AAA STARGAZING ON THE HIGH LINE

The AAA began observing on the High Line shortly after the line opened last year.  Right now (wintertime) we're pretty quiet, but we will resume our meetings there in March or April.  We expect to be there every Tuesday evening from then until the weather gets too fierce.

We expect to have a special meeting during the winter to view the planet Mas, which will be close to earth and bright, during late January or early February.  Watch this space!

In 2010 we expect to have good views of the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn at various times during the year.  Among many beautiful configurations, in August there will be a spectacular gathering of Venus, Mars and Saturn!  We'll also show off the universe beyond our solar system -- star clusters,  nebulae and galaxies.

Built in the 1930's as an elevated freight line on the west side of Manhattan, the High Line had become unused and overgrown with weeds. With demolition likely, concerned citizens and community groups worked with the city to preserve and maintain the structure as a public park. The park opened in June of 2009 and has been attracting up to 15,000 enthusiastic visitors a day. 
 
Getting to the High Line

 The nearest subway station is the 14th Street & 8th Ave stop on the A/C/E trains. From there it's only a block and a half walk to 10th Ave (or take the crosstown bus). 

If you're planning to drive, keep in mind that the area around the High Line is very busy at night - lots of restaurants, etc. Nevertheless, it's not too hard to find a parking spot Monday through Thursday. On Friday or Saturday, parking is nearly impossible - unless you're willing to pay for a space in a garage. 
 
Observing Locations

We expect to be observing most of the time south of the 14th Street entrance, below the Hotel.

You can enter the park at any one of these entrances/exits:

       Gansevoort Street
       14th Street
       16th Street (with elevator access)
       18th Street
       20th Street

 
Hours

The High Line is open during the day and at night until 10 PM. Starting at about 9:30, the park attendants close the southern and northernmost exits and begin shepherding people towards the 14th and 16th Street exits. AAA observing will take place from dusk until about 9:45. 
 
 

Web Resources

There's a great NY Times article about the High Line here.

The official website for the Friends of the High Line is at http://www.thehighline.org