Whitby & District Astronomical Society

The date of the Vernal Equinox and of astronomical spring in the northern hemisphere (the official start of spring) falls on March 20th this year.  This is when the Sun's path (‘the ecliptic’) first crosses the celestial equator on its apparent journey northwards into the sky.  The orientation of the Earth at the spring or autumnal equinox is such that neither of Earth’s poles are inclined toward the Sun and all locations experience equal hours of daylight and darkness; hence the term equinox. [Read more about The Spring Equinox]

On Saturday March 2^nd we will be in action again at the Danby Moors Centre for their Dark Sky half term event.  This is their ‘flagship event’, and if skies are clear we shall definitely require assistance from members regarding scopes/transport, similar to the event held last October.  Hopefully skies will be clear this time round, if so, we shall be observing some of the jewels of the winter sky.  The event runs from 7pm- 9pm, so we shall have to set off shortly after 6pm to allow time to set up equipment etc if conditions look promising... [Read more about Dark Sky Event#2: Danby Moors Centre]

Our association with Ayresome Primary School & Lego Innovation Studio will be continued again this year after been contacted by Elizabeth Labelle; assistant Head Teacher (phase3).  This year’s group of pupils (around 30 or so) will be stopping at the Whitby Youth Hostel from April 8^th - 12^th and we shall be hosting a star party event for them on either the 9th, 10^th, or 11^th, whichever evening according to the forecast looks best. [Read more about Forthcoming Event: Ayresome Primary School Visit]