NYSkies
Astronomy Inc |
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NYC EVENTS FORFEBRUARY 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'.
All hours are Eastern Standard Time (UT - 5h).
Lockdown
------
Lockdown news slowed in January as the inauguration approached.
New US Prez Biden have no strong pledge to junk the coronavirus
situation, only saying he'll study the options to end it. And he did
pledge to boost vaccinations to 100 million in his first 100 days in
office.
While we sure hope vaccination get going rapidly, in NYSkies the
effort was, uh, awful. Priority for the shots as suddenly switched and
many vaccination depots ran out of serum. Appointments for the shots,
by phone or web, post earliest dates in April or May! And no one is
even considering how to deal with people unwilling or unable to take
the shot.
Some depots are stretching stock, with no positive program from
Biden to increase it, by giving only the first shot. The patient goes
home with no date for the second one.
The lockdown endures regardless of vaccination or herd immunity.
No state set goals to reduce or remove its lockdown as its residents
are getting virus protection. In the stead, some authorities are
explaining that lockdown will continue until further notice. such news
suppresses plans and efforts to restart civic activity, like on-site
home astronomy.
Home astronomy is alive, hardly thriving, thru remote
interactions, such as the NYSkies email groups.Some astronomy centers
offer videos, webcasts, online conferences, with mixed success. When I
learn of a one whose members applaud the new offering, i hear of an
other with thumbs-down from its members. A major new threat is
suppression and expulsion of members from social media. A club may
work a page on one that itself is -- so far -- clear from censorship.
But members are kicked off because their other none astronomy
behavior else where in the medium. In the extreme, a club may see its
page followers decimate from no cause of its own.
The bottom line is that with a new sheriff in town, we can not
accommodate to lockdown as we did for -- EEeek! -- quite a full year.
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
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- ----------
-31 1 2 3 (4. 5# 6 17:20
7 8 9 10 .11. 12 13 17:29
14 15 16 17 18 .19#) 20 17:37
21 22 23 24 25 26 (27) 17:45
28 +1 +2 +3 +4 .5#) +6 17:53
---------------------------------------------
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
------- -----------------------------------------------
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhb jfrrrr`````n BROOKLYN - BK
Astronomy on Tap - - - - !!!
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - SPR
Secret Science Club - - - !!!
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - !!!
Astro Soc of Greenwich - SPR
*Astro Soc of New Haven - !!!
Bowman Observatory - - - !!!
*Litchfield Hills AAC mtg !!!
*Litchfield Hills lecture SPR
*McCarthy Observatory - - !!!
New Pond Farm - - - - - - !!!
Stamford Observatory - - !!!
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - SPR
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - SPR
Western CT St Univ Obsy - SPR
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!!!
Amer Instt Aero & Astro - !!!
Astro Soc of Long Island !!!
Brookhaven National Lab - !!!
Custer Institute - - - - !!!
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - SPR
Hmaptons Observatory - - !!!
PubSci - - - - - - - - - !!!
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - SPR
*Susan Rose Observatory - !!!
2 MANHATTAN - MH
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - !!!
*Amat Astro Assn lecture - !!!
Amer Instt Archarology - !!!
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Sci SPR
Ctr for Science & Society SPR
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - !!!
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - SPR
Earth Institute - - - - - !!!
Globe at Night - - - - - 4-13
Gvvernors Island - - - - SPR
Hayden Plm 'Frontiers' - SPR
Hayden Plm 'Live!' - - - SPR
Instt Stud Ancnt World - SPR
*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 - - SPR
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar !!!
Presidents Day - - - - - 15
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - !!!
Simons Foundation - - - - SPR
SpaceX NYC - - - - - - - !!!
*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
Bear Mountain - - - - - - !!!
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - SPR
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - !!!
Rockland Astro Club - - - SPR
Vassar College Obsy - - - SPR
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - SPR
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 - - - !!!
McDowell Observatory - - !!!
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - SPR
New Jersey Astro Assn - - SPR
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - !!!
No Jersey Astro Gp starvg !!!
Peyton Observarory - - - !!!
Plasma Physics Lab - - - !!!
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm SPR
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr SPR
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - !!!
Schommer Observatory - - !!
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - !!!
*Sheep Hill Observatory - !!!
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - SPR
Washington Xing St Pk - - SPR
-----------------------------
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
York College Observatory !!!
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
Coll of Staten Is Obsy - SPR
Great Kills Park - - - - SPR
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. #
#################################################################
Wed 3 Feb
18:30 - whole CIty - MH - Globe at Night exercise
Thru Feb 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.
Mon 15 Feb
all day - whole City - MH - Presidents Daay
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule
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
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+
13:30 - 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
15:30 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Greenwich Audubon Center. Free. rickbria@optonline.net,
203-415-6762. astrogreenwich.org
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. 'The quest for the ideal glass'. Tea 16:15,
lecture 17:00. Free, adv regn reqd. 646-654-0066,
ww.simonsfoundation.org
17:00 - Danbury - CT - astronomy lecture
Westn Conn St Uv, Obsy/Plm. Indoor planetarium show,
clearsky starviewing. Free. www.wcsu.edu/starwatch,
203-837-8671, dawsond@wcsu.edu
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 - 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
18:30 - 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 - '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
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 - 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
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 - 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 - Suffern - NY - Rockland Astronomy Club meeting
Rockalnd Commty Coll, main bldg. Free.
www.rocklandastronomy.com
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 - 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 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing
Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818,
csivc.csi.cuny.edu/supernove7/files/home.html, 718-892-3259,
irving.robbins@csi.cuny.edu
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 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
www.uacnj.org
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 - 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 - 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 - Wash'n X'ing - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Amat Astro Assn of Princeton. Simpson Obsy. Free, cancelled
for clouds. www.princetonastronomy.org, 609-737-2575,
info@princetonastronomy.org
20:30 - Voorhees St Pk - NJ - NJ Astro Assn meeting
NJAA-HQ, Robinson Obsy. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.njaa.org, 908-368-8500
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, descent
-------------------------------------------------------
[!!!] 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
= = = = =
10:00 - 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
= = = = =
13;15 - Unionsale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting
Hofstra Univ, Berliner Hall. free. www.aosny.org,
suerose@optonline.net
= = = = =
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 - Bethpage - 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
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 - Shalel Lounge - MH - SpaceX NYC meeting
65 W 70 St, Amsterdam Av. Fiscussion on space industry and
development. Free, opt meal/drink. www.meetup.com/SpaceX-NYC
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 - Patchoque - LI- PubSci show
Brookhaven Natl Lab, Blue Point Brewing Co, 225 W Main St.
'The quantum revolution'. Free, opt meal/drink.
pubsci@bnl.go,vwww.bnl.gov/pubsci,
19:00 - West Reading - CT - clearsky starviewing
New Pond Farm, obseratory. $10, adv regn reqd. cancelled for
clouds. www.newpondfarm.org, 203-938-2117
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 - lyndhurst - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Ctr for Enviro & Sci Edu, nMcDowell Obsy. Free. cancelled
for clouds. Requires climbing narrow spiral stairs into domw.
www.njsea.com/observatory, info@njsea.com, 201-460-1700
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 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.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 - 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 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn Obsy, Free. Cancelled for
clouds. sheephillastro.otg, contacts@sheephillastro.org,
wwestura@optonline.net
20:00 - 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
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 - 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 - 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 - Bear Mountain - NY - clearsky starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Anthony Wayne Rec Area, picnic field.
Free, cancelled for clouds. www.rocklandastronomy.com u
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 - Upper Montclair - NJ - clearsky starviewing
No Jersey Astro Gp. Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall.
Free, cancelled for clouds. njastro.org, 973-655-7266
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 - 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 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture
Stamford Obsy. $5. Indoor lecture, clearsky starviewing.
starviewing also called off for outdoor temp < -6C.
203-322-6537, www.stamfordmuseum.org
info@stamfordmuseum.org
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 - 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
----------
While compiling this NYC Events there was a disruption of Internet
service in various pats of NYSkies. This situation impedfe my check up
for events possibly resuming in the spring. I left all events inplace,
in the '!!!] or 'SPR' section, until further news comes along.
US Prez Biden on 2021 Jan 21 issued executive order requiring face
masks and personal spacing in all federal properties. Events on
federal land, like starviewing in a federal preserve, must observe
this requirement for their staff and visitors.
The NYC Science & Engineering Fair, normally in Match with signup
for students and judges occurring in January, announced full call off
for 2021. It also notes that there was no finalist competition in 2020
because the lockdown in NYS fell on us before its scheduled date.
NEAF has confusing news because it is a postponement of the 2020
event. News is labeled '2020' and '2021'. Apparently it is planned for
its normal venue, SUNY Rockland, with dates to be determined. SUNY,
all of its campi, already cancelled on-site events, such as renting
space for NEAF. If any indoor event is allowed, like dispensing
coronavirus vaccination, visitors are on-side for only a brief time
under stringent virus procedures.
Earth Day New York seems to holding out with nothing positive yet.
News about it stresses the digital, virtual, remote show from 2020. A
return to action reasonably may be in Union Sq, its normal setting in
recent years. There is the prospect of returning to Grand Central
Terminal, now that adjacent Vanderbilt Pl for is reopened as a car-
free corridor.
City News
-------
Mind very well the new federal requirement, starting on 2021 Feb 1
at 23:59 EST, for face masks on public transport! Most systems in
NYSkies have mask-wearing rules, with high compliance levels. Besides
usual transport modes, federal law applies to taxis, car service,
vans, jitneys, shuttles. It also covers transport facilities like
stations, depots, offices, terminals, ports. Some systems in NYSkies
hand out masks or provide them thru dispensers at their entry gate.
Please have your mask on the face when availing of a public transport
service.
In mid January 2021 the three NYSkies states put out desire to end
the lockdowns and return to normal life. The call comes from the
steady diffusion of coronavirus vaccine, from a few myriads of people
in December 2020 to, maybe, a full million by end january thruout
NYSkies. Weak expectation is to be on track toward normal life in
spring-summer 2021.
BGI Corp, major coronavirus testing firm in US, is agency of China
government! It collects American DNA from its test samples to examine
and experiment on. From the DNA, along with patient stats and profile,
China could evaluate efficacy of its coronavirus on Americans. Make
sure you know which lab does the virus test on you.
War broke out on 8 Jan 2021 among several major Internet services.
These include Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Google. They cut off
or suspended service for many supporters of former Prez Trump and
opponents of new Prez Biden.. Reaction varied from blocking Internet
access to thee companies, resulting in 404 errors, and switching
business to other services. Readers with accounts with the warring
parties should review their membership with them.
The expanded Penn Station opened on 2021 Jan 1 adding ~50% more
platform room for Amtrak and LIRR. New section, Moynihan Train Hall,
is built into mid and rear portion of Farley Post Office with new
subgrade concourses.. USPS keeps iconic front section, facing 8th Av
with its ceiling emblems of major postal services and corner niches
for historical ones. These are for statues of postmasters, never
installed. Moynihan joins existing Penn Station under 8th Av subway
and has own street entrances.
Dr Fauci, US NIH advised that where the coronavirus vaccine is in
short supply, it may be given as a single shot. This gives good, not
full, protection and second shot can be given when supplies replenish.
Consult your health provider for local status of vaccine. Keep the
receipt with you as vaccination proof in case a venue ask for it.
Tines Sq on New Year's Eve was EMPTY! with only a few police and
Guardian Angels in the streets. 1/2 km square centered on TS was
walled off from spectators. Ball-drop ceremony was telecast with NYC
Mayor deBlasio and crew cheering and dancing. Show included dropping
confetti, 700kg of it!, onto barren streets below.
Sarah Lindsay on 2021 Jan 4 is first US person to get the 2nd of
the two-shot coronavirus vaccine, she was jabbed at LIJ Medl Ctr,
Forest Hill Qn, where she is a critical care nurse.
Louis Shanker, amherst MA, surrendered to NYPD on 2021 Jan 5 for
setting up a fake car bomb. He fitted a stolen Tesla car with large
spray canister, batteries, wires. On Jan 4 morn he left car at Queens
Place Mall, Richmond Hill QN. NYPD cleared out the mall and found the
bomb was a fake.
I uploaded new files into our web.
* tov-nyc.htm is recovered piece providing background and
preparation for the 2012 Venus transit.
* dark-nyc.htm is recovered notes on light abatement projects in
NYC in the 19990s.
* dsshrine.htm is recovered article about the Penn Plaza K-Mart on
Manhattan.
* pazmino.htm is revised index page for only my astronomy pieces.
* pazcult.htm is nw page for my all-other, cultural, articles.
Until now all of my articles were in pazmino.htm. The two pages are
linked by jumpwords in the heading.
* pazclus.htm is revised existing article with better separation
of its sections. The very content is unchanged.
All files are at
* sa-compr.htm is adapted table of features of common star
atlases.
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/tov-nyc.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/dark-nyc.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/dsshrine.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/pazmino.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/pazcult.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/pazclus.htm
www.nyskies.org/articles/pazmino/sa-compr.htm
Nude crazed man was killed by third rail on 2021 Jan 16 ~16h EST
at 110 St, Lenox Av line, Shover danced on platform, then pushed rider
into tracks. Tyler Horrell, witness and handicapped army vet, jumped
down for rescue. He and other riders lifted victim to safety with
bruises. Nude man also jumped down, started fighting with Horrell,
then tripped. He fell into third rail to be instantly zapped.
Sky News
------
Asteroid Vesta comes to opposition on 2021 March 4 and is in night
sky now, February 2021. She entered retrograde loop in fall 2020 in E
Leo, runs west thru N Leo, leaves loop by late April. Chart of Vesta
path is at
m.nakedeyeplanets.com/vesta-path-2021-feb-apr.png
Vesta is 7-1/2 magn near both station points of loop, brightest, ~6
magn, near opposition in middle of loop. Current orbit elements,
adapted from JPL. Your planetarium likely has Vesta among its
asteroid orbits. Edit its elements with the ones below. asteroid
---------------
Orbits evolve quickly.
--------------------------------------------------------
oRBITAL ELEMENTS AT EPOCH 2458600.5 (2019-Apr-27.0) TDB
-----------------------------------------------------
excemtricity | 0.088721
semimahor axis | 2.36142 au
perih dist | 2.151909 au
inclination | 7.141771 deg
ascendin ode | 103.810804 deg
argument peri | 150.728541 deg
mean anomaly | 95.861938 deg
perih date | 2458247.559575 (2018-May-09.059575) TDB
mean day motn | 0.271609 deg/day
apoh dist | 2.570926 au
---------------------------
OTHER INTERESTING INFORMATION
# obs. used (total | 9397
data-arc span | 25372 days (69.46 yr)
first obs. used | 1950-09-23
last obs. used | 2020-03-11
planetary ephem | DE431
Tisserand wrtJUp | 3.535
absolute magnitude | +3.0
magnitude slope | +0.32
mean diameter | 525.4 km
triaxial extent | 572.6 x 557.2 x 446.4 km
GM parameter | 1 7.8 km^3/s^2
bulk density | 3.456 g/cm^3
rotation period | 5.342128 hour
rotation rate | 1617.333119 deg/day
NortH pole direct | RA 309.03; DE +42.23
geometric albedo | 0.4228
B-V color index | 0.782
U-B color index | 0.492
-------------------------
The seleneheion on 2021 Jan 28 was a trying event. Observers
battled deep chilly air and strong wind. Many noted the event was
blocked by broken clouds.
Globe at Night for January was a poor round with most nights being
cloudy or hazy. There were several apparently discordant reports for
a given night. They seem to come from change of weather across
observer location and hour. It is NOT GaN purpose to obtain a
consensus of sky quality for a given night. In NYSkies sky conditions
do vary widely. Please assess the sky for your own location and hour
with no worry of agreeing with an other astronomer's reading else
where and else when.
Jupiter and Saturn left the evening sky , headed to solar
conjunction. By mid February 2021 they emerge in dawn twilight. well
separated. In pm 15-28 Feb Mercury loiters north of the pair