AAA URBAN STARFEST IN CENTRAL PARK

The Amateur Astronomers Association, in conjunction with the Urban Park Rangers, presents its annual Urban Starfest each year in the Sheep Meadow of Central Park on a Saturday evening in the fall. There is a rain/cloud date the following evening.

The Urban Starfest is free and open to everyone. It demonstrates the ability and perseverance of amateur astronomers and the general public to view the wonders of the night sky even though we will only be a mile from Times Square! The Sheep Meadow is an open area of Central Park free of glare from local lighting and where almost the entire sky can be seen. Many club members and other amateur astronomers bring large telescopes so that they and the public can share in the heavenly views.

THIS YEAR'S STARFEST (2011) WILL BE HELD FROM DUSK TO 10 PM ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
CLOUD/RAIN DATE IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23

Keith Rowan has written an excellent history of Starfest on his website at http://rigel.csi.cuny.edu/rowan/NYC_Urban_Starfest.html

NOTE: Free parking nearby will be available for those bringing telescopes to Starfest (send your name and license plate number to president@aaa.org).

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.

Map: http://newyorkcity2005.web.infoseek.co.jp/information/maps/centralpark-map.html

Photo gallery from Starfest 2010.  
Photo gallery from Starfest 2008.