AAA OBSERVING

Far from letting life under some of the world's most light-polluted skies deter us from actively viewing the night sky, AAA members are dedicated not only to observing the heavens but to introducing the public to the wonders of astronomy. In cooperation with the New York City Department of Parks, the United States Park Service, and other organizations, the Amateur Astronomers Association holds observing sessions at several locations in and around New York City. Thousands of New Yorkers attend our eclipse watches, public observing sessions, and annual Urban Starfest, held in the fall in Central Park's Sheep Meadow. Members bring telescopes and binoculars through which anyone can look. Instruction on how to find objects in the night sky is provided. If you're looking to get binoculars or a telescope yourself, this is a good opportunity to look at some equipment and ask questions.
 
 
The club hosts regular observing sessions at a number of locations in New York City, plus a dark-sky spot at North-South Lake in the Catskills.  Each has its own webpage, with details and instructions on getting there:

Members often conduct impromptu expeditions to escape from the worst of New York City's skyglow, to sites including but not limited to Wilcox Park in the Hudson Valley, Custer Institute on Long Island, and Voorhees State Park and Jenny Jump in New Jersey. Check out the Out-of-Town Observing page, and contact Rich Rosenberg for more information.
 
A number of members write reports on their observing sessions.  It's a good way to get a feel for a night under the stars.  These can be found on our Observing Reports page.
 
AAA members are encouraged to attend meetings of the Observers Group, which usually meets the last Tuesday evening each month.
 
Last but not least, check out This Month's Sky to see what's currently happening above, and the Clear Sky Clock to see what the weather forecast looks like for the next 48 hours or so.