NYSkies
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NYC EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2019
--------------------------
John Pazmino
NYSkies Astronomy Inc
nyskies@nyskies.org
www.nyskies.org
The following astronomy activities in the commuting ring enclosing
New York City are operated by various organizations. A few cultural
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 Standard Time (UT - 5h).
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
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- -----
-30 -31 1 2 3 4# .5. 16:43
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 50
13 .14) 15 16 17 18# 19 16:58
20 ( 21) 22 23 24 25 26 17:06
(27. 28 29 30 31 +1# +2 17:15
------------------------------------------------
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
Canarsie line closings - 0
*Floyd Bennett Field - - - SPR
Secret Science Club - - - 0
CONNECTICUT - CT
*A S of Gtr Hartford - - 16
Astro Soc of Greenwich - SPR
*Astro Soc of New Haven - 29
Bowman Observatory - - - 2, 16
*Litchfield Hills AAC mtg 11
*Litchfield Hills starvg - SPR
*McCarthy Observatory - 12
New Pond Farm - - - - - - ???
Stamford Observatory - - 4, 11, 18, 25
*Van Vleck Obsy (ASGH) - - 12
Van Vleck Obsy (WU) - - - SPR
Western CT St Univ Obsy - SPR
*Westport Astro Soc mtg - 15
*Westport Astro Soc starvg 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
-------------------------
Boothe Meml Astro Soc - 203-377-9933,
www.facebook.com/Boothe-Memorial-Astronomical-Society
LONG ISLAND - LI
*Amateur Observers Soc - - 6
*Amat Obsrs Soc starviewing 0
Amer Instt Aero & Astro - 17
Astro Soc of Long Island 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Brookhaven National Lab - SPR
Custer Institute - - - - 5, 12, 19, 26
Hofstra Univ Obsy - - - - SPR
Montauk Observatory - - - 18
SUNY Stony Brook - - - - SPR
*Susan Rose Observatory - 5, 12, 19, 26
MANHATTAN - MH
*Amat Astro Assn starvwg - 0
*Amat Astro Assn lecture 11
Amer Instt Archarology - ???
Ctr for Atmosp Ocean Sci SPR
Ctr for Science & Society SPR
Central Pk (Great Lawn) - 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20,25,26,28
Civil Right Day - - - - - 21
*Columbia Univ Obsy - - - SPR
comet Wirtamen -- - - - - 1-indef
Cornelia Street Cafe' - SPR
Earth Institute - - - - - ???
Globe at Night - - - - - 1-7, 27-Feb 5
Good Housekeeping lab - 11
Gullivarr's Gate- - - - - 0
Instt Stud Ancnt World - 2, 5
Intrepid AstroCafe' - - - SPR
Intrepid Astro Night - - SPR
*Inwood Astronomy Project 5, 12, 19, 26
Jupiter Joe Sidewk Astro 0
lunar eclipse - - - - - - 20-21
Natl Musm of Mathematics 2
New Year's Day - - - - - 1
NY Academy of Sciences - SPR
NYC-H2O - - - - - - - - - 0
New York Map Society - - ???
New York Univ Astro - - - SPR
*NYSkies Astronomy Seminar 4, 18
Perihelion Day - - - - - - 4
SciCafe' - - - - - - - - 2
Simons Foundation - - - - 9
Top of the Lawn - - - - - 4,5,6,11,12,13,18,19,20,25,26,28
TriState computer fair - 0
Urban Park Rangers - - - 0
United Nations - - - - - 28, 30, 31
----------------------------
Ctr for Space Sci Edu - - info@nyccsse.org, www.nyccsse.org,
212-608-6164 n
METRO-NORTH - NY
Lamont-Doherty Obsy - - - SPR
Mid-Hudson Astro Assn - - ???
Ramapo Challenger Ctr - - 20
Rockland Astro Club - - - ???
Vassar College Obsy - - - SPR
Ward Pound Ridge - - - - SPR
Westchester Amat Astro - 11
NEW JERSEY - NJ
A A A of Princeton - - - 8
A S of Toms Rv Area - - - ???
*Amat Astro Inc meeting - 4, 11, 25
*Amat Astro Inc lecture - 18
Morris Musm Astro Soc - - 10
New Jersey Astro Assn - - SPR
North Bergen Viaduct - - 0
No Jersey Astro Gp mtg - SPR
No Jersey Astro Gp starvg SPR
Peyton Observarory - - - 9
Plasma Physics Lab - - 4, 18
Rutgers Univ Astro Collqm SPR
Rutgers Univ Astro Semnr SPR
*S*T*A*R - - - - - - - - - 3
Schommer Observatory - - 10, 17
*Sheep Hill Astro Assn - - 4
*Sheep Hill Observatory - 18
*Utd Astro Clubs of NJ - - SPR
Washington Xing St Pk - - SPR
---------------------------
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
QUEENS - QN
Alley Pond Park - - - - - SPR
York College Observatory SPR
REST OF WORLD
STATEN ISLAND - SI
Coll of Staten Is Obsy - SPR
Great Kills Park - - - - SPR
Staten Is Community TV - 4, 11, 18, 25
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 - Canarsie line - BK - occasional weekend shutdown
CERTAIN WEEKENDS; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
Thru March 2019. Canarsie line closes on about a dozen
specific weekends for preliminary work in advance of total
shutdown in april 2019. No service bten Bway Jc and 8th Av
from 22h Fri to 05h Mon. Trains run only Canarrsie to B'eay
Jc. WEekends may change based on work progress. 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 stereopint 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,
list of Events
------------
Tue 1 Jan
all day - whole City - MH -New Year's Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule
all day - whole City - MH - comet 46P/wietamen apparition
indefinite duration. Rrturn of period comet 46P/Wirtamen in
evening sky. Needs binoculars from City, bare-eye sightings
from darsky site. Passes thru Auria and Lynx. Orbit lements
for planetarium software:
----------------------------------
Epoch 2018 Dec. 28.0 TT = JDT 2458480.5
periT 2018 Dec. 12.94159 TT periAU 1.0553689 AU
MMDM 0.18118340 deg/day ArgPeri 356.35268 deg
SMA 3.0930749 AU AscNode 82.15812 deg
Excent 0.6587962 Incl 11.74639 deg
Period 5.44 year
From 1694 observations 2007 Aug 6-2018 Nov 16, mean residual
0".8
---------------------------------------------------------------
18:00 - whole CIty - MH - Globe at Night exercise
Thru Jna 78. NYSkies runs its own Globe at Night exercise in
2018-2019 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.
Wed 2 Jan
12:00 - 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
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
19:00 - 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 - /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
Thu 3 Jan
20:00 - Lincroft - NJ - S*T*A*R meeting
Brookdale Commty Coll, Mommouth Museum. Free.
www.starastronomy.org, s-walters@comcast.net
Fri 4 Jan
all day - whole City - MH - Perihelion Day
Celebrate the closest approach of Sun to Earth. Get strongest
sunbathing and brightest photos of year. Exchange homemade
Perihelion greeting cards.
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour
Plasma Physics Lab. Walk thru history and culture of fproject
to capture energy from controled hydrogen fusion. Free, adv
regn reqd. Have GI photo ID for campus security.
www.pppl.gov/events
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
DISCUSSION: PERIHELION AND LUNAR ECLIPSE
125 W 14 St, 6/7 Av. Discussion of astronomy topics, show
& tell, skywatching reports, news of astro activity in NYSkies
territory. Free. nyskies@nyskies.org, www.nyskies.org
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show
100 Cable Way, Mariners Hr SI. 'Geology forum' Live audience,
seating at 19:30, on air at 20:00. Free. www.sictv.org,
718-727-1414
19:30 - Boonton - NJ - Sheep Hill Astro Assn meeting
Boonton Senior Ctr. Free. www.sheephillastro.org,
contacts@sheephillastro.org, wwestura@optonline.net
19:30 - 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
Sat 5 Jan
09:00 - Inst Stud Anc World - MH - cultural lecture - see Jan 2
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 - 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 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
Sun 6 Jan
13:15 - Uniondale - LI - Amat Obsrs Soc meeting.
Hofstra Univ, Berliner Hall. Free. www.aosny.org,
suerose@optonline.net
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
Tue 8 Jan
19:30 - Princeton - NJ - Amat Astro Assn of Princeton meeting
Princeton U, Peyton Hall. Free. www.princetonastronomy.org,
609-737-2575, info@princetonastronomy.org
Wed 9 Jan
17:00 - Simons Foundation - MH - scinece lecture
160 5 Av & 21 St. 'ZBuilding telescopes for mathematicians'.
Free, adv regn reqd. 646-654-0066,
ww.simonsfoundation.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 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jan 2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 2
Thu 10 Jan
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 11 Jan
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
18:15 - 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
19:30 - Pleasantville - NY - Westchester Amat Astro meeting
Pace Univ, Lienhard Hall, Free.
www.westchesterastronomers.org,
waa-president@westchesterastronomers.org
19:30 - Torrington - CT - Litchfield Hills Amat Astro Club mtg
Central Congregational Church. Free.
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Jan 4
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Jan 4
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Jan 4
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
Sat 12 Jan
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,
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 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 5
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Jan 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Jan 5
Sun 13 Jan
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
Tue 15 Jan
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
Wed 16 Jan
19:00 - Greenwich - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 2
19:30 - New Brittain - CT - Astro Soc of Gtr Hartford meeting
Central CT St Univ, Copernicus Plm. Free. www.asgh.org,
860-872-9069, pparkerrs@cs.com
20:00 - Westport - CT - Westport Astro Soc meeting
Rolnick Obsy. Free. www.was-ct.org, 203-227-0925
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jan 2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 2
Thu 17 Jan
18:30 - Carle Place - LI - Amer Instt Aero & Astro lecture
Chataaubrian, 140 Old Country Rd. Various topics in
aeronautics and astronautics. 'Nars sample return missiOn'.
Free, optional $5 pizza-soda. 516-458-8593, davidparis@twc.com
20:30 - Piscataway - NJ - clearsky starviewng - see Jan 10
Fri 18 Jan
10:00 - Princeton - NJ - science tour - see Jan 4
18:30 - McBurney House - MH - NYSkies Astronomy Seminar
DISCUSSION: STARS AND THEIR SPECTRA
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 - Bridgehampton - LI - astronomy lecture
Montauk Obsy. South Fork Natl Hist Musm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.montaukobservatory.com
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Jan 4
20:00 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc lecture
20:30 - Boonton - NJ - clearsky starviewing
Sheep Hill Astro Assn Obsy, Free. Cancelled for
clouds. sheephillastro.otg, contacts@sheephillastro.org,
wwestura@optonline.net
Union Co Coll, Smith Audm. Indoor talk, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.asterism.org
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Jan 4
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
Sat 19 Jan
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Jan 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 5
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Jan 5
Sun 20 Jan
14:00 - Airmont - NY - science show
Ramapo Challenger Ctr, 225 Rt 29. Multimedia
imulation of space missions. $20., director@lhvcc.com,
845-257-3416, www.ramapoparks.org
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
22:00 - whole City - MH - total lunar eclipse
Across midnight, Jan 20-21. Entire eclipse in high south sky.
Timetable of activity for New York City:
--------------------------------------------
EST | event | alt-az | remarks
------+--------------+-+--------+-
16:32 | Moon rises | 00 063 | rises before sunset
16:59 | Sun sets | 04 066 | daylight ends
18:02 | nautical dusk | 14 076 | NYC full night begins
22:23 | first paenumbra| 60 126 | peanumbra shading begins
22:33 | first contact | 62 1303 | partial phase begins
23:41 | second contact | 64 163 | total phase begins
00:00 | midnight | 69 175 | Jan 20 -> Jan 21
00:06 | Moon transit | 69 180 | in south, highest alt
00:15 | mid eclipse | 69 185 | deepest in umbra
00:43 | third contact | 68 202 | total phase ends
01:50 | fourth contact | 60 233 | partial phase ends
02:00 | last paenumbra | 59 236 | paenumbra shading ends
06:12 | nautical dawn | 14 284 | NYC full night ends
07:15 | Sun rises | 03 292 | daylight begins
07:37 | Moon sets | 00 296 | sets after sunrise
-------+----------------+--------+---------
Mon 21 Jan
all day - whole City - MH - Civil Rights Day
Please check with event contact for session falling on this
day by rule or outdated schedule
Wed 23 Jan
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jan 2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 2
Fri 25 Jan
19:30 - Staten Is Community TV - SI - science show - see Jan 4
19:30 - Cranford - NJ - Amat Astro Inc meeting - see Jan 4
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
20:00 - Stamford - CT - astronomy lecture - see Jan 4
Sat 26 Jan
20:00 - Southold - LI - Custer Institute meeting - see Jan 5
20:00 - Susan Rose Obsy - LI - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 5
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
20:00 - Inwood Hill Park - MH cleasky starviewing - see Jan 5
Sun 27 Jan
18:00 - whole CIty - MH - Globe at Night exercise
Thru Feb 5. NYSkies runs its own Globe at Night exercise in
2018-2019 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 .
20:00 - Central Park - MH - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 4
Mon 28 Jan
all day - United Nations - MH - 'Holocaustremenrance' show
Several events comemorating Holocaust in 1940s. Free, adv regn
reqd. Register separately for each event. Follow all
instructions given with registration. Have GI photo ID for
campus security. Timetable of activity:
------------------------------------------------
11:00-13:00 - General Assemby Hall - Secy Genl remarks
HolocaustRemebrance@un.org [info], bit.lv/2PidG8 [regn] `
- - -- - - -
13:00-14:30 - Secretariat ELobby Gallery - exhinit opening
UNEvents@NewyYORK.MFA.GOV.IL [info], bit.lv/2KOXwBL [regn]
- - - - -
15;00-16:15 - Conference Room #2 - Holocaust discussion
rsvpun@bnaibrith.org [info], rsvpun@bnaibrith.org [regn]
-----------------------------------------------------
Tue 29 Jan
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
Wed 30 Jan
18:30 - United Nations - MH - 'Holocaust Remembranse' gilm
Confence Room #4. Free, adv regn reqd. Have GI photo ID for
campus security and follow all instuctions given with
registration. HolocaustRemembrance@un.org [info],
bit.lv/2SsscOXA [regn]
20:00 - Centerport - LI - Astro Soc of LI meeting - see Jan 2
20:00 - Westport - CT - clearsky starviewing - see Jan 2
Thu 31 Jan
11:00 - United Nations - MH 'Holocaust remembrance' lecture
Confence Room #1. Free, adv regn reqd. Have GI photo ID for
campus security and follow all instuctions given with
registration. undpibgo@un.org [info], bit.org/2FVcOWH [regn]
Events Skipped This Month
-----------------------
EVENT MAY RESUME AT DIFFERENT PLACE OR HOUR; INQUIRE AT CONTACT
--------------------------------------
--------------------------------------
[SPR] SPRING 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
13:30 - 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
15:00 - Upton - LI - science lecture
Brookhaven Natl Lab.Bldg 510. 'Weighing galaxy clusters with
weak lensing in Hyper Suprime-Cam Survey'. Free, have GI photo
ID for campus security. 631-344-2651, www.bnl.gov/evnts
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 - Greenwich - CT - Astro Soc of Greenwich meeting
Greenwich Public Library. Free with musm adm.
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
16:30 - 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 -CUNY Graduate Center - MH - Ctr for Sci & Soc lecture
385 Fifth Av. 'Early modernb science intertwine An
Iberoamerican perspective'. Free, adv regn reqd, Free,
limited seating. 212-854-7211,
scienceandsociety.columbia.edu
18:00 - 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
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
19:00 - Coll of Staten Is - SI - clearsky starviewing
Astrophys Obsy. Free, cancelled for clouds. 718-982-2818,
csivc.csi.cuny.edu/supernove7/files/home.html,
robbins@mail.csi.cuny.edu,
19:0:0 - 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
19:00 - 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,
19:00 - NY Academy of Sciences - MH - astronomy lecture
'The nystery of our mathematical universe'. $20. www.nyas.org
19:00 - Toms River - NJ - Astro Soc of Toms Rv Area meeting
Ocean Co Coll, Student Ctr, Solar Lounge. Free.
www.astra-nj.org, 732-255-0343, webmaster@astra-nj.org
19:00 - Litchfield - CT - Litchfield Hills A A C lecture
White Meml Consrvn Ctr. Free. Indoor lecture, clearsky
starviewing. lhaacsec@gmail.com, lhastro.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 - Intrepid Museum - MH - AstroCafe' lecture
Flight deck of ship. Indoor/open air lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Food & drink service, bar drinks sold only to 21+
YO. Free. www.intrepidmuseum.org
19:30 - Intrepid Museum - MH - astronomy lecture
Flight deck of ship. Indoor/open air lecture, clearsky
starviewing. Free. www.intrepidmuseum.org
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 - 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 - Jenny Jump St Forest - NJ - Utd A C of NJ mtg
UACNJ Obsy. Indoor talk, clearsky starviewing. Free.
20:00 - Upper Montclair - NJ - No Jersey Astro Gp meeting
Montclair St Univ, Richardson Hall, Room 232. Free.
njastro.org, 973-655-7266
www.uacnj.org
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 - 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 - Middletown - CT - clearsky starviewing
MEETS EVERY WEDNESDAY 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 - 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 - 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 EVERY WEDNESDAY 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
--------------------------------------
14:00 - World School - MH - New York Map Society lecture
11 W 26 St, 7th fl, upstairs from MoMath. 'Mapping the
heavens'.Various topics about map making, cartography,
geography. Free, adv regn reqd. www.newyorkmapsociety.org,
mapsociety@ny@gmail.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
18:30 - Explorers Club - MH - Amer Instt Archaeolgy lecture
46 E 70 St. Various topics on archaeology and anthropology.
Free, adv regn reqd. www.aia-nysociety.org,
info@aia-bysociety.org
18:30 - West Reading - CT - clearsky starviewingh
New Pond Farm, obseratory. $10, adv regn reqd. , cancelled for
clouds. www.newpondfarm.org, 203-938-2117,
19:00 - 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 - Bear Mountain - NY - clearsky starviewing
Rockland Astro Club. Anthony Wayne Rec Pk, picnic field. Free,
cancelled for clouds. www.rocklandastronomy.com
General news
----------
This issue of NYC Events has more '???' entries than usual. Many
astronomy events occur at hosts that close for yearend recress or are
short-staffed from yearend vacations. The event sponsor may be unable
to set up its January activities in time for NYC Events. Please
inquire at the event contact for latest news.
The lunar eclipse on 2018 January 20-21 could spawn last minute
eclipse watching events. Please keep in touch with your local
astronomy center for updates, even if their listing hee is in the
'???' or 'SPR' section.
Simons Foundation in December 2018 shifted registration to
Eventbrite. Fill ut same form online but receive an Eventbrite ticket
to hand in at the lecture.
Ramapo Challenger Center has new web, www.ramapoparks.org that
covers all of the town's facilities. Old link, www.lhvcc.com, refers
to this new link.
NYSkies may have rattled cages at the United Nations! I mentioned
a couple weeks ago that I get notices for public events at the UN only
a day or two before the sign-up deadline. Well, well, in mid 20s of
December I get a broadside from UN's public affairs office for several
events coming in late January! I entered them here on the 28, 30, and
31. All are remembrances of the Holocaust, the 1940s Nazi eradication
of Jews in Europe. Many victims,survivors, refugees were scientists.
The events offer actual sitting at formal sessions of UN delegates.
You must sign up for each event, as you want, separately. There is no
all-in-one registration. Each event has its own link for information
and registration, as stipulated in the event listing.
City News
-------
On two instances, as at late December 2018, diners at two
restaurants in the City found a real pearl in their oyster meal! First
was on Dec 5 at Oyster Bar, in Grand Central Terminal. The manager
recalled one prior episode many years ago. The other was at Madison
Premiere, Williamsburg BK on Dec 15. The manager had no prior reports
of pearls. Each gem is apparently worth a couple hundred dollars each.
Port of Authority put up its annual holiday decorations on head
sign of Holland Tunnel in Jersey City NJ on 2018 Dec 14. A wrath was
placed on the 'O' in Holland', a holiday tree over the 'N', a second
wreath over the 'U' in 'Tunnel'. The sign read 'Hollaad Tonnel'! After
a firestorm of complaints PoA on Dec 16 moved the tree over the 'A' in
'Holland' and took down the wreath in 'Tunnel'.
On 2018 Dec 7 NYC Landmarks Preservation Commn picked seven
buildings on Broadway as candidate landmarks. They are between 12 and
14 St, Union Sq MH, including one housing Strand Book Store. Store
owner opposes landmarking, fearing increased rent from landlord and
higher maintenance costs. Landmarking would preserve only exterior of
store, leaving inside alone. Strand routinely rearranges its floors
every so often. One factor is the carts of books deployed outside
because they are mobile furniture, not fixed parts of the building. in
owl hours of 2018 December 14 NYS Gov Cuomo toured the Canarsie subway
tunnel between Brooklyn and Manhattan, The Canarsie subway line was
shut off for the duration. His office is dickering with NYS MTA for
ways to shorten the complete closure, lasting 15 months starting in
2019 April, and explore alternative transit options. As at issue time
no results of inspection were released.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on 2018 December 7 discussed the
pictures of Con Edison facilities, missed by several members leaving
early at the November 20 session. others enjoyed the second go with
the pictures. We then explained the new definition of the kilogram.As
at 2019 May 20, International Metrology Day, the unit of mass is no
longer the physical metal slug maintained in paris. The kilogram is
defined from Planck's constant and speed-of-light. To make the change,
several constants previously known by measurement were declared to
have permanently fixed values, such as plank's constant. The two other
base units, the meter and second, were long ago moved off of material
standards, leaving only the kilogram based on the metal artifact. We
discussed briefly the history of the metric system, born from the
French Revolution in 1790s, and adapted by most of Europe and colonial
lands. By 20th century only the US was still on oldstyle measures
altho the metric system was legally instituted in the 1860s. With ever
more worldwide comms and travel, just about all americans know
metrics, if not yet their primary scheme of units. One weird fact we
learned was that the prime and secondary kilogram slugs are slowly
gaining mass, a few micrograms by 2000. We discussed a similar
situation with the second, once defined as 1/86400 part of a mean
solar day. When in about 1950 we confirmed the slowdown of Earth's
rotation, we had to discard the mean solar day. We turned to an atomic
standard, still in use today. We next explored the newly arriving
comet 46P/Wirtamen, to soar thru the winter sky in December. Wirtamen
is a short-period comet, about 5-1/2 years, with perihelion just over
1AU. On this apparition the comet and Earth meet in December, only
1/10 AU apart. Usually the two bodies are well separated due to odd
ratio of periods. A short-period comet tends to be dim with small coma
and ail because of repeated frequent rounds of the Sun. The
proximities boil off the comet's volatiles quickly. This year the
comet may be a bare-eye sight from its closeness to Earth and location
in a dark night sky. We won't see much tail for it's hidden behind the
coma. We studied charts of Wirtamen's path, noting passes bear Menkar,
Pleiades, Capella. Altho it may be a visible target from a darksky
location in the City we need binoculars. As at the meeting no one
present but I saw the comet. I caught it on Dec 5th on its way toward
Menkar. Wirtamen's apohelion is near Jupiter's orbit. when Jupiter and
comet are close the comet's orbit is altered, making each apparition a
little different. In the last decades the orbit shifted perihelion
closer to Earth's orbit. If, as for this round, comet and Earth
approach, an other orbit shift can occur.For planetarium software a
new addiurnate set of orbit parameters is needed for each apparition.
It is plain wrong to take an ld orbit and edit it for the current
perihelion date. The path in the sky will not all wrong.We worried
about weather, which so far was erratic with bouts of clouds and rain.
We also noted that in December large Moon comes in mid to late month,
likely lighting up haze.Takeaways were articles on metric system
history, new kilogram definition, pictures of the current metal slug,
plot of mass increase of kilogram standard slugs, articles on Wirtamen
history and comet's current apparition, all-sky chart of comet path,
detail charts of path in December 2018, graph of observed brightness
thru November 2018, diagram of orbit in solar system, graph of Earth-
comet proximity for next several years,diagram of orbit mutation for
two rounds, table of orbit parameters since comet discovery.
'Fearless girl' statue on 2018 Dec 10 was moved to new permanent
site on Broad St, across street from NY Stock Exchange. It was for a
year or so in front of the big bronze bull in Bowling Green. The
statue sparked vigorous debate, with strong opposition from the bull's
artist, to either leave it alone or demolish it. Compromise seems
agreeable to all parties.
On 2018 Dec 5 US NPS enrolled the Columbus statue in Columbus Cr
into National Register of Historic Places. The statue is permanently
free of future capricious tampering, such as attaching 'corrective
captions' to it. A protective fence around the monument stays in
place for a while longer. In last couple years it was target of NYC
mayor deBlasio's campaign to remove or annotate monuments deemed out
of character in today's society.
On 2018 November 29 several women accused Dr Neil Tyson, Rose
Center for Earth and Space, of inappropriate sexual conduct against
them. Some were workers at Amer Musm Natl Hist; others were
associates.Tyson put out rebuttal on on Dec 1. Museum and authorities
are investigating, with no major developments as at issue time. Tyson
continues duties at rose Center, including work at hayden Planetarium.
NYS Gov Cuomo put up state mooney to keep Statue of Liberty &
Ellis Island open for visitors during the US govt partial shutdown.
The cost is about $50,000/day. Shutdown began on 22 Dec 2018 after
federal funding negotiations broke off. It continues thru issue time.
NYSkies Astronomy Seminar on 2018 December 21 was a triple-header
session! One topic was prompted by questions at the December 7th
meeting, one planned for December, and one unexpected news break a
week before the meeting. First we discussed the influence of Jupiter
on comet Wirtamen, mentioned briefly at the last meeting. How does the
orbit-Jupiter interaction work? We studied computer plots of Wirtamen
over several orbit laps. One was a overall view of the orbit, showing
how it displaced slightly as Jupiter passed near the comet at
apohelion. The other was a close-up near perihelion. It showed how
much the perihelion shifted, in this run closer to Earth. We looked at
orbit parameters again from the last meeting. The parameters, or
elements, are keyed into planetarium software to add the comet to the
choice of objects to plot on the star maps. We inspected four example
softwares to learn how the parameters are inserted into the program's
stable of objects. Some programs ask first if the new object is a
'comet' or 'asteroid'. A comet traditionally has a parabola orbit;
asteroid, ellipse. The elements are different for each and only the
proper set may be input into the program. We cautioned to be alert and
careful about typing. A mistyped number may ne accepted at the input
stage but will later generate ridiculously erroneous paths in the sky.
One way to lessen errors is to edit an old comet already in the
software data, then save it as the new comet. We cautioned that the
program may require a 'select', 'display', 'turn on' the comet. Else
it will not be marked on the map. For astronomers routinely following
comets, keying in many orbits is a chore and risky of mistakes. Comet-
tracking w webs assemble comet, and asteroid, orbit files laid out
properly for many astronomy softwares. The proper one is downloaded
and saved into the directory where the software lives. It must match
the software's comet file layout and name. The main topic was the
stars of winter. These at nightfall center on Orion, in the high
south. We noted the two planets in the evening sky, Uranus and Mars.
mars, while dimming since opposition, is the brightest star in
southwest because he is in a star-poor region of the zodiac. uranus is
a binocular target in Pisces and Aries all during 2019. We already
discussed the showpiece of winter, comet Wirtamen, and we regretted
the loss of the Pleiades-Hyades bypass due to clouds and rain. Many of
us at the meeting got at least one sighting of the comet, on a catch-
as-can scheme. We reminded that right now the Moon is near full in
Gemini, near the comet. The Moon may light up any haze and mask the
comet from view. Wejexamined charts of deepsky targets for winter to
see ow they arrange with the Milky Way band. In winter the ME passes
southeast, zenith, northwest, slicing thru the main group of inter
constellations. Open clusters and nebulae hug the Milky Way, making
winter a favorite time to explore them. Globular clusters are
scattered all over the sky, being in a cloud surrounding the Milky Way
galaxy. We do not see the concentration in the galactic center because
that part of the MW is not in the winter sky. it is a summer sky
feature. The MW in winter is thin and faint because we are looking
directly toward the outer rim of the galaxy, with few stars, and we
never yet see it from New York City. Other galaxies are scattered all
over the sky except along the MW band. Obscuring dust there blocks the
galaxies from view. We reviewed the concept of 'stars of the season'
or '... of the month'. These are the stars from Polaris thru zenith to
south horizon. Stars from the previous season or month are to the
west; next, east. This leads to the tactic of previewing next season's
stars by waiting for late night. This is done mostly in spring and
autumn to avoid either the heat and humidity of summer or the cold and
wind of winter. We took a peek at the lunar eclipse coming in january
but we'll do a session all for it on January 4th. We discussed ways to
stay comfortable for winter observing. If chill penetrates the body
observing is impossible. We exchanged suggestions for coats, gloves,
hoods, socks and shoes. The final topic was a breaking-news item, the
discovery of a planet at Barnard's Star. The star was long believed to
host a planet but no positive evidence could be found. The star is a
favorite target of home astronomers for its rapid proper motion thru
the stars. In the 1950s some astronomers found the proper motion path
was wobbly, as if a planet tugged the stars. others felt the wobble
was an artifact of the instrument or atmospheric turbulence. Most of
the work on Barnard's Star ws done at Swarthmore College, near
Philadelphia by Dr van de Kamp and dr Lippincott. Both are deceased
without finding the elusive planet.. Takeaways were orbit simulations
of comet wirtamen, sample comet input screens for softwares, sample
comet element file, general starchart for winter, chart of Uranus for
2019, general fact sheet for the lunar eclipse,sky charts of MW-DSO
relationship, finder chart and light curve for variable star omicron
Ceti, article on binocular winter atlas plates for winter zone of sky,
article on keeping warm for winter observing. objects
Starting mod Ja 2019 yellow and green taxis collect $2.50
surcharge for rides starting or ending south of 96 St on Manhattan.
Fee is charged also for rides passing thru this sector with both start
and end beyond it. This is part of NYC's new 'congestion zone'
program. Private call-a-ride cars, like lyft and Uber, collect $2.75..
This is on top of other surcharges for rushhour and nights. Program
was to begin jan 1 but Manhattan Sup Ct put a hold on it for a couple
weeks.
A holiday wreath mounted on an offoce tower broke into flames on
2018 Dec 21 ~10:30 EST. W. One lamp bulb on wreath, at 330 Madison Av
& 32 St, MH, flashed and ignited the wreath. Building was evacuated
and FDNY quickly put out the blaze. The burned-up wreath was removed.
and there were no injuries.
Dazzling 'astoria borealis' blasted out over City on 2018 Dec 27
~21:10 EST. It lighted the sky in neon blue, bright enough to turn off
photocell lamps and reveal textue in clouds. Some witnesses thought it
was attack from UFO, North Korea, improvised atom bomb. It was a large
transformer explosion at the Astoria power plant, Astoria QN. It
passes electric from the plant to Con Edison's power grid. Incident
cut electric to upper manhattan, north Queens, laGuardia airport,
Rikers is prison. Explosion ws heard up to 5km
away and glow dome was visible from 50km away. No injuries or major
fires, but wreckage will take weeks to repair.
Sky News
------
The Observer's handbook offer closed on 26 December 2018 when our
last copy was handed over to a local astronomer in the City. We placed
a near-record number of books into astronomers's hands this year,
boosted by several requests from clubs for multiple copies. The 2020
offer opens in September 2019.
December was a poor month for observing due to continual bouts of
clouds and rain. The clear nights were usually veiled with haze. On
the plus side, we did not suffer a hard winter air -- yet! -- with
temperatures only as low as -5C and only occasional strong breezes.
Repeated rounds of cloudy/rainy nights all over NYSkies interfered
with viewing comet Wirtamen. A major letdown was 2018 December 14-17
when comet passed between Pleiades and Hyades. After a couple clear
night to raise hopes, clouds and rain sweeped in during those
particular nights. Thru it all, NYSkiers got several satisfying views.
In the Dec 20s large Moon and haze made observing tougher. Wirtamen is
still up there in January 2019, fading as it recedes from Earth. It
passes thru Auriqa and Lynx. It reached at best 3-1/2 magn, being
plainly seen by eye from a darksky site. City astronomers, under, at
best, hazy skies, continued to need binoculars.
The Globe at Night run on 2018 November 2+-December 8 recorded
only mediocre skies, with many being hazy or cloudy. The next round is
2018 December 29-j2019 January 7.
The Geminid meteor shower was thoroly rained out in NYSkies. At
least two special observing events for it were washed out. The
Geminids in this century seem to get stronger, to equal or maybe
surpass the Perseids.
New planetary star, Banrad's Star, announced in November 2018.
star was for devades suspected of having planets but no positive
evidence turned up. Barnard's Star is not 'bright' at magn +9.5. it is
already a must-see target of home astronomers for its huge proper
motion. With a detail map a small scope can detect the star's
displacement within a year Barnard's Star is also the nearest red
dwarf to us, only 1.8 parsecs away. It's in the Summer Hyades asterism
of Opiuchus..
-------------------------------
star name | Barnard's Star
right ascension | 17h57m49s
declination | +04d41m36s
apparent magn | +9.5
spectral type | M4-V
distance | 1.8pc, ~5.8 ly
absolute magn | +13.2
star radius | 0.19 Sun
star mass | 1.44 Sun
---------------+-----------------
planet name | Barnard's Star b
semimajor axis | 0.404 AU
orbit excenty | 0.32
orbital period | 232.8 day
planet mass | 0.0101 Jupiter, 3.25 Earth
planet radius | 1.36 Earth
---------------------------/
Uranus still excites observers as he oscillates in Pisces-Aries. A
detailed finder chart is needed.
Several reports of iridescence on nearby clouds during day of
2018Dec 24. They could be mistaken for parhelia if seen left or right
of Sun, but have no spectral colors and sit directly within a cloud.
Mars is fading into southwest-west, long past his opposition
brilliance.He is more noticeable, in spite of modest brightness,
because he's in a faint-star region of Aquarius.
Every one is seething excited for the 2019 lan 20-21 eclipse in
january 2019! It's a long all-night start-to-finish event. The
previous lunar eclipse, 31 January 2018, occurred at sunrise for a
good selenoelion. Scout out a viewing location NOW that provides
comfort and shelter to cope with potential winter cold and wind.