Some easy to follow startup tips to help your launch your astronomy hobby. You don't need elaborate equipment or any investment in binoculars or telescopes. The Hamptons is the perfect place to engage in naked-eye astronomy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
​Stargazing is a wonder-full way to recharge, download your stress, and it won’t cost a thing.There is something quite magical about starwatching: a solitary pursuit that can simultaneously relax and inspire. It’s been a mainstay for many during these unsettled times. Stars, the skies, planets, and the phases of the moon have fascinated us since time began.

​Earthly dwellers who marveled at the vast cosmos eventually gave orderly form and names to the shapes they saw to explain worldly happenings, chores, and pursuits.

Stargazing also gave rise to storytelling. As we defined the objects and gave titles to these luminaries, we created mythologies that offered meaning to our lives, our seasons, and which provided direction.

We handed down stories and lore regarding the patterns of stars we called constellations. The earliest written descriptions of star collections are by Greek poet Aratus in 270 BC.

It’s fascinating that many cultures throughout time developed the same myths and systems on these celestial assemblages without having contact or communication.

Starwatching these arrangements led to the development of tools that helped man to utilize the astral configurations to navigate his world. Crossing the seas using routes piloted by the stars supported man’s efforts to move, grow, and claim new territories around the globe.

Today, astronomers recognize 88 constellations in both the north and south hemispheres. Men, women, birds, animals, sea creatures, serpents, a dragon, rivers, insects, centaurs, and 29 inanimate objects make up the patterns.

This past year has sent us searching within, to delve and seek enjoyable and fulfilling activities on our own. Backyard, naked-eye astronomy—that requires no special equipment—fits the bill perfectly.

Astronomy is an enchanting, self-sufficient pursuit. Naked-eye astronomy is simply stargazing without the aid of any elaborate equipment or optical devices such as binoculars or telescopes. There is plenty to see and enjoy anytime, anywhere.

Early man began to forecast events as he recognized that various arrangements moved and appeared at the same time, same place each year or season. The melting snow produced an overflow of rivers, streams, and lakes, and so we named one shape in the January sky, The Water Boy. Spring, a fertile time for crops and growth, gave rise to Taurus, The Bull. And so forth.
One can’t help but wonder how a modern-day astronomer would name the constellations today to reflect the momentous events of modern life. Today’s stellar shapes might be interpreted as the iPhone, the Internet, or a Climate Change Warrior.

Some backyard astronomers joke how they can see Jupiter so clearly 556 million miles away when we need eyeglasses to read a highway sign. The planets can’t generate their own light. We are seeing the powerful light they reflect back from the sun.

How does one begin to launch a backyard astronomy hobby?

You might not ever use the skies as your personal GPS or rely on the stars to tell time, but you can get lost in the charm of the infinite universe as you ponder and calm your daily stress away by discovering magnificent objects such as stars, satellites, comets, meteor showers, and more.

A great starting point to begin your exploration is to observe the International Space Station. You can sign up to receive email or text alerts from NASA on when the International Space Station will be cruising overhead at an altitude of 248 miles (400 kilometers). It circles the globe every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 mph (28,000 kmh). Go here to sign up for alerts in your area. It’s an exciting event to witness.

Looking at the phases of the Moon is another way to jumpstart an astronomy hobby, followed by locating the most visible planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, and Venus. Going online to learn how to locate one’s astrological constellation is another fun activity.

Learning the names of the brightest stars and how they “sit” together to form patterns is a giant step. At first, the stars and the stories they radiate seem cryptic, but after studying star charts, you’ll be able to identify key locators in the sky to guide you. Star charts are available for both Southern and Northern Hemispheres at no cost from many online sources. They come with simple instructions on holding the map to face the right direction along with the proper viewing month and time of day. Download copies from your Google search or send me an email and I’ll be happy to send you charts.

You might want to keep a logbook to chart the constellations and planets you’ve seen. Include the date, time, conditions of the sky, and your sighting(s). Each observation will serve as a milestone to encourage you to discover more.

To begin working with the star charts, choose a course (North, South, East, or West) for viewing. When I took classes at New York’s Hayden Planetarium, I chose one direction during the current season and worked on mastering five sky happenings. Using a star chart during the summer months, I was able to locate the Summer Triangle (Altair, Deneb, Vega), Cygnus (the Swan), Lyra, Aquila (the Eagle), and Draco.

Each week, I attempted to identify more. As the seasons changed, I set my focus on new targets.

You can also branch out and involve friends or neighbors. If there is an observatory in your region, call them and see if they offer courses or have a club.

No matter how you plan your liftoff into the world of naked-eye astronomy, you’ll be launching a lifetime activity and interest that will move and energize you while decreasing the tensions of everyday life.
Read the feature in Elephant Journal: 
https://elejrnl.com?p=2661796

The Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce presents a first-ever series of holiday events
Each Friday Night, Sag Harbor will light up with holiday fun for the whole family, with extended shop hours, dining specials, holiday music on Main Street by WLNG, and weekly event highlights including the Sag Harbor Tree Lighting & Main Street Light-up, socially distant Santa visits, and so much more. Main Street’s historic small town charm will be on full display as our shops and restaurants invite you to shop small, support local and discover the gifts of the season.

Scheduled Events
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27
5:00 – 8:00 pm: Main Street Holiday Window Unveiling & Harbor Stroll
Enjoy extended shop hours and gifts with purchase as you kick off the holiday shopping season and support Sag Harbor’s small business community.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
5:30 pm: Sag Harbor Tree Lighting on Main Street & The Wharf
Watch the village light up with the spirit of the season, thanks to The Sag Harbor Chamber of Commerce! Special thanks to Chamber members Jackson Dodds & Company, the Sag Harbor Garden Center and Sag Harbor LVIS for their support. Enjoy holiday music on Main Street by WLNG.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
4:00 – 6:00 pm: Santa on a Fire Truck!
Join us for socially distant Santa visits & photo ops on Main Street. Location to be announced. Enjoy holiday music on Main Street by WLNG.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17
5:00 – 8:00 pm: Shop & Give Back
Get your final holiday shopping done & give back to local causes with a portion of proceeds from shopping & dining to benefit our favorite East End charities, and music on Main Street by WLNG!

Participating Businesses & Holiday Specials
Ava’s & Around Again on Long Wharf Promenade: Exclusive Friday Discounts & Gift with Purchase. Open until 8pm Fridays!

Frances Valentine: 10% Discount on Friday Nights, Free Mask with Friday Night purchase while supplies last. Complimentary shipping, curbside pick up and local delivery also available. Open until 8pm Fridays!

In Home: Friday Night Gift with Purchase. Check store for Friday hours.

K PASA: Complimentary Dessert with your meal when you show proof of purchase from Friday Night shopping on Main Street!

Matriark Sag Harbor: Gift with purchases above $250. Check store for Friday hours.

Ryland Life Equipment: Gift with purchase packaged in Ryland Life Equipment tote. Plus, Virtual Styling, complimentary shipping over $100, curbside pickup, and local delivery available. Open until 8pm Fridays!

Sara Nightingale Gallery: 5% discount on Friday Nights, plus complimentary local delivery. Open until 8pm Fridays!

Sen Restaurant: Complimentary Edamame with your meal when you show proof of purchase from Friday Night shopping on Main Street!

Stella & Ruby: Friday Night Discounts, Free Shipping & Free Gift Wrapping. Open until 8pm Fridays!

Sunswell: Gifts with Purchase + Friday Night Holiday Grab Bag (with gifts for YOU!) Plus, local delivery & curbside pick-up. Open until 8pm Fridays!

The Wharf Shop: 20% off purchases between 6-8 PM Friday Nights with curbside pick-up available. Open until 8pm Fridays!

Plus great gifts and holiday cheer from Faherty Brand, Love Shack Fancy, OMO The Apothecary on Long Wharf, Romany Kramoris Gallery, Sag Harbor Variety, Sagtown Coffee, Satori, Stella Flame Gallery and more.

For more information and regular Friday Night Lights Holiday Festival event updates, follow @sagharborchamberofcommerce on Facebook & Instagram.

New York State's Governor Cuomo is being cautious about re-opening businesses, schools and other entities. While the number of coronavirus cases continue to drop, we are following guidelines that include a cessation of new construction projects and are wearing masks in public where social distancing is not possible.

Workers are required to wear masks, too, but many landscapers use the masks as props and don't follow the guidelines. 

These photos were taken around the neighborhood this morning:

​