Welcome to the WDAS monthly newsletter for May 2019: a digest of the month's latest contributions to our website. Below you'll find Society News covering the Star Party laid on for staff and students of Ayresome Primary School at Whitby Youth Hostel; up-coming events, Mark's Crossing-the-line article for month, the latest about the observatory refurb; and, of course, Sky Notes including Opposition of Ceres.
Society News
Staying at the Whitby Youth Hostel, this year’s outward bounds party from Ayresome Primary school in Middlesbrough once again brought fine weather with them, even though the forecast originally had been for light or low cloud for much of the week.
This turned out to be somewhat off the mark, with our preferred evening (Wednesday 10th) being clear and still. Actually some cloud did come in off the sea, but not enough to really hamper our observations.
Having arrived around 20:00h, it was much easier setting up the equipment on the Hostel approach forecourt area in bright twilight. Libby Lavelle, assistant head teacher of Ayresome Primary School, came out from the hostel to greet us, and after warming tea’s and coffee’s, Libby went back and gathered up the 25 or so pupils indoors and sent them out.
19-Apr-2019: Set-up and cloud-cover assessment
As customary, before any observing commenced, Mark, with assistance from the pupils, demonstrated the scale solar system along the Hostel approach drive, using both the marked string and inflatable planets. The only actual visible planet in the sky, Mars, was pointed out over in the west to the right of Aldebaran.
Five scopes were in use for observations: Andy L’s reflector, Keith’s Dobsonian, Lee’s reflector along with the two Dobsonians Mark had brought. Transport logistics had been a little tricky, but once again Barbara and Mark came to the rescue and were on hand to assist.
The pupils were quite excited to view the waxing crescent moon, and pressed round the scopes eagerly. They soon got the hang of lining up alongside the instruments.
Using the laser pointers, the spring sky constellations, setting winter groups as well as prominent circumpolar stars, were pointed out. For the majority of pupils present it seemed a revelation to be able to trace out the constellations in the sky, which we gathered are barely visible from many areas in Middlesbrough itself.
It also came as a revelation that artificial satellites are visible from the ground, those ‘moving star points’ - not shooting stars as someone thought (alas we didn’t see any of those) but the man made artefacts we have come to rely on for so many hidden aspects of our lives.
19-Ap-2019: Sky Tour in Progress. (Photo by Keith)
One great bonus that evening was the identification of the minor planet (asteroid) Pallas, which lay close by Muphrid in Bootes. Although it only looked like a ‘faint star’, the fact that we knew it would be in that position, at that time, on that date, just by looking at a planetarium program or App on a screen, really did ‘blow’ a few minds.
After a final question and answer session, (many questions and some answers) it was time for the pupils to return into the hostel. We had been favoured with the weather and i think we passed on that favour to the pupils. Libby will let us know feedback from the group once the term recommences. Thanks again to Andy, Keith, Lee and Barbara and Mark for their time.
We are currently awaiting news from the college regarding the estimate submitted for the proposed work on the observatory, plus any subsequent developments on their part. However some preparations will commence at the next bank holiday (May Day weekend).
A proposal has been made to utilise the Sunday evening observing slot (now in abeyance until after the summer period) to carry out preparatory and remedial work within the observatory. This will be discussed at the final monthly meeting for this season in May.
If the Moon had been at a better phase, (ie. pre Full Moon), we could have almost started the outdoor star party season at Easter, with the weather being as good as it was. But it was rising just a little too late, and with no planets visible – (Mars being well passed its best) the spring sky is not ideally suited to the passing public.
We shall therefore wait for the next favourable lunar phase before we commence the star party events season. Here then is the diary for the next couple of months. The dates listed below are for May and June scheduled events, (weather permitting. If you can join us, (especially if you can bring a telescope along) it would be most appreciated. Hope to see you.
Events
Observe the night sky with us at the Bruce Observatory, Whitby School - formally Caedmon College - Normanby campus ).
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 19:00hrs.
