Showing posts with label astronomy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label astronomy. Show all posts

Monday, August 12, 2019

Scenes From Roosevelt Island Stargazing Last Saturday Night - Whoa, See Saturn's Rings, Moonscape & More - Next Sunday Microscope Station At Lighthouse Park Reveals Hidden East River Life

Following a very successful May 18 night of Roosevelt Island Stargazing at the Riverwalk Commons, NYPL's Roosevelt Island branch brought back OB Astronomy for a second time of looking up at the stars from Roosevelt Island last Saturday night - this time at the Cornell Tech campus.


iDig2Learn Founder Chistina Delfico shares these photos and reports:
Whoa, it’s beautiful,” exclaimed a 10 year-old boy when looking at our moon’s craters


last Saturday night through a hi-powered telescope for the NYPL Roosevelt Island branch’s space-themed summer reading event.

Back by popular demand Chris Vallo, from OBAstronomy,


guided hundreds of excited and grateful stargazers on how to spot Saturn and it’s rings,


Jupiter and it’s four visible moons while I supported nearby with a second telescope reminding viewers that Io, one of Jupiter’s moons, has active volcanoes just like Hawaii here on Earth.


All ages were star struck and it was hard not to feel like Galileo Galilei in the 1600’s seeing Jupiter’s moons for the first time.

To kickoff the night Roosevelt Island NYPL’s Ms. Jen happily read to a grassy lawn full of families on blankets for a space-themed story time.


The library’s Sasha Jones had a tremendous spread of books on hand for all ages and encouraged visitors to continue the learning at the Roosevelt Island local branch.

All partners were thrilled when Cornell Tech’s Jane Swanson sent word that yes, the university would love to partner and welcome the public on campus for an evening of stargazing for unobstructed views of the night’s sky.


One man summed it up saying it was great to come out and meet nice people.

Though we only had one night of stargazing with OBAstronomy we plan to have Chris back soon.

Meanwhile, visit NYPL’s Roosevelt Island branch to check out loads of books about the universe and stay connected for upcoming events by following @RooseveltIslandLib @obastronomy @iDig2Learn @cornell_tech
Ms Delfico reports approximately 4-500 people enjoyed the Roosevelt Island Stargazing.

No more telescope Stargazing this week but on Sunday, August 18 check out the microscope stations at Lighthouse Park for up close view of hidden East River life.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 6:34:00 PM 0 comments

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

A Night Of Stargazing, Astronomy & Astrophotograpy Returns To Roosevelt Island At The Cornell Tech Campus - You're Invited To A Close Up View Of The Moon, Stars And Maybe A Surprise Or Two, Depending On Weather And Clear Skies

A night of Stargazing, Astronomy and Astrophotography returns to Roosevelt Island at the Cornell Tech campus on either this coming Saturday, Monday or Tuesday depending on the weather and clear skies.

According to the NYPL Roosevelt Island Public Library branch:
B.Y.O.Blanket! Stargazing, Astronomy, & Astrophotography

Open to the public -- families encouraged!

ONE AUGUST NIGHT

Saturday August 10th OR Monday August 12th OR Tuesday August 13th

on Cornell Tech's Roosevelt Island campus

Roosevelt Island has clear views of the night sky. Join us for a fun outdoor evening on Cornell Tech's Roosevelt Island campus as we use high-powered telescopes to view + learn about the Sun, our Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and other sights of our universe. Weather dependent. Look up and if the skies are clear, we'll be out on the first night!

Exact night confirmed on Twitter and Instagram follow:

@RooseveltIslandLib @obastronomy @iDig2Learn @cornell_tech

This program is presented in partnership with OBAstronomy, iDig2Learn, and Cornell Tech. 
Check out scenes from iDig2Learn and OB Astronomy's

May 18 night of Roosevelt Island Riverwalk Commons Stargazing


Moonwatch,

  Image From Arsha Antony

sighting of planet Jupiter rising and the International Space Station passing by.

More pics of the May 18 Roosevelt Island Stargazing here.

See you at the Roosevelt Island Stargazing either this Saturday, Monday or Tuesday - it will be fun and educational.

UPDATE 8/10 - The Stargazing took place last night - Saturday. Stay tuned for pictures.


No Stargazing Monday or Tuesday.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 12:28:00 PM 0 comments

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Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Roosevelt Island Residents Gathered Last Saturday Night To Moonwatch, Stargaze And Search For International Space Station With 2 Very Large Telescopes Courtesy Of iDig2Learn And OB Astronomy


Excited Roosevelt Island residents, young and a bit older,


gathered on a brisk Saturday evening at the Riverwalk Commons to gaze at the moon, stars and even the International Space Station from two large telescopes


brought to the Riverwalk Commons courtesy of iDig2Learn founder Christina Delfico and OB Astronomy's Chris Vallo.
Christina Delfico, iDig2Learn’s founder who organized the event as part of the Celebrating Roosevelt Island’s Nature series reports over a hundred folks came out and definitely wants to invite Chris back. Ms Delfico adds:
Saturday night’s clear skies were all we needed for OBAstronomy’s visiting expert Chris Vallo to grab his high-powered telescope and set up on Roosevelt Island.


The night was cooler than expected but no one wanted to leave and with the telescope still on the hand truck crowds of curious residents of all ages were gathering wanting to look. Chris likes to say, patience and hope are key traits of budding astronomers and that was true as we waiting until 8:30 pm for the giant pink colored full moon to peak up

Image From Arsha Antony

over buildings in Long Island City.

Riverwalk Commons, the area between Fuji East restaurant and Duane Reade, provided great viewing grounds as old and new friends came out and patiently lined up twenty-five at a time behind each telescope for a glimpse of our Moon’s craters.


One very young viewer learning to talk uttered a few words as she squealed with delight saying, “Big, big, balloon,” and motioned her hands as if to hug the moon.


Friends we see on the sidewalk stopped and stayed for hours getting to know each other better.

As if the bright full moon weren’t enough, seeing Jupiter rising added to the excitement. One freelance casting agent said she had been at the home office all week and she just had to come out to see this. As she looked through the lens she noticed that the four moons of Jupiter were visible.

Luke a young resident savvy to all things space including the International Space Station’s flyover times and about 40 viewers shouted and pointed as it’s bright lights whizzed by making the arch between buildings in less than two minutes.

Read more »

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 3:40:00 PM 0 comments

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Sunday, May 12, 2019

You're Invited To Roosevelt Island Stargazing, Astronomy & Astrophotography May 13, 14 & 18 Evenings At Riverwalk Commons - Presented By IDig2Learn Celebrating Roosevelt Island's Nature Series With Chelsea NYC Astronomy

You're invited to 3 upcoming evenings of Roosevelt Island Stargazing courtesy of iDig2Learn and Chelsea NYC Astronomy.

According to iDig2Learn founder and Roosevelt Island resident Christina Delfico:

Stargazing, Astronomy + Astrophotography

​Free Open to the public - families encouraged.

Roosevelt Island has clear views of the daytime and night sky. Join us for fun outdoor evenings as we use high-powered telescopes to view + learn more about the Sun, our Moon, Mars and other sights of our universe. Dates dependent on cloud cover. Look up and ​if the skies are clear​ we’ll be there on these evenings!

MON May 13 ​(Sunset 8:04 pm)
TUES May 14 ​(Sunset 8:05 pm)
SAT May 18 ​(Sunset 8:08 pm)
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

In January 2018, Jupiter Joe Sidewalk Astronomy came to Roosevelt Island


to view the Super Blood Moon and give an astronomy lesson.



So, stop by the Riverwalk Commons on May 13, 14 and/or 18 for some fun and educational stargazing.

UPDATE 5/13:

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 4:52:00 PM 0 comments

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Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy Shows Roosevelt Island Up Close View Of Super Blue Blood Moon On A Chilly Evening Tonight


Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy came to


Roosevelt Island tonight


to share with residents 


a peek at the Super Blue Blood Moon through


his telescope


and to discuss fascinating questions about the moon and astronomy.



According to the Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy web site:
... the goal of Jupiter Joe's Sidewalk Astronomy is to help cultivate an interest in learning, an aptitude for questioning and a chance to witness the awe of our great universe. My hope is that for every person that leaves the eyepiece of the telescope having seen the rings of Saturn, the great red spot of Jupiter, or the crater filled surface of our moon, asks themselves one question... "What else is out there?" It's that question that can spark a lifetime of knowledge and inspire career goals.

We hope that you can come out and experience a stargazing event and learn to love the solar system along with your family.


Roosevelt Island looks forward to Jupiter Joe's next visit.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 8:28:00 PM 0 comments

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Monday, January 1, 2018

Begin 2018 New Year With Roosevelt Island Supermoon Viewing Tonight, Dress Warmly & See The Stars!!!!

Happy 2018 New Year's wishes are drawn on a snowy Roosevelt Island Firefighter's Field

You can celebrate 2018 New Year's Day across the street from Firefighters Field tonight at a Roosevelt Island Supermoon viewing with amateur astronomer Kuiper Kat.
According to amateur astronomer Kuiper Kat:
Join Kuiper Kat's Astronomy on Roosevelt Island as we kick off the New Year with a Supermoon observing session! This will be our first full moon of the year, as well as a Supermoon.

Observing will be from 6pm-8:30pm, weather permitting.

... We will be on Main Street, near the entrance of the Riverwalk Bar & Grill.
Learn more about Supermoons from NASA.


Updates from Kuiper Kat about tonight's Roosevelt Island Supermoon observing here.

UPDATE 1/2/18:


By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 12:27:00 PM 0 comments

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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Join Astronomer For Roosevelt Island Solar Observing And Supermoon Viewing Sun-Day December 3 At Firefighters Field

Join amateur astronomer Kuiper Kat  tomorrow for some solar observing and Supermoon viewing Sunday, December 3 at Roosevelt Island's Firefighters Field. According to Kuiper Kat:
Join Kuiper Kat's Astronomy for a full day of observing at Roosevelt Island!

We'll start off with solar observing, then end the day with some stargazing, leading into the last Supermoon of 2017!

Solar observing will be from 1pm-3pm with stargazing from 5pm-8pm.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Roosevelt Island tram onto Roosevelt Island. Firefighters Field will be to the right, as you exit. We will be near the entrance of the park.
May not have been a Supermoon, but I saw a pretty big moon last night.
UPDATE 12/3:
Check here for latest info.

UPDATE 10:45 PM:

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 5:58:00 PM 0 comments

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Sunday, August 20, 2017

Are You Planning On Watching The Solar Eclipse Tomorrow? It Will Be Incredible But Make Sure To View Safely With Protective Eclipse Glasses

Are you going to be watching tomorrow's solar eclipse from Roosevelt Island?


The NY Times reports:
Tomorrow a total eclipse will crawl across the continental U.S. for the first time in nearly a century!

Starting around 1:15 p.m. E.D.T., a 70-mile-wide shadow cast by the moon will make landfall in Oregon and finish its path in South Carolina at around 2:49 p.m. E.D.T. Though only a lucky few will be in the direct path of totality — check here to see if you will be — the view from anywhere in North America will be incredible....


According to the American Museum Of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium:
... While New York is not in this “path of totality,” we will be able to see the Moon cover more than 70 percent of the Sun....
NYC Parks adds:
... Although a total solar eclipse is visible from some place on Earth about every 18 months, the last time the United States experienced a coat-to-coast total solar eclipse was 1918—99 years ago! After August 21, the next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse is due on August 12, 2045.

NYC hasn’t experienced a total eclipse since 1925. The next total eclipse in NYC will take place on May 1, 2079. We'll experience another partial eclipse on April 8, 2024.

So, if you’re planning on getting a good look at the Great American Eclipse, here are the details on when and where to view the solar eclipse in New York City:
When

Monday, August 21 at 2:44 p.m. – The best time to view the eclipse is between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting). The actual event occurs at 2:44 p.m. The eclipse will last only three minutes, so be prepared!...
From The Twitterverse:

2017 Solar Eclipse with Joe Rao from Michael Kozel on Vimeo.

and take a look at these instructions describing how to to safely watch the partial solar eclipse in NYC- use eclipse glasses.



More in depth information on tomorrow's Solar Eclipse from the American Museum of Natural History.



If you're planning to watch the Eclipse tomorrow off Roosevelt Island, Curbed, DNA Info and NYC Parks have some suggestions.

UPDATE 8/21 - Waiting for the start of the eclipse at Roosevelt Island Pizzeria - with safety glasses on.


UPDATE 8:30 PM - Pictures from the Solar Eclipse.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 7:37:00 PM 0 comments

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Saturday, December 15, 2007

Sir Arthur C. Clarke's Birthday Message to Roosevelt Island and the Rest of the World

I am a big fan of science fiction and Arthur C. Clarke together with Isaac Asimov and Robert Heinlein are my favorite authors of this genre. Via Space Ref,

Sir Arthur C. Clarke, a science-fiction author, inventor, and futurist, simply a greate mind celebrates his 90th birth anniversary on 16th of December, 2007.
Sir Arthur was the first person to propose using geostationary satellites for instant global communications.

An ``artificial satellite'' at the correct distance from the earth would make one revolution every 24 hours; i.e., it would remain stationary above the same spot and would be within optical range of nearly half the earth's surface. Three repeater stations, 120 degrees apart in the correct orbit, could give television and microwave coverage to the entire planet."

He is the author of many books including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Childhood's End, Rendezvous With Rama and my favorite Clarke book, Fountains of Paradise that describes the construction of a space elevator.

Sir Arthur developed the 3 Laws of Prediction:

1- When a distinguished but elderly scientist states that something is possible, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong. 2- The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible. 3- Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Happy 90 orbits around the sun Sir Arthur. Transcript and video of Arthur C. Clarke's 90th birthday remarks are here. UPDATE 12/16/07: For those interested in space and astronomy, today's Washington Post has a fantastic profile of Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Director of the Hayden Planetarium.
"I grew up in the Bronx, and I'd never been in total darkness before," he says. "The closest you'll get is a movie theater, but even in a movie theater there's a glow from the doors. So I had a kind of urban view of the universe, and when I was at the planetarium and the stars came up, I remember thinking, 'Nice show, but this is not the real universe. I've seen the real universe, and it has 12 stars in it.' " Once Tyson learned otherwise, he was smitten. He'd talk about the universe, read about the universe and, whenever possible, stare at the universe through a telescope he'd lug to the roof of the apartment building where his family lived. Whenever anyone asked what he'd do when he grew up, he had an answer, one that he had trouble pronouncing at the time: "I'm going to be an astrophysicist." Which is what he became, though his PhD in the subject is but one line of a résumé so packed with titles and achievements that it is tiring to read. Tyson is the author of eight books on all things intergalactic, most recently "Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries," a bestseller that was just released in paperback. He is also the host of "Nova ScienceNow," a "60 Minutes"-style show on PBS, as well as a lecturer, researcher and a TV pundit whenever the heavens make news.
I don't think Arthur C. Clarke would mind sharing his birthday message with Neil deGrasse Tyson.

By ROOSEVELT ISLANDER at 9:34:00 PM 0 comments

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