The Amateur Astronomers Association hauls solar-filtered telescopes out onto Pier I and lets anyone walking the Hudson greenway look directly at the sun, safely, which is a genuinely strange thing to be offered for free on a Sunday afternoon. Volunteers explain what you are seeing on the solar disc and why the filters matter, so it doubles as a short lesson in not damaging your eyes. It's three hours long and drop-in, so it costs you nothing to try.
What to expect
Walk out onto Pier I and join the short queue at whichever telescope is free; the astronomers rotate people through and explain what's visible on the solar surface that day. Expect a handful of scopes, a lot of questions from kids, and volunteers happy to answer all of them. It's entirely drop-in, so you can stay five minutes or the whole session.
Good to know
- Enter Riverside Park South at West 70th Street; the 1, 2 and 3 at 72nd Street is close.
- Never look at the sun without a proper filter, which is exactly why the telescopes are supervised.
- Cloud cover cancels it, so check the Summer on the Hudson channels before heading over.
- Free and drop-in, with no registration or ticket.
- The pier has no shade, so bring hats, sunscreen and water.
- The deck is flat and stroller-friendly, and the greenway runs right alongside.
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Common questions
Is it safe for kids to look at the sun?
Yes, through these telescopes. Every scope is fitted with a solar filter and supervised by Amateur Astronomers Association volunteers. Never look at the sun without one.
Do we need to register?
No. Sun Gaze Sundays is a free drop-in program on Pier I with no ticket or sign-up.
What happens if it's cloudy?
The session can be cancelled for clouds or bad weather, so check Riverside Park Conservancy's channels before you head over.
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