NYC EVENTS FOR JULY 2019
-----------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy Inc
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 Daylight 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
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ------
-30 1 .2. 3 4 5 6 20:30
7 8 .9) 10 11 12# 13 20:27
14 15 (16) 17 18 19# 20 20:23
21 22 23 (24. 25 26 27 20:17
28 29 30 .31. +1 +2# +3 20:10
-----------------------------------------------

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 - - - - ???
Canarsie line curtailment 0
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - AUT
Secret Science Club - - - 0

CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - AUT
Astro Soc of Greenwich - AUT
*Astro Soc of New Haven - AUT
Bowman Observatory - - - 3, 17
*Litchfield Hills AAC mtg AUT
*Litchfield Hills starvg - 26
*McCarthy Observatory - - 13
New Pond Farm - - - - - - AUT
Stamford Observatory - - 5, 12, 19, 26
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 16
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - AUT
Western CT St Univ Obsy - AUT
*Westport Astro Soc mtg - 16
*Westport Astro Soc starvg 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
-------------------------
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - 203-377-9933,
www.facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society

LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amateur Observers Soc - - AUT
*Amat Obsrs Soc starviewing 0
Amer Instt Aero & Astro - 17
Astro Soc of Long Island - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Brookhaven National Lab - 1, 2
Custer Institute - - - - 6, 13, 20, 27
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - AUT
Montauk Observatory - - - 20, 25
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - AUT
*Susan Rose Observatory - 6, 13, 20, 27

MANHATTAN - MH
14th St traffic flow - - 1
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - 0
*Amat Astro Assn lecture - AUT
Amer Instt Archarology - AUT
Apolllo-50th webcasts - - 11
Canarsie line curtailment 0
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Sci - AUT
Ctr for Science & Society AUT
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - 5,6,7,12,13,14,19,20,21,26,27,28
City of Science - - - - - AUT
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - AUT
Cornelia Street Cafe' - AUT
Earth Institute - - - - - AUT
Good Housekeeping lab - 12
Gullivarr's Gate- - - - - 0
Hyden Planetarium - - - - AUT
Independnce Day - - - - - 4
Instt Stud Ancnt World - AUT
Intrepid Museum - - - - - 19
*Inwood Astronomy Project 6, 13, 20, 27
Manhattanhengee - - - - - 9-11
measles epidemic - - - - 0
Natl Musm of Mathematics 3
NY Academy of Sciences - AUT
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - - 0
NY History of Science - - AUT
New York Map Society - - AUT
NYU Astrop & Relatvty - - AUT
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 12, 19 (no mtg on 5 Jul) 7, 21
Pi Day - - - - - - - - - 22
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - 3
Simons Foundation - - - - AUT
*Top of the laen - - - - - 5,6,7,12,13,14,19,20,21,26,27,28
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
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - 5
Ramapo Challenger Ctr - - 21
Rockland Astro Club - - - 6
Vassar College Obsy - - - AUT
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - 27
Westchester Amat Astro - AUT

NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - AUT
*Amat Astro Inc meeting - 5, 12, 19, 26
*Amat Astro Inc lecture - AUT
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - 12
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - 11
New Jersey Astro Assn - - AUT
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - 10
No Jersey Astro Gp starvg AUT
Peyton Observarory - - - 3
Plasma Physics Lab - - - 5, 19
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm AUT
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr AUT
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - AUT
Schommer Observatory - - 11, 18
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - 5
*Sheep Hill Observatory - 19
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - 6, 13, 20, 27
Washington Xing St Pk - - 5, 12, 19, 26
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
Alley Pond Park - - - - - AUT
York College Observatory AUT

REST OF WORLD

STATEN ISLAND - SI
Coll of Staten Is Obsy - AUT
Great Kills Park - - - - 20
Staten Is Community TV - 5, 12, 19, 26

THE BRONX - BX

=============================

Ongoing and continuing events
--------------------------
all day - H&M WTC line - MH - 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 - 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
------------
Mon 1 Jul
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
06:00 - 14th Street - MH - 14th St traffic flow begins
Revised traffic flow in 14 St, 3rd to 9th Av, begins.
Raod has 4 lanes. Middle 2 are thru traffic of buses and
commercial vehivles. Outer 2, curb, lanes for brief stops of
vehicles, like picking up rider or entering garage. These
vehicles enter 14 St at first right turn ahead of stop, then
leave 14 St at next right turn. No left turns except as
allowed by signs. Flow in force 06h-22h daily, then all lanes
open for all vehicles. After 60-day grace, violators get
moving popoints on driver licence. www.nyc.gov/html/dot/
15:00 - Upton - LI - science lecture
Brookhaven Natl Lab, Bldg 510. 'Searches of dark matter
signals with the ATLAS detector at the LHC'. Free, have GI
photo ID for campus security. 631-344-2651, www.bnl.gov/evnts

Tue 2 Jul
12:30 - Upton - LI - science lecture
Brookhaven Natl Lab, Bldg 510. 'Astronomical CCDsC'. Free,
have GI photo ID for campus security. 631-344-2651,
www.bnl.gov/evnts

Wed 3 Jul
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
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
21:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing
Astro Soc of Greenwich. Curtis Elem Schl, Bowman Obsy. Free.
Cancelled for clouds. rickbria@optonline.net, 203-415-6762. ,
astrogreenwich.org

Thu 4 Jul
all day - whole City - MH - Independence Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule

fri 5 Jul
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
MEETS ON THE 12TH, NOR THE 5TH
nyskies@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org
19:30 - Boonton - NJ - Sheep Hill Astro Assn meeting
Boonton Senior Ctr. Free. www.sheephillastro.org,
contacts@sheephillastro.org, wwestura@optonline.net
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show
100 Cable Way, Mariners Hr SI. 'Geology forum' Live audience,
seating at 19:30, on air at 20:00. Free. www.sictv.org,
718-727-1414
19:30 - 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 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture
Stamford Obsy. $5. Indoor lecture, clearsky starviewing.
203-322-6537, www.stamfordmuseum.org
info@stamfordmuseum.org
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
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
21:00 - 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

Sat 6 Jul
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 - Bear Mountain - NY - clearsky starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Anthony Wayne Rec Pk, picnic field. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.rocklandastronomy.com
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 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
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 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5

sun 7 Jul
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5

Tue 9 Jul
20:00 - gridiron - MH - Manhattanhenge
Thru 11 Jul. Sun sets in line with E-W streets within
Manhattan gridiron. Requires clear view along street to
horizon in NJ. www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/stone-ny.htm

Wed 10 Jul
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 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jul 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 3

Thu 11 Jul
14:00 - whole City - MH - Apollo-50 webcasts
Thru July 2019. Goddard Instt Space Stidies. NASA celebrates
50th annivetsary of Apollo lunar exploration project with
series of live webcasts on history, futire, culture of the
project. View with any Internet device capable of streaming
videos. Webcasts at go.nasa.gov/DEEP
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
20:30 - 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 12 Jul
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
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
PRESENTATION: FIRST AND LAST MAN ON MOON, PLUS MANHATTANHENGE
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 - 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 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Jul 5
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Jul 5
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Jul 5
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5

Sat 13 Jul
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 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Jul 6
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Jul 6
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 6

Sun 14 Jul
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5

Tue 16 Jul
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925

Wed 17 Jul
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 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jul 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 3
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewng - see Jul 11
21:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 3

Fri 19 Jul
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour - see Jul 5
17:30 - Intrepid Museum - MH - Apollo-11 show
Pier 86 and ship. Exhinits, demos,NASA talks. clearsky movies
ans starviewing Free.www.intrepidmuseum.org
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
PRESENTATION: HOW WE WENT TO THE MOON A HUNDRED YEARS AGO
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 - see Jul 5
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Jul 5
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Jul 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn Obsy, Free. Cancelled for
clouds. sheephillastro.otg, contacts@sheephillastro.org,
wwestura@optonline.net

Sat 20 Jul
13:00 - southampton - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. SUNYStony Brook, Southampton. Indoor talk,
clearsky starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.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 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 6
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Jul 6
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Jul 6

Sun 21 Jul
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 Jul 5

Mon 22 Jul
all day - whole City - MH - Pi Day
Mar 14 & Jul 22. Reflect and contemplate about the number 'pi'.
Dates are roug value of 'pi', 3.14 and 22/7. Ask at local
astronomy center for possible festivities and celebrations.

Wed 24 Jul
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jul 3
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 3

Tu 25 Jul
19:00 - East Hampton - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. East Hampton Library. Indoor talk,
clearsky starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com

Fri 26 Jul
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Jul 5
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Jul 5
20:00 - Litchfield - CT - Litchfield Hills A A C lecture
White Meml Consrvn Ctr. Free. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. lhaacsec@gmail.com, lhastro.org
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Jul 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20;00 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5

Sat 27 Jul
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
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Jul 6
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 6
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5
20:00 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg - see Jul 6

Sun 28 Jul
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 3
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jul 5

Wed 31 Jul
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jul 3

Events Skipped This Month
-----------------------
EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[AUT] AUTUMN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
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 +
13:15 - Uniondale - 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 401. 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 - NYPL 42nd St branch - MH - New York Map Society lecture
Various topics about map making, cartography, geography.
Free, adv regn reqd. www.newyorkmapsociety.org,
mapsociety@ny@gmail.com
15:30 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Greenwich Public Library. Free with musm adm.
rickbria@optonline.net, 203-415-6762, astrogreenwich.org
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,
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
16:15 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St. 'Physics in real and counterfactual
universes''s moon titan '. Buffet smacks 16:15, lecture 17:00.
Free, adv regn reqd. 646-654-0066,
ww.simonsfoundation.org
18:00 - Cornelia St Cafe' - MH - Entertaining Science show
29 Cornelia St & W 4 St, Play & music on various
science themes. $10 + one drink min.
www.corneliastreetcafe.com, 212-989-9319
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
18:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural lecture
15 E 84 St, 5/Madison Av. Various topics on history and
culture of ancient civilizations.. Free, adv regn reqd.
isaw..nyu.edu isaw@nyu.edu, 212-992-7842
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
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
18:30 - Columbia Univ - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
Schermerhorn Hallt. Various topics on archaeology and
anthropology. Free, adv regn reqd. www.aia-nysociety.org,
info@aia-bysociety.org
18:00 - New York University- MH - NY Hist of Sci lecture
Galatin Hall, 1 Washington Pl, Rm 801 'Pathologies of
blackness'. Free, adv regn reqd. 212-854-7211,
scienceandsociety.columbia.edu
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 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Lienhard Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@westchesterastronomers.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
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 - Alley Pond Park - QN - astronomy lecture
Alley Pond Enviro Ctr. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. $14 at door.. www.alleypond.org,
info@alleypond.org, 718-229-4000
19:30 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills Amat Astro Club mtg
Central Congregational Church. Free.
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 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.org
20:00 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing
MEETS ONLY DURING CLASSES; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Wesleyan U, Van Vleck Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds.
860-685-3664, www.wesleyan.edu/astro/events
20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
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 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.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 - 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,
20:00 - West Reading - CT - clearsky starviewing
New Pond Farm, obseratory. $10, adv regn reqd. cancelled for
clouds. www.newpondfarm.org, 203-938-2117
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing
No Jersey Astro Gp. Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall.
Free, cancelled for clouds. njastro.org, 973-655-7266
20:30 - 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 - 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,
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

--------------------------------------
[???] UNCERTAIN RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY
--------------------------------------
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

General News
----------
NYSkies shifted its first July Seminar from the normal first
Friday to the second. This sips over the long 4th of July weekend. We
meet on the 12th, then, by our regular schedule, the 19th. Both
sessions celebrate the Apollo-11 th anniversary with films and slides
for the 1960ss-1970s and, uh, 1890s-1900s.
July 2019 is the 50th anniversary of the Apollo-11 landing on the
Moon. While some astronomy and space centers announced commemorations
this event many as at issue date did not. Plans could be put out in
early July or even shorter notice.Inquire at your local center for its
apollo-11 events.
Curtailed service on Canarsie line affects both Manhattan and
Brooklyn. trains within Manhattan run on only one track spaced about
20 minutes apart. I rewrote the entry for this event and duplicated it
for both boros.
I moved the entry for the measles epidemic to 'ongoing and
continuing events'. This situation could be a long-lasting one for
several years.
The annual Parade of Trains, normally in June, for 2019 is running
on September 28-29. The Transit Museum rolls out some of its historic
trains for public ride on the Brighton Line. Details in due course.
Several events in the '???' section are moved to the 'AUT'
section. I allow that they are in recess for the summer. If any
resumes early, I'll list it under its proper date. Please note that
seasonal events may resume at a different time and place from the
preceding season.
Intrepid Museum now offers monthly 'Free friday' evenings thru
October. The July one is on the 19th. The entire Museum is open, pier
and ship, with occasional extra clearsky outdoor movies and
starviewing.

City News
-------
A private helicopter crashed onto roof of 787 7th Av on June 10
~13:43 EDST. It dropped off rider at 34th St heliport and was flying
back to base in Linden NJ. Pilot, Tim McCormack, lost his way in
thick fog and apparently tried to land on roof. He was killed and
craft was totaled at impact. A small fire broke out on the roof, put
out by FDNY. US FAA and NYPD are investigating.
NYC Transit's new OMNY fare payment system started on May 31 along
Lexington Av line, Grand Central to Barclays Ctr, and on buses on SI.
There were many glitches when the sensor didn't sense the payment
device or rang up fare without releasing turnstile. With lower traffic
on weekend of June 1-2, NYC Transit was troubleshooting the problems.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on June 7 examined the summer sky and
Milky Way. We compared the summer alignment of Milky Way in sky with
spring when it was low around the horizon. The summer sky is dominated
by the Summer Triangle and Scorpius-Sagittarius. The third region,
dimmer and sometimes under-explored, is occupied by Draco, Hercules,
Ophiuchus. Altho their stars are dim, they contain lots of interesting
targets for city astronomers. The MW is in high east and south for
summer with its open and globular clusters. Open clusters hug the MW
path horizon to horizon. Globular clusters are thinly scattered all
over and concentrated toward the galactic center. In our latitude the
GC is low in south, tempered by thicker air, ut there are many
globular clusters accessible in binoculars and small scopes. Also in
the summer sky are several brighter nebulae, a target usually
smothered by the gray sky over the City. These are both open nebulae,
amorphous clouds of dust/gas, and globular nebulae, gaseous shells
from star outburst. We studied a general skymap to see how the stars
of spring are moving westward into evening twilight and the autumn
stars are rising in the east. Er teminded that it's common to study
the stars of the next season by waiting several hours, into the owl
hours, to let these stars rotate into the south. Astronomers do this
specially in spring and fall, when weather is cool and comfortable.
Summer is in our part of the US often torrid, humid, and infested by
insects. By same reasoning, watching the winter stars in autumn avoid
the winter evenings of frigid windy air.We looked at asterisms among
the summer stars, mainly associated with the Summer Triangle and Sco-
sgr. The Triangle is the largest asterism anchored by stars Vega,
Altair, /Deneb. Smaller ones unlude downtown Delphinus, Sagitta, Lyra.
Other small asterisms are the Caput, Head, of Caprocornus, Cerberus,
Draco, Aquila. Downtown Sagittarius is a drop-dead teapot. We traced
its handle, spout, lid, &c and even a lemon, teaspoons, and steam
among the stars. Scorpius for our latitude is sometimes treated in two
parts, the western is the head and heart of the scorpion and the tail
and stinger is the eastern part.We got no bright comets in summer, and
no bright asteroids. We also have no really interesting occultations.
We examined one that at first looked good to observe, a daytime
occultation of Venus. Daytime occultations of planets are
fascinating events, so we took a closer look at this one, on July 31.
We found by simulation in a planetarium software that this event takes
place only a few degrees west of the Sun and is beyond feasible
observation. This was an example of how to catch false alarms in
future celestial events. We discussed the new 'train in the sky'
Starlink satellites. These 60 sats were orbited o may 23 by spaceX as
the initial set of some 12,000 by mid 2020s. The brigade is near
threshold for city observers by eye but is easily followed in
binoculars. In a month or so, details still wanting, SpaceX will
disperse the sats into final service orbits, like at train dropping of
its wagons onto branch tracks. To know when and where to watch for
Starlink, we looked at one satellite tracking web, Heavens-above. We
de hoe yo set it up for the observing site.The web address is modified
to include this location and is immediately bookmarked. To use H-A in
the future we open the bookmarked address, not the raw web address.
Many interesting satellites are listed in H-A with Starlink as a new
entry. Picking Starlink, or any other satellite, yields a timetable of
passes over the observing site for the next week. We stepped thru the
columns in the timetable and looked at the starmap with the passage
marked on it. This is obtained by clocking on a desired passage entry
in the timetable We saw that the observing location has to be set
within a few kilometers to minimize perspective or parallax deviation.
Within New York City H=A includes many large districts, for better
geographic resolution. We learned that satellites are in dynamicly
evolving orbits that can not be reliably predicted far into the
future. Satellites in low orbit, and visible in the sky, are
influenced by air drag and Earth's bumpy gravity field. Higher sats
are pushed and pulled by the Moon and solar radiation pressure. A
prediction made a ew weeks ahead is be all wrong. Starlink has an
additional hazard for future predictions. The sats have ion drives
that will be turned on at will to shift orbit. A prediction generated
before the thruster action is exfenestrate. We got two night planets
Jupiter and Saturn, to be explored at the June 21 meeting. The two
planets are now closing together to pass each other in late 2020.
Normally we take up Jupiter and Saturn in separate session because
they are far apart in the zodiac. Starting in 2019 into 2021 they are
close enough to enter our sky in the same month. We now examine both
planets in one session. Takeaways were starcharts of the summer sky,
diagram of asterisms, maps of Milky Wa and associated targets, chart
of Jupiter & Saturn paths, summer observing article scene of Venus
occultation, sample pages from Heavens-above, atlas plates covering
summer sky, sample historical starmaps with the mythical characters.
NYC Mayor deBlasio on June 12 won a seat at the Democrat president
candidate denate, set for June 26-27. He's in the first day's round
with 9 other candidates. 10 more are seated in the second day. Four
hopefuls missed a seat from shortfall of campaign donations or
endorsements.
The History Channel on cable TV began on May 31 10PM EDST a series
about modern UFO activity over US. Show included US Navy report of
UNDERWATER flying saucer in Atlantic Ocean and apparent spy saucers in
Pacific airspace. Check own cable schedule.
Small tornado in New Jersey during mass rainstorm on 28 May
~20:30 EDST. It touched down in Morris and Sussex counties, tore down
trees and power lines, damaged structures by wind-blown wreckage.
Tornado bumped Lenape HS, Stanhope NJ, ripping fixtures and
fittings, yet leaving unharmed attendees of a banquet inside. No other
injuries or deaths reported, only widespread light damage along
tornado path.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on 21 June was one of the busiest in
recent years, examining both Jupiter and Saturn. We welcomed two new
attendees Susan and Vira. We first explored the planets and their
moons, detailing the planet structure and moon orbits. Altho Saturn is
the most beautiful planet, Jupiter is the most dynamic one. Saturn
presents about the same aspect all thru a given apparition. Jupiter
shows agitation in his clouds, varying activity in the Great Red Spot,
and dance of his four large moons. All during the meeting Joe Fedrick
added fascinating comments on their observation of the planets by eye
and telescope. The moons were first seen by Marius in England, who did
't publish his observations. They were found in his effects long after
his death He named the moons as we now know them. Galileo published
his observations but only numbered the moons I thru IV. The sequence
es soon adjusted from neatest to Jupiter to farthest. The names were
first popularized by space explorations in the 1970s and are in
universal use today. Newer moons are numbered as discovered and given
names from Jupiter's mythical family. Saturn's largest and easiest
seen Moon is Titan, and four/five others are discernible in larger
telescopes. The rings are lettered A to C outer to inner, with C the
crepe or gauze ring seen in larger scopes. a and B are divided by a
gap, Cassini's division. Crude optics and tilting ring confused early
observers about the planet's structure. Huygens in mid 1600s figured
out the planet was surrounded by a thin flat ring. The ring tilt is
caused by viewpoint from Earth as Saturn orbits the Sun. The full
cycle of north open, edgeon, south open, edgeon, and back is one
Saturn year of 29-1/2 Earth years. Older members at the Seminar recall
seeing Saturn thru two of his years and Jupiter thru five of his, each
being 12 Earth years. Jupiter has almost upright in his orbit with
equator facing us. We do not see the polar areas well and the Moons
see-saw back and forth around him. Galileo recognized Jupiter as an
other center of revolution besides only Earth, evidence tho not proof
that Earth could revolve around the Sun. Jupiter's moon move rapidly,
showing definite motion within a few hours. They also pass ahead or
behind the planet, throw shadows on it, and pass thru its own shadow.
Tales in Jupiter observing litterature list these vents. They were
tried as a way to find longitude by timing the event in a ship's local
clock and comparing it to the calculated time for the home port. the
method failed from difficulty of handling clumsy telescopes on a ship
at sea. We discussed Juno, spacecraft at Jupiter. We studied diagrams
of its flight from Earth and the settlement into orbit at Jupiter. We
learned the craft uses solar panels because when planned there was too
little plutonium in stock for the nuclear power supply. We looked at
the movement of Jupiter and Saturn in the past few and future years.
Jupiter gains on Saturn, being now one zodiac sign behind, west, of
him. In winter 2020 the two pass so closely that they look like a
brilliant double star. The two fit in a low power telescope field.
Then after the two separate with Jupiter pulling ahead. Such
conjunction occur every 20 years. Older astronomers at the meeting
recall seeing one or two previous ones. We had side dialog about
computer software with members showing astronomy programs on their
phones or tablets. We also explored astrology programs to demonstrate
planet motion in addition to position. They show dramaticly the
retrograde loop of Jupiter on a speed-position chart. Astrology
software also finds desired celestial events, like Jupiter- Saturn
conjunctions. One diagram presented a table of these conjunctions from
1950 to 2025 and a graphic timeline. Takeaways were pictures of
Jupiter and Saturn, orbits of their moons, position and motion in sky,
sample Jupiter moon events, historical diagrams of Saturn rings,
changes in Great Red Spot, size comparison of planets and Jup/Sat
moons, digarms f Jupiter moon positions and events, angular extent of
Jup moo orbits in sky, Juno flight path, digrams of Jup-Sat
conjunctions, simulated telescope view of 2020 conjunction. We ran
quite up to 21:30. We ere finishing the last bit of dialog as the
building crew came in to close up shop.
Nik and Lijana Wallenda staged awesome tightrope walk across Times
Sq on June 23! The rope stretched from 1TS (Times Tower) to 2TS, 390m
long, 25 floors above street. Nik started at ~21:15 EDST from 2TS;
Lijana, 1TS. They crossed together mid way and continued to opposite
end. Nik finished first, ran [on street] to 2TS to greet Lijana as she
stepped off rope. Walk took ~38 minutes with no visible problems.
Several hundred thousand spectators filled the Square, myriads more
packed adjacent office towers. Weather was day, calm, warm.
On June 17 Penn Station began work on new entrance for LIRR at 7th
Av & 33rd St. It leads into the existing LIRR concourse, itself to be
rebuilt. The astronomy artifact 'Eclipsed time' could be removed.
Altho it broke soon after unveiling in the then-new concourse i 1990s,
ir is the first stop on the 'City of stars' walking tour.

Sy News
-----
Weather in June was a crazy-quilt of awful rain and cloud with
brilliant sky. A night could start with rain, then clear up
wonderfully in owl or predawn hours. or vice verse, first dazzling
clear, turning to cloud and storm after midnight. Pattern irritated
astronomers, overturning planned observing.While there were no Milky
Way reports, observers enjoyed skies filled with tiny stars decorating
the downtowns of summer constellations. Deepsky targets were textured
and more easily found.
Strong hail storm hit NYC in late afternoon of June 2. Lasted only
ten minutes as it raced W-E over City, but hail stones were a cm or
two diameter.
Observers have thrill and threat from new Starlink brigade of
satellites cruising thru the stars. Orbited on May 23 by SpaceX to
start a new global grid of hi-speed Internet, it has 60 small sats in
a 60ish km long line. Each is 4-6 magnitude, with some passes of 2-3
magn. Train is 5 or so degrees long and takes a few minutes to cross
the sky.
Scattered sightings of rainbows on 20 June late afternoon. Very
spotty due to patchy rains all day. Most rainbows seen within hour
before sunset, when bows were elevated above local skyline.
Manhattanhenge was mostly lost to clouds and rain on May 29-31. A
couple observers got a glimpse of the setting Sun thru cloud breaks on
the horizon, while rain threatened overhead. Next Manhattanhenge is
July 9-11. We hope to watch it at its final view at our July 12th
Seminar.
Possible Milky Way sighting reported in owl hours of May 31,
following dense rain in preceding evening. sky was dazzling with lots
of faint stars along Milky Way path and in the dimmer constellations.
Uncertain sighting of M24, Lagoon nebula, Scutum cloud. Most reports
were spinoff of observing Jupiter and Saturn and came from E BC, S BK,
S QN, E SI.
The next leapsecond is added at end of June 30, 23:59:59 UT,
19:59:59 EDST. The time sequence is

..., 19:59:58, 19:59:59, 19:59:60, 20:00:00, 20:00:01, ...

This event can be watched on devices gagned to a global time service
and displaying seconds. Stand-alone and mechanical clocks will not
show the leapsecond.