NYSkies
Astronomy Inc |
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NYC EVENTS FOR APRIL 2021
------------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy In+c
nyskies@nyskies.org
The following astronomy activities in the commuting ring enclosing
New York City are operated by various organizations. A few cultural
tems of special importance to City astronomers are also included.
Altho NYC Events confirms the listed items, they are subject to
change by their sponsors. Check with their contacts. Let the sponsor
know that you learned of its event thru NYC Events.
Frequently asked questions and explanation of NYC Events is at
'www.nyskies.org/nyc-faq.htm'.
You may ask for previous NYC Events thru 'nyskies@nyskies.org'
because only the current issue is in the website. It is replaced by
next month's issue.
For events which missed NYC Events, check the NYSkies email group.
This is the relocated 'nysky' yahoogroup, which Yahoo teminated on
2020 December 15. The new 'nydkird'group started on 2020 November 10.
By late December the active astronomers from the old group are
dialoging in the new one.
Join the nyskies group by sending an empty, balnk, email to
'nyskies+subscribe@groups.io'. Any text in the email, including the
subject, is ignored.
The email address you used to subscribe from is the one you then
after converse with the group. Messages come to you when posted in the
group. Send messages to the group by emai to 'nyskies@groups.io'.
Locksown
------
on 1 March 2021 Texas junked most of its lockdown limits! Several
other states also threw away their restrictions, including Connecticut
in NYSkies. Its assorted lockdown mandates were relaxed to routine
health reccommendations. Occupancy and hours of most premises were
drasticly expanded. Premises nay set their own capacity and flowthru
operations as under regular safety rules ibefore the lockdwon era.
Even New York loosened constraints on indoor activity. The easing
is, to be fair, languid. On the whole the state is still running a
tight lockdown. For instance, our in-person on-site Seminars and
starviewings are still on hold.
Altho Connecticut threw open its doors on march 19, astronomy
activities may not crank up in time for April resumption. Hosts and
venues may at first concentrate on getting their own operations in
gear before welcoming back community events. It also may take a while
for the event to assemble its program and crew after so long a
perdormition. As at late March no member of NYC Events positively
scheduled open public events in Connecticut.
When I lean of renewed astronomy operations, I'll note them in our
email group or in the next NYC Events.
The original reason for the lockdowns, coronavirus, is fully
exhausted. The people know far more about the virus by now and just no
longer treat it as a death or disabling sentence. The use prevetives
like tonic water, throat gargling, asthma spray, hand washing,
bleach/alcohol wipes. Most in congested streets and indoors do wear
masks and keep a meter or so apart.
President Biden no longer stresses the virus in his actions,
focusing mostly on providing virus vaccine to the people. He no longer
requires his officials to wear masks during travel. His meetings are
held in care-free settings.
Biden's 'come on in' program at the Mexican border doesn't factor
in virus risk. Newcomers are bunked in close quarters with no bulk
testing, preventive treatment, special ventilation, quarantine,
sanitary practices. States receiving the newcomers -- even those with
strict lockdowns! -- haven't put up serious effective concerns about
the influx of potential new virus infections.
Vaccination is proceding steadily thruout the country. As at March
19 fully 100 million inoculations were given. Since then the pace
ramped up to some 2 million per day. Most states by late March allow
any adult to take the shot. At this pace, fully half of american could
be vaccinated by <Memorial Day. This percent, together with that
already developing d resistance to the virus, herd immunity can be
reached by Independence Day. Then after there is no more excuse to
continue lockdowns any where in the country
General notes
------------
'whole City' means the event has no specific or dedicated place.
It may be enjoyed from the whole NYSkies territory or at a number of
individual places. Celestial events are typicly 'whole City' events.
'all day' means the event is continuous or repeating during the
open hours of the host facility. Facilities may have limited hours per
day or days per week. Check with the event contacts.
'adv regn reqd', for 'advance registration required/requested'
means that the event requires or requests signing up before the event.
You must have your ticket in hand at the gate. There could be a
deadline some days before the event, after which no more signups are
accepted. Check with the event contact for specifics.
Prices cited are the 'rack rate'. You could qualify for discounts
as may be offered by the sponsor. Besides the base price there may be
noptional extra fees to consider.
Current Month calendar
--------------------
Plain dates are in current month;
-, previous month; +, next month.
#, NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
Moon phase: .NM., .FQ), (FM), (LQ.
Sunset is noted for each Saturday
---------------------------------
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat sunset
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ----------
-(28) -29 -30 -31 1 2# 3 19:23
(4.. 5 6 7 8 9 10 19:31
.11. 12 13 14 15 16# 17 19:38
18 19 .20) 21 22 23 24 19:45
25 (26) 27 28 29 30 +1 19:53
---------------------------------------------
Index of Events
-------------
* = NASA-JPL Night Sky Network affiliate
date = entry in 'list of events' section
0' = entry in 'ongoing and continuing events' section
'AUT'= entry in 'skipped, autumn resumption' section
'SPR' = entry in 'skipped, spring resumption' secrion
'???' = entry in 'skipped, uncertain resumption' section,
'!!!' = entry in 'skipped, encumbered due to lockdowns
------- -----------------------------------------------
BROOKLYN - BK
Secret Science Club - - - !!!
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - !!!
*Astro Soc of New Haven - !!!
Litchfield Hills AAC mtg !!!
*McCarthy Observatory - - !!!
Westport Astro Soc mtg - !!!
Westport Astro Soc starvg !!!
-------------------------
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - 203-377-9933,
www.facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society
LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amateur Observers Soc - - !!!
*Amat Obsrs Soc starviewing!!!
Astro Soc of Long Island !!!
Brookhaven National Lab - !!!
Custer Institute - - - - !!!
Hmaptons Observatory - - !!!
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - !!!
*Susan Rose Observatory - !!!
2 MANHATTAN - MH
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - !!!
*Amat Astro Assn lecture - !!!
Amer Instt Archarology - !!!
Ctr for Science & Society !!!
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - !!!
Earth Institute - - - - - !!!
Globe at Night - - - - - 3-12
Gvvernors Island - - - - SPR
Hayden Plm 'Frontiers' - !!!
Hayden Plm 'Live!' - - - !!!
Instt Stud Ancnt World - !!!
*Inwood Astronomy Project !!!
Jupiter Joe's Astronomy - !!!
mandatory face masks - - 0
Natl Musm of Mathematics !!!
'Nature of Color' exhibit !!!
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - - !!!
New York Map Society - - !!!
NYU Astrop & Relatvty - - !!!
nova Cassiopeiae 2021 - 1-indef
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar !!!
omega Centauri challenge 1-May 31
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - !!!
*Top of the Laawn - - - - !!!
Urban Park Rangers - - - !!!
-------------------------------
Ctr for Space Sci Edu - - info@nyccsse. org, www.nyccsse.org,
212-608-6164 n
METRO-NORTH - NY
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - !!!
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - !!!
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - !!!
Westchester Amat Astro - !!!
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - !!!
*Amat Astro Inc meeting - !!!
*Amat Astro Inc lecture - !!!
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - !!!
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - SPR
New Jersey Astro Assn - - !!!
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - !!!
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm !!!
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr !!!
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - !!!
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - !!!
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - !!!
-----------------------------
Dark Sky Observers - www.users.nac.net/gburke/club
Montclair Telescope Club - 973-948-5284,,
users.erols.com/njastro/orgs/mtc.htm
NW Jersey Amat Astro - www.nwjaa.org, info@nwjaa.org
Passaic Co Astro Assn - www.users.nac.net/gburke/PCAA, 973-523-0024
*Raritan Vy Co Coll Plm - www2.raritanval.edu/planetarium
Skyland Stargazers - skylandstargazers.tripod.com
QUEENS - QN
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
Staten Is Community TV - !!!
THE BRONX - BX
=============================
Ongoing and continuing events
--------------------------
all day - North Brgen Viaduct - NJ - road closings and rebuild
Thru end 2020. One lane in each direction is closed during
major rebuild of viaduct on NJ495 between NJ Tpk and Lincoln
Tnl. Buses have priority on remaining lanes. On-off ramps for
local street close from time to time. www.restorenj495.com /
all day - whole City - MH - mandatory face masks
Indefinite duration. US CDC face mask order from Mon 1 Feb
2021 at 23:59 EST. It requires all riders and crew in public
transport systems to wear face masks. Order covers usual
transport modes and also taxis, ride-share, ride-hire
services. It applies to support facilities ike depots,
terminals, stations, ports. Mask may be momentarily removed
for eating & drinking, as transport system may allow.
Violators subject to federal penalties and removal from system
at next upcoming safe opportunity. CDC order overlays existing
local rules for face masks on public transport.
List of Events
------------
################################################################# #
Events with dates are on-site events, all running pm lockdown #
# restrictions for attendees. Have in hand your facial mask and #
# follow all procedures at the event. Inquire at each event's #
# contact for specific instructions. Mind well that local lock- #
# down authorities may intervene on site against violators. #
#################################################################
Thu 1 Apr
all day - whole Ciry - MH - nova Cassiopeiae 2021
Adapted from AAVSO Alert Notice 75. Nova Cassiopeiae 2021
discovered by Yuji Nakamura, Japan, on 2021 Mar 18 at 9.6
magn. Steaily brightening into late Mar. RA 23h 24m
47.73s, Decl +61d 11m 14.8s (2000), from alp Cas to bet Cas
then one length beyond. Magn ~8.2 on 28 Mar, requies small
scope, large binoculars, good finder chart. Cas in ow NW in
Apr eve, low NE in predawn. www.aavso.org
00:00 - whole City - MH - omega Centauri challenge
Thru 31 May. When cluster ome Cen, NGC5128, is on meridian
it's about 1 deg alt, yet is observable from within NYC.
Requires good observing skills, dark sky, clear horizon.
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/51285139.htm.
Sat 3 Apr
21:30 - whole CIty - MH - Globe at Night exercise
Thru Apr 12. NYSkies runs its own Globe at Night exercise in
2020-2021 while Orion is in sky at nighfall. Same method and
procedure as for prior years for documenting sky transparency
over City. Details at www.nyskies.org/gannyc.htm.
Events Skipptl This Month
-----------------------
EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[SPR] SPRING RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------------------------
[!!!] ENCOMBERED DUE TO LOCKDOWNS; UNCERTAIN RESUMPTION
--------------------------------------------------------
all day - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - 'Nature of color' exhibit
Thru 2021 August. 4th floor. Explore light, wavelength,
vision, pigments, radiation, sprctra. $28 adm & exh.
212-769-5100, www.ammh.org/exhibitions/color
all day - whole City - MH - 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 - cultural tour
VARIOUS LOCATIONS AND TIMES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
NYC-H2O. Walk, bike, ride thru history and culture of NYC
muwater system facilities and natural waterways in and near
the City. Events are pay orfree, adn regn reqd. Bike tours
need own bike. www.nych2o.org,
matt@nych2o.org
all day - whole island - LI - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Amat Obsrs Soc. Sessions convene in parks usually at dusk.
Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. Cancelled for clouds.
www.aosny.org, suerose@optonline.net
all day - whole City - MH - clearsky starviewing
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy. Sessions convene in parks
usually at dusk. Occasional daytime sunviewing. Free. `
Cancelled for clouds. www.jupiterjoesastronomy.org,
jupiyerjoesastronomy@gmail.com
all day - whole City - MH - cultural tours & lectures
VARIOUS PLACES, DATES, HOURS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Urban Park Rangers. Tours of parks, landmarks, nabes, hoods.
Lectures on history and culture of NYC. Program varies each
month. Free. www.nyc.gov/parks
= = = = =
= = = = =
10:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Colloquium series. Rutgers Univ, Busch Campus, Astro & Phys
Lecture Hall. Free. www.physics.rutgers.edu/colloquium,
732-445-3974+
= = = = =
13;15 - Unionsale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting
Hofstra Univ, Berliner Hall. free. www.aosny.org,
suerose@optonline.net
= = = = =
13:30 - Piscataway - NJ - astronomy lecture
Seminar series. Rutgers Univ, Serin W330. Free. 732-445-3974,
www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/seminar
= = = = =
14:00 - New York University - MH - astronomy lecture
726 Broadway, Rm 940. Various topics in astrophys and
relativity. Free. Have GI photo ID for campus security.
physics.nyu.edu/events.htm
14:00 - Avenues HQ - MH - New York Map Society lecture
11 E 26 St, 17th floor. Various topics about map making,
cartography, geography. Free, adv regn reqd. Have GI photo ID
for caampus security. www.newyorkmapsociety.org,
mapsocietyny@gmail.com
= = = = =
15:30 - Upton - LI - Summer Sundays science show
Brookhaven Natl Lab. Small seminar room. 'What is the Higgs
boson hiding?'. Free, have GI photo ID for campussecurity.
631- 344-2651, www.bnl.gov/evnts
= = = = =
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
= = = = =
17:30 - Intrepid Museum - MH - Free Friday show
Pier 86 and ship. Exhibits, demos, talks. Clearsky movies
and starviewing. Free. www.intrepidmuseum.org
= = = = =
18:00 - Earth Institute - MH - science lecture
Columbnia Univ, Lerner Hall, Arledge Audm.. 'Sea level rise:
Causes, impacts and options for solutions'. Free, adv regn
reqd. ei.columbia.edu
18:00 - Columbia University- MH - Ctr for Sci and Soc lecture
Fauerweather Hsll, Rm 513. 'The triumph of scientific
imagination, 1760-1900'. Free,
adv regn reqd. 212-854-7211, scienceandsociety.columbia.edu
18:00 - Palisades - NY - science lecture
Lamont-Doherty Earth Obsy, Monell audm. 'Climate, carbon ```
` dioxide, and sea level: Past is prologue'. Free,
845-365-8634, www.ldeo.columbia.edu, 845-365-8988
18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural lecruee
15 E 84 St, 5/Madison Av. Various topics on history and
culture of ancient societies. Free, adv regn reqd.
isaw..nyu.edu, isaw@nyu.edu, 212-992-7800
18:00 - Amagansett - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. Amagansett Library. Indoor talk, clearsky
sunviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
= = = = =
18:15 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - Amat Astro Assn lecture
Kaufmann Theater. Free, no musm adm fee. 718-522-5014,
president@aaa.org, www.aaa.org
= = = = =
18:30 - CUNY Graduate Center - MH -'GC presents' lecture
365 5 Av & 34 St. 'Climate change:The effects on coastal
environments''. Free, adv regn reqd. 212-817-7000,
www.gc.cuny.edu/publicprograms +++ = = = = =
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
19:00 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - 'Astronomy live!' lecture
Live narrated planetarium show. Enter at 81 St/Cntl Pk W.
$15, adv regn reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
18:30 - Hunter College - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
Hemmerdinger Screening Room. Various topics on archaeology and
anthropology. Free, adv regn reqd. GI photo ID required for
campus security. www.aia-nysociety.org,
info@aia-nysociety.org
= = = = =
19:00 - Hayden Planetarium - MH - 'Frontiers' lecture
Kayfnamm Thtr. Enter at 81 St/Cntl Pk W. $15, adv regn reqd.
212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
19:00 - 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 - Amer Musm Natl Hist - MH - SciCafe' show
Hall of Ocean Life or Hall of planet Earth. Music, drinks,
chat with Museum scientists. Free, be 21 or be gone. GI photo
ID reqd. 212-769-5100, www.amnh.org/programs
= = = = =
19:15 - Lk Taghkanic St Pk - NY - clearsky starviewing
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn. West Beach parking lot. Free,
cancelled for clouds. Adv regn reqd with vehicle make,
model, plate number for park security. `
www.nidhudsonastronomy.org
= = = = =
19:30 - 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
19:30 - Morristown - NJ - Morris Museum Astro Soc meeting
Morris Museum. Free. 973-386-1848, 973-386-1848,,
www.morrismuseum.org/astro-society, info@morrismusem.org,
ckkrish@gmail.com, www.mmastrosociety.org
19:30 - 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 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills Amat Astro Club mtg
Central Congregational Church. Free. lhastro.org,
lhastro@gmail.com
19:30 - New Brittain - CT - Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford meeting
Central CT St Univ, Copernicus Plm. Free. www.asgh.org,
860-872-9069, pparkerrs@cs.com
19:30 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Lienhard Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org Sat 8 Feb
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting
Union Co Coll, Sperry Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
= = = = =
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing
OCCASIONAL EXTRA SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Inwood Astronomy Project. Meet at park entrance, Seaman Av
& Isham St. Free. Cancelled for clouds. 917-529-2359
www.inwoodastronomy.org, asonskendall@gmail.com
20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
20:00 - York College - QN - astronomy lecture .
Core Academic Bdg, Rm AC-2E01. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free, adv regn reqd. 718-262-2082,
www.york.cuny.edu/centers-institutes/observatory,
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
info@princetonastronomy.org
20:00 - Princeton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Princeton Univ, Peyton Hall. Free. Cancelled for clouds
www.astro.princeton.edu/observatory/publicobserving.php,
jeg@astro.princeton.edu, lee@astro.princeton.edu
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free.
njastro.org, 973-655-7266 jjj
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
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 - 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 - 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
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 - 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 - Bell House - BK - Secret Science Club meeting
OCCASIONAL SESSIONS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
149 7 St, 2/3 Av. Lecture and music on various science
topics. Free. secretscienceclub.blogspot.com, 718-638-4400,
20:00 - New Milford - CT - astronomy lecture
McCarthy Obsy, New Miford HS. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.mccarthyobservatory.org, 860-354-1595,
mccarthyobservatory@gmail.com
= = = = =
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting
NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8500
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
= = = = =
general news
----------
During March significant loosening of the genral lockdowns took
place in NYSkies. We may see in the months ahead a restoration of
astronomy services approaching pre-lockdown levels.
Mind well that hosts and venues may have to take care of their own
operations first before welcoming back community guests,, like
astronomy clubs. Astronomy centers have to rebuild their crews and
programs after so long a latent period, already over a year.
As at issue time no astronomy events are scheduled to run normally
in April. They remain for now in their lockdown mode.
Northeast Astronomy forum and Earth Day, both crash-cancelled in
2020 when the lockdowns began, are again call off as free-air events.
They are running remote webcasts. Their hosts, SUNY Rockland for NEAR
and Union Sq for ED, aren't ready yet for community events.
Astronomy activities starting in spring, mainly starviewings, did
not put up schedules yet for April. Please inquire at their sponsors
for latest news.
A further reason to leave all NYC Events entries in place is the
late March disruption of Internet service in Nw Jersey and
Connecticut (within NYSkies). Trouble, coupled with phone and TV,
seems to center on Cablevision, wither directly or by relaying signal
from other providers. Some outages were sporadic and temporary, but I
fond it unreliable to check on events in these states.
City news
-------
The in-person NYSkies Astronomy Seminars on March 5 and 19 were
cancelled due to lockdown. The new digital Seminar, with three
sessions as at end March, were widely welcomed. With the sessions in
our web, they are attracting remote audiences. I got requests to let
clubs use the sessions for a feature of their meetings, like playing a
movie, followed by discussion about them among the members. The
sessions are publicly to hand in our web and may be used for astronomy
erudition. They are at
www.nyskies.org/av-files/av-files.htm
Only the current and previous two sessions are online. Older ones are
put into offline archive. Please download them before they migrate
away for future enjoyment.
some movement started in March to relax the lockdown situation in
NYSkies. Theaters in NYC reopened for limited occupancy and indoor
dining was bumped up to 50% capacity. Connecticut let down most
lockdown rules, leaving many as recommendations. Premises may set
their own limits for occupancy, spacing, flowthru.New Jersey allowed
certain businesses to resume with limited capacity.
Pi Day on March 14 seems to be passed over in 2021. Normally a
light ceremony convenes around snacks and cake/pie/pizza (cut into 2-
pi slices). I didn't hear of any remote or virtual workarounds for
this year. Next Pi Day is July 22.
The St Patrick's Day parade was cancelled for march 17, a second
+call-off after the precipitous one in 2020right after the lockdown
started. A skeleton precession of Irish bagpipers did a march from the
lexington Av armory to St Patrick's Cathedral to keep the parade
continuity like a similar show did in 2020. Parade began in the
1750s[!] in what is now Lower Manhattan. On March 19 US Prez Biden
announced the US reached its 100 millionth vaccination and the current
pace is some 2 million per day.
March 14 was the anniversary of the first death from coronavirus
in New York City. Several local officials held memorial shows.
Johnson & Johson's virus vaccine eas approved in March.
Distribution began immediately, along side the Pfizer and Moderna
vaccines. Health officials note that it doesn't matter which serum you
get, with all being highly effective against the virus. J&J vaccine
may be more widely available because it is stored under slight cooling
and needs only one shot. These factors allow more facilities to offer
it. Pfizer and Moderna need two shots and deep refrigeration. Still no
walkin service. Prior appointment, usually thru webs,is required.
Larry Elder radio show on March 12 had astronomy question. In its
'Can you beat Kurt' segment he asked for average Earth-Moon distance
in miles without going over. (A 'mile' is ~1,600m.) One contestant
gave '238,000 miles' recalled from science class. Other to be smart
gave 238,999 miles. he was over and lost. Average distance is about
238,800 miles (384,500km).
Sky news
------
March 2021 was a good observing month with many clear dark nights.
The main inhibitent against starviewing was windy conditions. Several
times in march wind warnings and bridge speed restrictions wee ordered
as wind reached 80-90 KPH. Damage was inflicted on loose outdoor
furniture, flimsy structures, trees and power lines all over NYSkies.
Globe at Night wraps up with its April 3-12 run in NYSkies. Ten
after orion is way to far into evening twilight for good readings. he
March run scored many clear nights with transp of 4th magn in the
City; 5th beyond. Details ar
www.nyskies.org/gannyc.hrm
Some observes tried for First Crescent on mArch 14. No luck
reported as at issue time but all had a fun time of it. The NYSkies
digital session for March 5th probably was a boost toward the effort.
Jupiter and Saturn are now in the dawn sky, several degrees apart.
Jupiter is running ahead, east, of Saturn toward mutual opposition in
2030.
On Mar 18 nova Cassiopeiae was found by Yuji Nakamura of Japan. It
could rise into binocular range in early Apr. Deep Cut finder chart,
with stars to 10th magn or fetch one from nova obsrving webs. Cas
skirts horizon in spring in NYSkies, hiddn in landscape around
midnight. Get view at nightfall in low NW or in presawn in low NE. See
April 1.
Venus is technicly an evening star, but is drenched in strong
twilight. she gradually eases east from the Sun and climbs into darker
twilight in late May.
Mars is in Taurus, heading toward Gemini. a modest pink star,
he'll eventually slide into evening twilight in the fall.
March 26 gave the City its first summer weather of 2021! in midday
temps peaked at high 20Cs, causing most people outdoors to shed their
winter coats. Some walked about in shirt sleeves. Late afternoon brang
the winds, up to 80KPH. Loose furniture and weak
structures were blown around.
April and May are the months for the omega Centauri challenge,
topic of our april 2 digital Seminar. full instructions are at
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/51285139.htm
Challenge requires good observing skill,clear southern horizon, clear
day horizon sky.
On March 26 assured that asteroid Apophis will not collide with
Earth in 2036 or 2068. It swings by Earth in 2029 and 2036, with
comfortable misses. Until now Apophis orbit was loose enough to allow
a small chance of 2068 collision.
Earth Hour on March 27 was totally clouded out, hiding the Full
Moon. I inspected the sky just before, in middle of, and just after
Earth Hour for any changes in hotspots or other luminous graffiti
effects. There were no hotspots due to the ongoing lockdown and the
Full Moon was obscured. Except for the sky getting darker as evening
progressed there were no changes from alteration of luminous graffiti.