy simulations. The other is a new piece
summarizing the 2019 Holocaust remembrance observance at the United
nations. The UN held observances for decades but apparently this year
was the first time it was open for the general public.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on August 16 explored the orientation
and direction in the sky. We reviewed the concept of celestial sphere
an artificial globe of indefinitely huge radius centered on Earth.
Stars seem fixed in place, as if embedded in this sphere. We left out
discussion of planetary motions and stayed with just the 'fixed
stars'. We compared our view of Earth from the ground with sky. We see
only a few kilometer radius around us, a minuscule part of the
spherical Earth. It looks flat. The sky above us is half of the
complete sphere with a curved inner surface. Maps of Earth for large
areas have shape and size distortion. We generally aren't aware of
this distortion because we don't have our own overview of large
fractions of the world. Only since orbital flights do we have pictures
of large parts of the Earth, with the distortion. Both Earth and sky
have coord grid. On the ground it's the alt-az grid with pole at
zenith and equator at horizon. The celestial sphere has RA-dec grid.
north pole near Polaris. There is no bright star at the south pole. As
the sky rotates by hour or season a star;s RA-dec remain constant,
neglecting precession and proper motion. Its alt-az continuously
change between rising, southing, setting. We must specify the date and
hour with a statement of alt-az. For places far from New York the
latitude must also be given. Compass directions on the sky do not line
up with the horizon grid. North in the sky is always toward
Polaris,however that direction points relative to the ground. West is
toward the diurnal movement of the sky, however that direction points
relative to the ground. The orientation of a constellation alters
during its passage across the sky compared with its portrait view,
with north at top. We played with an umbrella with constellation
sticky-notes on the inside. We saw how the constellation names tilted
between rising and setting. We studied charts of winter and summer
stars to see how their orientation changed. We went topsy-turvy with
the Big Dipper in the north. As the Dipper circles the pole, its north
points up, left, sown, right. Steve Kaye and Greg Homatas showed this
rotation around the pole causes Cassiopeia can look like a 'M', Greek
epsilon, 'W', Greek sigma. We discussed tricks in hiking. Lie face-up
under a stable overhand, like a thick tree branch. Pick out any
obvious star next to the branch. After ten minutes it moves by diurnal
rotation. The direction it moves toward is west. John Pazmino recalled
on trips to the southern latitudes some astronomers were thoroly
disoriented because the constellations were 'upside-down'. They lied
face-up on tables or ledges with head hanging down over one edge. They
then recognized the stars! We finished with dialog on field of view in
binoculars. Stars are brighter, farther apart, fainter stars are
discerned, and only a confined area of sky is taken in . We examined
several asterisms with coords to determine the FOV and appreciate the
binocular versus bare-eye view. We ended early, allowing us to freely
chat on various subjects, including dangers from electromagnetic
pulse. This comes from enemy attack and large solar eruptions. Steve
Kaye is writing a short story set in a country whose power system and
electronics were zapped by a solar outburst. With all of us having an
interest in this theme I note here an article in our web:
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/woolsey.htm
We bantered about the Perseids. Those who tried on the peak morning,
owl hours on August 13th, found a cloudy or rainy sky. I recounted my
view on the previous morning, the 12th. Thru a thin haze I saw seven
Perseids between 02h and 03h EDST. A couple members were excited about
the rebuilding of the 42nd St shuttle, with work starting late at
night after the Seminar. Myrna Coffino during the morning rushhour was
caught up in the closure of Fulton Center because some one planted
apparent bombs in the station. Service at the station was halted for
several hours until police found no explosive material. Takeaways were
diagrams of ground and sky coordinates, charts of compass directions
in sky. rotation of direction and orientation for winter and summer
stars and Big Dipper, charts of asterisms for finding binocular fFOV.
A derelict set down three rice cookers in the red line station of
Fulton Center on Aug 16. They were discovered ~07:30 EDST in AM RH,
forcing shut down of entire transit complex. Stations opened by 10:00
when items were deemed harmless. Police a couple days later caught
suspect larry Griffin, who claimed no ill-intent. He just discard
unwanted junk. A couple NYSkiers reported being trapped in the
incident.
A Cessna plane crashed into a house in Poughkeepsie NY on 17 Aug
16:13 EDST. The pilot and one house resident were killed. The two
other plane riders and one other resident were injured. The plane was
on way from Lagrageville NY to Farmingdale LI when pilot called in
about engine trouble just before the crash.
Sky news
------
The NYSkies offer for the 2020 RASC Observer's Handbook opens on
Sep 16! Cost per copy is still $23, with pack & post. The web page is
not yet updated but I know you want the 2020 , not 2019, book. I'm
remain amazed that the need for the printed book is still strong --
and gently growing! -- in the face of online and computer astro-info.
Details and coupon at
www.nyskies.org/oh.htm
August continued the rain-clear pattern of July with more really
clear calm mild nights and cool breezy sunny days. Solid stargazing
was done between the rain and clouds, sometimes within the same night.
some observers hunted down Uranus and Neptune and some fainter DSOs.
No Milky Way sightings, but several nights had good sprinkling of dim
stars thruout the MW belt and within constellation catch-figures.
On August 7 14:47 EDST a weak, FE0, tornado hit Springfield NJ. It
ripped up trees and tore off minor structural fixtures but caused no
injuries. Twister was part of major wave of thunderstorms sweeping
NYSkies in afternoon and evening.
Venus entered our evening sky in mid August for her grand 2019-
2020 apparition. This caps the current 8-year cycle of apparitions
since that of 2011-2012. Look for her near horizon, upper-left of
sunset point. She slowly in fall recedes from Sun into higher darker
sky.
'Tribute of light' shines on Sep 11 dusk thru the 12th dawn. The
twin blue beams reach astounding heights, tens of kilometers! Try
measuring the height with instructions at:
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/trib-lt.htm
The autumn season for potential sighting of the Milky Way runs
from sep 1 thru Nov 30. On the occasional ultra-dark nights within NYC
the brighter segments of the MW are glimpsed. No assurance of success
but usually we get one confirmed sighting per year. Attempt demands
full fluency with sky, shielding from local lights, good dark vision.
More at:
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/milky-ny.htm
John Pazmino watched the Perseids on aug 1h to grab a promising
clear cool night and have more Moon-free time. He wanted to observe
from 02h to 04h EDST. HE got sleepy at about 03h and had to quit. The
sky was clear with a thin haze. Transparency was 3 to 3-1/2 magnitude
in vicinity of Perseus. John's view from an open window was
constrained by houses and trees but the zone north of Perseus was in
the open sky. In the one hour of viewing he saw 7 Perseids and no
erratic meteors. All were of 0th to 2nd magnitude. John may have seen
dimmer meteors, not for sure. All were classical 'tears of St
Lawrence'. His field was restricted to about one quadrant north of the
radiant. If the count prevailed for the obstructed quadrants, there
may have been 28 Perseids. Even tho these would be the bright ones,
this would be a decent shower a day before the peak.
Ultra clear night on August 25 until midnight or so over City.
Transp was 4-1/2 to 5 with temps of ~15C and cool breezes. Sky filled
with dim stars all over; catch figures standed out clearly; asterisms
easily recognized. No Milky Way reports but observers noted definite
peppering of stars along MW path. In owl hours haze and scattered
clouds rolled in