Notes for Diary: Monthly Meeting: Tuesday 6th March; and consider as you stare into the snow scene through your window: British Summer Time starts on Sunday 25th March 2018.

Welcome to the WDAS monthly newsletter for March 2018: a digest of the month's latest contributions to our website.  Below you'll find Society News, Sky Notes and another treat from the bakery, as well as coming events.

Society News

This was a last minute event – organised by the youth hostel.  Conditions on the evening were actually very good with clear skies and little wind.  Initially we thought hardly anyone was going to turn up, but by 18:30h a sizeable gathering had mustered on the front quadrangle in front of the Abbey Visitor centre. 

Mark performed the scale solar system, before observations were carried out, together with a laser tour of the sky.  Thanks to Keith for his assistance on the night.

The second event the following evening down at Boggle Hole was cancelled due to the weather.

Together with other events at Dalby Forrest and Sutton bank, this was part of the NY National park’s dark sky awareness programme.  February is always a tricky month weather wise, it could be anything, so it came as a relief that Saturday 17th proved to be a pretty quiet, clear day, a little chilly, but you expect that.

Having marshalled the troops at Mark’s, (Andi, John, Keith, Lee, Mark and Victor) the expedition set off for the centre in good time.  The event was fully subscribed – 80 booked in - so a good audience was guaranteed.  On arrival we were met by Karen and the team from the centre and our good friend John Randles had also made it down from Westerdale, so we had a decent selection of scopes deployed on the field in front of the centre, including the LX 200 making an all-too-rare winter outing.

Dark Skies Event: 28th February 2018 at the Danby Moors Visitors Centre.  Picture by Keith

Proceedings kicked off with the scale solar system demo, augmented by the inflatable planets, which had been pre inflated back in Whitby.  The lighted globes were used in conjunction with these.  The demo played particularly well, with plenty of coerced public involvement.  It was then time to go to the scopes, whilst mark gave an extended laser point display.  Sky conditions, although not universally pristine, were nevertheless still very good and views of various winter deep sky objects proved a hit. 

Dark Skies Event: 28th February 2018 at the Danby Moors Visitors Centre.  Picture by Keith

Eventually Mark had to retire indoors to give the presentation he was supposed to have given earlier.  Of course Windows in its infinite wisdom decided to update, just then, great!!! so Plan B came into hasty operation – using the Stellarium programme on the Centre’s IT suite.  This proved to be just as satisfactory. 

Proceedings finally drew to a close, our efforts much appreciated by all, indeed feedback was extremely positive – Karen thrilled the response.  My thanks to the ‘band’ your dedication has been duly noted.

After been contacted by Elizabeth Labelle, Assistant Head Teacher (Phase3) of Ayresome Primary School & Lego Innovation Studio, we shall be hosting an event for visiting pupils up at the Whitby Youth Hostel on April 3rd /4th You may recall we did a similar event last yearThe start time is around 20:15h.

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