What should I expect to see from a rooftop in Manhattan?

The Moon and bright planets should be fair game most of the time, but fainter objects may be pretty difficult because you are in possibly the worst place in the country to be seeing a clear sky. Light pollution reflecting off of clouds and haze will probably frustrate you. But your best bet is to just go out there with a sky chart, identify the faintest stars you can see, and if the answer is 2nd magnitude...stick to the Moon, and the bright planets! Lunar studies are always fun and doable just about anywhere. It can get pretty stale though!


Copyright 1997 Dr. Sten Odenwald
Return to Ask the Astronomer.