Welcome to the WDAS monthly newsletter for January 2020: a digest of the month's latest contributions to our website, and a Happy New Year to all our Members. Below you'll find Society News: including the photos from the Christmas Meal where Andy Lawrence was recorded for the first time (?) not partaking of the Cheeseboard. In Sky Notes there's mention of Earth at Perihelion and an unexciting penumbral eclipse of the Moon. And a highlight of this month is a look ahead to see what Sky treats are in store throughout 2020.
Society News
And Action!... John directs a blockbuster.
Hardly seems like twelve months have slipped by, but once again society members found themselves in the Hare and Hounds, passing out Christmas cards, pulling crackers, donning paper hats, pondering the nature of the plastic toys inside, groaning at the terrible Christmas jokes, but most of all looking forward to the Christmas fayre.
Andy tells a story; Barbara, two Marks and Lee nod; meanwhile pepper pot hides behind menu. And where's Andi? (Come-on guys, you know the routine... click for full image!)
December 14th was also peak of the Geminid meteor shower, but that had occurred during the early morning hours and none were noticed that evening during a short and impromptu observing session from the Hare and Hounds car park. Nine members eventually made it along for the evening, Andy L, Mark and Barbara, Keith, John L, Lee, Victor, Mark and Saul.
Saul, Lee and Victor.
The evening was most enjoyable, the usual mix of debate, discussion, plus the eating and drinking of course; 3 of those: starters, main and dessert! The food was pretty much polished off. There were no menu issues either, so Mark had correctly placed the orders. After settling up the bill, by 22:00h members made their way home, most satisfied. Pics will be available on the website. Here’s to next year’s event.
"It's 9 o'clock." (Self-captioned by Mark.)
And with one last photo, wishing you a Happy New Year...
Polished off nicely! Thanks to Keith for all the photos... look for him in the reflections!
We shall be having a busy little period at the end of February with society involvement in several star party events.
On the 21st we shall be returning to the Fox and Hounds – Ainthorpe for their organised ‘Star Night’. The following evening we shall be along the road at The Danby Moors Centre for part two and their ‘Dark sky’ public star party event on the 22nd (from 19:00h) Then on Friday 28th we shall be down at Fylinghall School for their Dark Sky event, again from 19:00h.
Full details will be given in the February notes, however at this juncture, just make a note in your diary and if you can make it along (with a telescope) it would be mighty helpful.
As of publishing we are still awaiting Night Scenes 2020, but they should be with us soon. We have ordered 25 copies and if you want to reserve a copy please contact Mark.
Stop Press: Night-Scenes have left the Printers! Hopefuly they will reach us in time for the WDAS December meeting. If not we will inform you when they do.
Reluctantly the price of Night Scenes has had to be increased slightly, but even at £5 (for Members) it still represents outstanding value.
Events
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.
