Stargazing isn't just for dark sky areas as visitors to New York City's Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will see, thanks to a series of free astronomy nights this year.
Even in a light-polluted city like New York constellations still burn bright. You just need to know where to look. That's why Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is bringing back its free astronomy nights this year on 3 April, 1 May, 19 June, 30 October and 6 November. Taking place on the decks of the historic aircraft carrier, the nights will be accompanied by local astronomers who will teach visitors how to stargaze with the help of high-powered telescopes and cosmic insights.
Visitors are also invited to join talks hosted by NASA scientists covering topics that include the use of origami in spacecraft design (3 April); how NASA is developing technology to search for water on Mars (1 May); the science of "moon quakes" (19 June) and the scientific findings from Voyager's trip around Saturn (6 November).
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is located on Pier 86 in Midtown, Manhattan. It's home to attractions like the space shuttle Enterprise, a record-breaking British Airways Concorde and simulators such as the G Force Encounter (which allows visitors to experience the thrill of flying a supersonic jet). The museum is housed in the former Intrepid aircraft carrier, which served in WWII and the Vietnam War, and as a NASA recovery vessel in the 1960s.
The family-friendly astronomy nights are free and open to members of the public over the age of ten. Space is limited so advance registration is recommended. Talks begin at 7.30pm, while stargazing begins at 8.15pm (weather permitting). For more information, see here.
