Whitby & District Astronomical Society

Inaccurate forecasts disrupted all the scheduled September star parties at West Cliff, and none went ahead—to our great frustration. [Read more about Star Parties - West Cliff - September Report ]

We have a busy October Star Party schedule, with events being held in Westerdale, Fryup and two events at Whitby Youth Hostel - Weather permitting of course.  

  [Read more about WDAS October Star Party Schedule ]

WDAS members continued supporting the Dark Sky Station’s (DSS) Wednesday and Friday open days at Danby Lodge. The Sunday afternoon presentations have now ended.

  [Read more about Danby Dark Sky Station Facility News]

Monthly society meetings will resume one week later than previously announced, with the first meeting of the new session on Tuesday, 13th October rather than 6th October. See the main body for details.  [Read more about Society Meetings - recommence on October 13th]

In this month's edition:

• Planetary Skylights
• October Meteors
• October Night Sky
• October 2026 Sky Charts

  [Read more about Sky Notes - October 2026]

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.

  [Read more about Danby Dark Sky Station Facility News]

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. ]

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.]

Society monthly meetings are now in recess, restarting the first Tuesday in October, the 6th. [Read more about Society Meetings Recess]

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. ]

In this month's edition:

• Planetary Skylights. 
• September Meteors & Nova Sagittae 2026
• Autumnal Equinox.
• September Night Sky.
• September 2026 Sky Charts.

  [Read more about Sky Notes - September 2026]

This summer’s main celestial highlights—the partial solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower—fall within just 10–12 hours of each other on 12/13 August. Weather permitting, we plan to observe both on 12th August. Current details are given below, but arrangements may change, so please check the WDAS website nearer the date for the latest information. [Read more about Solar Eclipse/Perseid Meteor Watch Event Plans. ]

Society monthly meetings are now in recess, restarting the first Tuesday in October.   [Read more about Society Meetings Recess]

WDAS members continue to support the ‘open door’ days at the Dark Sky Station (DSS) at Danby Lodge - usually Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as occasional special event dates. Wednesdays and Fridays – 11am-3pm, Sunday afternoon 2pm-4pm.

  [Read more about Danby Dark Sky Station Observatory Schedule and News]

After waiting for darker skies, August finally brings the full return of our usual Star Party schedule, including events for Whitby Regatta, Folk Week and the Bank Holiday. After such fine weather so far this summer, the question is whether August will stay settled or return to the usual frustrating mix. [Read more about Star Party Schedule (Whitby) - August ]