URBAN STARFEST ON NOVEMBER 10

The Amateur Astronomers Association, in conjunction with the Urban Park Rangers, will present its annual Urban Starfest on Saturday, November 10, from 6:30 to 10 PM. Rain date will be the following evening.

Urban Starfest demonstrates the ability and perseverance of amateur astronomers to view the wonders of the night sky even though we will only be a mile from Times Square! We will be in Central Park's Sheep Meadow, free of glare from local lighting. Many club members and other amateur astronomers bring large telescopes so that they and the public can share in the heavenly views.

The featured attraction, and the reason Starfest is taking place a little later this year, is Mars. The Red Planet will be reaching opposition on Christmas Eve, when it will be closest to Earth and up all night. While Mars won't be as big or bright on November 10, we should be able to make out its polar ice cap and other surface markings. Mars will rise about 8 PM; before then you'll be able to spot bluish-green Uranus and Neptune

A bonus is the sudden appearance of Comet Holmes! It should still be visible in binoculars and spectacular in a telescope.

Directions: Enter at Central Park West and 67th Street, walking past the parking lot for Tavern on the Green into the Sheep Meadow, a wide-open space where you should easily spot us.

http://www.aaa.org/