Whitby & District Astronomical Society

The society will be supporting a busy schedule of Star Party/Outreach events planned for February including two at Whitby Youth Hostel. [Read more about WDAS Star Party Schedule - February ]

Society monthly meetings continue with the next meeting on Feb 3rd. The venue is Whitby School (Prospect Hill). Start time is 7:30pm, room H1. [Read more about Society Meetings ]

Time again for our monthly round-up of Sunday open nights at the Bruce Observatory - Whitby School.    [Read more about Bruce Diary]

Held at Beetle Bank Farm - Moor Lane near Murton, just off the A64 opposite York, the Astro convention was a ticketed event incorperating five lectures and buffet lunch. A number of WDAS members had booked places for the day out. Full details of the lectures themselves will be forthcoming in the spring months, but here is a brief synopsis of the day.  [Read more about York Astro Convention 2026]

Members of WDAS travelled over to Danby on Jan 23rd to take a closer look at the new observatory and listen to proposals on how it will be operated.   

  [Read more about Danby Lodge Observatory Visit ]

John Randles - 1937-2026,  Dr Allan Chapman 1946-2026

WDAS members will be saddened to hear of the passing of its eldest member John Randles from Westerdale who had been a member since the early 2000's.  Further sad news came to our attention very recently when we learned of the death of Dr Allan Chapman. January has robbed us of two very special, respected characters, who's like is only too rare.   [Read more about John Randles: Dr Allan Chapman.]

WDAS members assisted in making a 'star night' a memorable affair for 5th year pupils from Stakesby School, who had a sleep over at the residential unit located at East Whitby Academy.    [Read more about School Class - Star Evening. ]

In this month's edition:

• Planetary Skylights
• February Meteors, T CorB, Aurora
• February Night Sky
• February 2026 Sky Charts

  [Read more about Sky Notes - February 2026]

Work on the new observatory at Danby Lodge is almost complete, with fixtures and fittings, instrumentation and display features in sittu. Training and open dates to follow this month.  

  [Read more about Danby Lodge Observatory - Almost There! ]

Time gives the appearance of flowing faster with age, and so we gathered for the 2025 Christmas meal, another year older, another year having slipped by under the celestial bridge.   [Read more about Society Solstice Celebration Meal 2025]

December's meeting saw Steve Bowden RO FRAS JP, astro-photography and STEM ambassador, give a wonderful presentation on astrophotography.  At this month's Richard Randle will be showing images of his Icelandic aurora odyssey. [Read more about Society Meetings - Report]

Time again for our monthly round-up of Sunday open nights at the Bruce Observatory - Whitby School.    [Read more about Bruce Diary]

In this month's edition:

• Planetary Skylights
• January Meteors 
• Aurora Report & T Cor Borealis Update
• January Night Sky
• January 2026 Sky Charts

  [Read more about Sky Notes - January 2026]

Work on the new observatory at Danby Lodge is nearing completion, with the external weather marquee now removed. Fixtures and fittings are being installed with instrumentation soon to follow!

  [Read more about Danby Lodge Observatory - Work Update ]

WDAS members who have attended society meetings and star party events over the last 15 years or so will be saddened to learn of the passing of Victor Holdsworth.  [Read more about Victor Holdsworth ]