AAA OBSERVING AT FLOYD BENNETT FIELD

The AAA meets monthly for stargazing on a Friday night at Floyd Bennett Field in Gateway National Park, Brooklyn. Observing is canceled if it is overcast or the temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chair: Art Kunhardt (718-643-0959), Stephen Lieber

NEW!  2010 Schedule -- Friday Nights

Directions (see maps below):

Floyd Bennett Field is located at the end of Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn (the "end" if coming from Manhattan). We meet on the site of the flying field for model airplanes (known as the RC Flying Field).

If coming by car take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S, which is Flatbush Avenue South. Take Flatbush Avenue for 1.3 miles. The entrance to the field is on the left side at a traffic light. This light is just before the toll plaza for the Marine Parkway Bridge. Once inside the park go 0.2 miles and make a left turn. There is a left turn lane here.

After turning, go straight for 1.1 miles. The road ends at a runway. Turn right onto this wide runway. Continue 0.7 miles and on the left side there is a 45-degree turn onto another runway. That is where we meet. The runways are not lighted. Fortunately this is the only left turn off of the main runway.

People coming by bus will have to do some walking, so be prepared. Take the #2 or #5 train to Flatbush Avenue (last stop).  The Q35 bus travels along Flatbush Avenue. There is a bus stop near the Marina.  There is a pedestrian entrance in front of the Ryan Center.  Enter there and go beyond the Ryan Center to the runway.  Turn left onto the runway and follow the directions above.  Download Q35 service information at http://www.greenbus.com/fall2003/q35.pdf.  Keep in mind that there is a very long walk along unlit runways. Carry a flashlight.

We try to meet once a month except during January and February, when it's just too cold, and in July and August, when we have a problem with mosquitoes (in other warm months, come but bring a repellent).  Events are canceled if cloudy, but we will try to meet if the skies are only partially cloudy.

We hope to see you there.

NOTE: A good map of the immediate observing area can be found at
http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/gate/ppMaps/GATE-we1.pdf