Note: The first of the new season of WDAS Monthly meetings is on Tue October 3rd

Welcome to the WDAS monthly newsletter for October 2017: a digest of the month's latest contributions to our website.  Below you'll find Society News, Sky Notes and In-Focus articles printed in full.  There's also future events, and trailers for other articles which appear in full on the website - just a click away!

Society News

Those of you looking forward to the Leeds Astromeet this year will sadly have to keep looking, cos it’s not on, cancelled, postponed, deceased?..The comment on the Leeds website reads as follows:

Leeds Astronomical Society has decided to cancel this year's Astromeet conference at Leeds University.  The committee took this decision reluctantly, aware that there will be much disappointment, but after careful consideration.  The reasons for cancellation include: financial constraints related to funding; rising costs at the current venue, and a number of other administrative concerns.  Hopefully this isn't a binding decision - and should an Astromeet be proposed for 2018, details will appear on the New Year website.

Let’s hope it’s just a glitch this year, but it would not be a surprise if Astromeet became a biannual event.

This year’s event was early in the month in an effort to minimise the effect of moonlight.  Conditions on the evening were encouraging with cloud forecast to clear away to the south.  This turned out to be the case, but was painfully slow so that the moon and Saturn were initially obscured.

With four scopes deployed in good time, interest from the campsite was considerable and a sizeable crowd waited for darkness or the moon and Saturn to appear.  This allowed time for Mark to demonstrate the scale solar system, with help from the audience, who were keen to assist.  Eventually the moons face was uncovered, before Saturn emerged from the edge of the stubborn cloud bank.  Both objects drew gasps of delight.  Given the moonlight, deep sky objects were not at their best, but our usual menu of targets still seemed to flame the curiosity of those at the eyepiece.

Around 22:00h the event slowly wound down as expected cloud started to encroach from the NW, though as we had pretty much seen what we set out to show, we were quite happy with our evenings work.

This year’s trip over to Westerdale (15th Sept) coincided with cloud and eventually rain, preventing any observations outside.  But as we know Esk Valley folk are a hardy breed, and in spite of the weather a good turnout gathered at the village hall.

Plan B was put into effect; ie the indoor show.  This was augmented by a look at the Cassini mission at Saturn, which ended that very day.  There were lots of questions, so i think people were interested, certainly the feedback was very positive.  I guess if plan A falls victim to the weather, a good plan B is the next best thing...and it’s always nice to meet up with our member, John Randles, who acted as MC for the duration.  Needless to say we have already been asked to pencil in a date next September.

C +

Started off the season reasonably well, but lost momentum midsummer, with a few opportunities missed.  Inconsistent latter half, with one or two highlights. 

Summary: Must try harder.

The society meetings restart in October the date is Tuesday 3rd (not 4th as incorrectly stated last month). 

Apart from a roundup of our summer activities and a look at the current sky, Mark will be giving a short talk on Cassini and Andi hopes to have a talk ready too.  Hope you will be able to join us (see WDAS diary for venue and time etc )

Our open nights at the Bruce Observatory recommence on Sunday 8th Oct starting from 19:30h.  As always if you are unsure about the weather prospects on the evening contact Mark.

Events

Whitby Youth Hostel - East Whitby - rear of Abbey vistor centre. Book now: email whitbyatyha.org.uk or call 01947 602 878 to reserve a space.

 

Date:
29 March, 2024 - 19:30 to 21:15
Address:

Public viewing open night at the Bruce Observatory - Caedmon College, Normanby Campus, Whitby. Please contact Mark before travelling -01947 605516

Date:
31 March, 2024 - 20:15
Address:
Bruce Observatory - Caedmon College
Prospect Hill
YO21 1LA Whitby
United Kingdom
GB

Observe the night sky with us at the Bruce Observatory, Caedmaon College - Normanby campus (formally Whitby College).

Observing Nights are held weather permitting: check for a relatively clear sky before leaving home. If in doubt, Mark can be reached on tel 01947 605516.

Please note the college drive gate is now operated via a electronic key code - so anyone wishing to attend must be at the car park at the top of the drive by 19:00hrs, unless an arrival time has been arranged with Mark/Keith after 19:30hrs.  Otherwise shout or bip car horn - we'll hear.

Date:
8 December, 2024 - 18:00 to 21:00
Address:
Bruce Observatory, Caedmon School Normandy Site (Whitby School)
Prospect Hill
YO21 1LA Whitby
United Kingdom
GB