Sky Notes - April 2019

In this month's edition:

  • Planetary Skylights: AM: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn; PM: Mars
  • Meteors: Virginids, alpha Scorpiids, Lyrids
  • Features: Dwarf Planet Pallas, Moon & Beehive Cluster
  • April 2019 Sky Charts

The beginning of March saw two star party events coinciding with the half term ‘dark sky window’, one at Fylinghall School and the other at Danby Moors Centre.  After a very fine and unseasonal end to February (almost summer like) it was almost inevitable conditions returned to those normally associated with late winter:- in a word, unpredictable.  Observations outdoors was not possible at either event, and yet they could be construed as being successful. [Read more about Dark Sky Events: Fylinghall and Danby]

Our association with Ayresome Primary School & Lego Innovation Studio will again be renewed this year when a group of pupils (around 30 or so) when we will host a star party event for them on either the 9th, 10th, or 11th (depending which evening according to the forecast)... [Read more about Coming Event: Whitby Youth Hostel]

Observatory News

During our March meeting, it was agreed that the best method of weather proofing the observatory dome and roof was the one put forward by Saul, ie. by applying a new fibre glass surface over coated directly onto the existing felt.  Following the generous donation by Norman Wright and perhaps other monies forthcoming from the college, we should have enough funds to carry out the necessary work for the refurbishment... [Read more about Observatory News]

Paul Money Lecture

We are currently in the process of booking Paul for a talk, however due to various factors this is most likely to be later in the year rather than May. 

Information will be posted in the notes or on the website as and when we have some. [Read more about Paul Money Lecture]