In this month's edition:
With another heatwave approaching, the Regatta weekend forecast initially looked highly promising, raising hopes that the full WDAS programme could go ahead. Was it really going to be plain sailing? Well, we are talking about Whitby Regatta…
[Read more about August Events - Regatta - A retrospective view. ]
Society monthly meetings are now in recess, restarting the first Tuesday in October, the 6th. [Read more about Society Meetings Recess]
Our regular West Cliff star parties have been limited this summer, though we did manage to hold one on Aug 22nd, missing two other opportunities to do so – thanks to the forecast. As the evenings continue to draw in, we hope to host a few more during September. [Read more about Star Party News - Reports and Schedule, Hook's House.]
August is usually associated with the Perseid meteor shower on the 12th, the summer’s observing highlight. In 2026, it will be better remembered for two partial eclipses. The question was would we view these events in full, only in part, or not at all. [Read more about August Eclipse - Special Report. ]
WDAS members continue to support ‘open door’ days at the Dark Sky Station (DSS) at Danby Lodge - on Wednesdays, and for the time being - Fridays. Sunday afternoon talks will continue until late September.
Open door event at the Dark Sky Station at Danby Lodge. Public may come along and view the facility and talk to amateur astronomers present.
Whitby Regatta events:
Whitby Regatta events:
Whitby Regatta events:
Whitby Regatta events:
Open public event at the Dark Sky Station facility at Danby Lodge to view the large partial solar eclipse on Aug 12th from 18:00hrs - 20:00hrs. The event will then continue until around 23:00hrs to encompass the start of the Perseid meteor shower! Plus - Observations and tour of the summer night sky wonders.
'Open door' event at the Dark Sky Station facility at Danby Lodge. Public may come along to view the facility and talk to amateur astronomers present.
A Public Star Party, weather permitting, near the Captain Cook monument on West Cliff (setting-up from 21:00hrs). Planetary & night sky Observations.
Planetary & night sky Observations.
'Open door' event at the Dark Sky Station facility at Danby Lodge. Public may come along to view the facility and talk to amateur astronomers present.
A Public Star Party, weather permitting, near the Captain Cook monument on West Cliff (setting-up from 21:00hrs). Planetary & night sky Observations.
Planetary & night sky Observations.
Open door event at the Dark Sky Station at Danby Lodge. Public may come along and view the facility and talk to amateur astronomers present.
A Public Star Party, weather permitting, near the Captain Cook monument on West Cliff (setting-up from 20:30hrs). Planetary & night sky Observations.
Planetary & night sky Observations.
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 06:10 | 19:53 |
| Civil Twilight | 05:33 | 20:31 |
| Nautical Twilight | 04:46 | 21:18 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 03:53 | 22:11 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 20:40 | 11:47 |
