Astronomy and Night Sky Programs
To learn more about these or other related events visit the official NYC Department of Parks and Recreation Pages. Be sure to check with them for last minute changes, cancellations or anything else.
The wonders of the universe are ready to be discovered and New York City parks are the perfect place to stargaze and explore the night sky. The Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Astronomy is a favorite science topic for children and our programs are the perfect gateway for furthering science education. Fall and winter are the best times to observe meteor showers, the phases of the moon, and many planets of the Milky Way.
Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe specific astronomical events. Many programs feature astronomy experts and
all equipment is provided. Night Sky programs highlight the history and folklore of the solar system, using the naked eye to locate stars and planets. Programs are best enjoyed on clear nights, so please call ahead if weather conditions are not clear
Bronx
Saturday, January 18
Astronomy / Van Cortlandt Park 6 P.M. /
Van Cortlandt Nature Center, West 246th Street And Broadway
Saturday, March 1
The night sky / Pelham Bay Park 7 p.m. /
Pelham Bay Nature Center, Bruckner Boulevard and Wilkinson Avenue
Brooklyn
Saturday, January 25
Astronomy / Marine Park 6 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd street and Avenue u
Saturday, March 8
The night sky / Marine Park 7 p.m. / Salt Marsh Nature Center, East 33rd street and Avenue u
Manhattan
Sunday, January 19
Astronomy / Inwood Hill Park 6 p.m. / Inwood Hill Park, West 218th street and Indian Road
Sunday, March 9
The night sky / Central Park 7 p.m. / Belvedere Castle, 79th street and Mid-Park
Queens
Sunday, January 26
Astronomy / Fort Totten Park 6 p.m. / Fort Totten Visitor Center, 212th street and Cross Island Parkway
Sunday, March 2
The night sky / Fort Totten Park 7 p.m. /Â Fort Totten Visitor Center, 212th street and Cross Island Parkway
Staten Island
Saturday, February 1
The night sky / Wolfe’s Pond Park 6 p.m. / Comfort Station west of Cornelia Avenue
Saturday, March 15
The night sky / Wolfe’s Pond Park 7 p.m. / Comfort Station West Of Cornelia Avenue
Urban Park Ranger Nature And Visitor Centers
Bronx
Crotona Nature Center:
Crotona Park. Enter The Park At Charlotte St.
And Crotona Park East. 718.378.2061
Orchard Beach Nature Center:
Pelham Bay Park. Section 2 Of Orchard
Beach. 718.885.3466
Pelham Bay Ranger Station:
Pelham Bay Park. Bruckner Blvd. And
Wilkinson Ave. 718.319.7258
Van Cortlandt Nature Center:
Van Cortlandt Park. Enter The Park At
West 246th St. And Broadway. 718.548.0912
Brooklyn
Salt Marsh Nature Center:
Marine Park. East 33rd St. And Avenue U.
718.421.2021
Fort Greene Visitor Center:
Fort Greene Park. Enter The Park At Myrtle
Avenue And Washington Park. 718.722.3218
Manhattan
Belvedere Castle:
Central Park. 79th St., Mid-Park.
212.628.2345
Inwood Hill Nature Center:
Inwood Hill Park. Enter Park At West 218th
St. And Indian Road. This Center Is Under Renovation Due To The Effects Of Hurricane Sandy
Queens
Alley Pond Park Adventure Center:
Alley Pond Park. Enter At Winchester Blvd.,
Under The Grand Central Parkway.
718.217.6034 Or 718.217.4685
Forest Park Visitor Center:
Forest Park. Woodhaven Blvd. And Forest
Park Drive. 718.846.2731
Fort Totten Visitors Center:
Fort Totten Park. Enter Park At Fort Entrance,
North Of Intersection Of 212 St. And Cross
Island Pkwy. And Follow Signs. 718.352.1769
Staten Island
Blue Heron Nature Center:
Blue Heron Park. 222 Poillon Avenue,
Between Amboy Road And Hylan Boulevard.
718.967.3542
High Rock Ranger Station:
High Rock Park. Park In The Lot At The End Of
Nevada Avenue, Off Rockland Ave., And Follow Signs.