Whitby & District Astronomical Society

Having been contacted by Fylinghall School to host a star event, it was a pleasure to be able to undertake real observations outside, with not a demo or inside presentations in sight. On arrival at Fylinghall, Keith and Mark were greeted by teacher and event organiser Simon Parker, who directed us around to the far end of the School site and closer to the observing location. This was the playground area of the Junior School, across the road, up several flights of stairs, thru' a classroom and onto the playground itself. Fortunately several boarders had been tasked to lend a hand carrying the scopes and equipment across.  

The portage was worth it, with a more open observing location and darker skies, (if the quarter moon had been absent) Jupiter and Saturn were already well placed and once the two dobsonian’s and Keith's eV scope had been set up, these three objects were targeted. Pupils  and teachers crowded round the instruments, eager to view through the eyepiece, a new experience for some. Many tried to capture the Moon with their mobile phone cameras, a few succeeding in doing so. The views of Jupiter and Saturn were terrific, drawing many cries of Omg's. In-between repositioning the dob's Mark pointed out some noteworthy stars and constellations, Keith targeted various objects including Jupiter and Saturn with the eVscope capturing some very nice images. The air was chilly, but the sheltered location meant it didn't feel too bad, you could however tell that not everyone was used to standing outside under chilly skies and eventually numbers thinned out. Others were really keen, asking many questions on many topics associated with the night sky. Eventually things wound down...one final look. 

Once again the journey back to the car with all the equipment was made somewhat easier by a number of willing hands. It had been a fine observing night, one that seemed to go down well with the locals ...and not so local!