Spring has arrived! And with her the New Yorkers return to pour out in the open spaces – whether these are the parks, the roads or the small anfracts between a skyscraper and the other. And this awaits the next interesting event to participate in. For example, the first edition of the MoonFest, a completely new event set at 1 May, when, from 18 to 23, will open exceptionally after the closing time the Green-Wood Cemetery, one of the most important historical places in Brooklyn. Founded in 1838 and today recognized as National Historic Landmark, the monumental cemetery has also rediscovered cultural space, and in recent years has hosted concerts, guided tours and various initiatives.
The MoonFest was born to bring together scientific dissemination and artistic production. The program includes conferences with astronomers and historians, night sky observations, artistic installations and guided tours within the park. The stated goal is to tell the influence of the Moon on different areas – from tides to mythology to contemporary perspectives of space exploration. Although participation is free, the organization has activated a registration system with waiting list: it is necessary to register in time to participate, also because many activities will be accessible in order of arrival.
The event connects directly to the scientific history of the place: at the Green-Wood Cemetery, John William Draper is buried, a chemist and astronomer British naturalized American, known for carrying out in 1840 one of the first detailed photographs of the Moon. That image, obtained with pioneering techniques for the time, represented a crucial step in the development of astronomical photography and helped to demonstrate that scientific observation could be mediated by technological tools, opening a new phase in the study of heaven.
La foto della luna di John William Draper | via Wikimedia Commons
From a practical point of view, access to the event will take place from the main entrance between Fifth Avenue and 25th Street, with check-in at the internal structure – Green-House. The organization recommends the use of public transport – in particular the R metro line up to 25th Street – due to the limited availability of parking spaces in the area. A suitable clothing is required, since the cemetery is full of irregular and unlighted paths and many of the activities will take place on hilly terrain. Most indoor spaces remain accessible, while outdoor visits will have some restrictions. In case of adverse weather conditions, any updates will be communicated a few hours before the start by email to members.
L’articolo Observing the moon from the dark of a cemetery can also be fun proviene da IlNewyorkese.
