It's going to be a packed and interesting programme for the December meeting. Apart from usual business (which will include renewal of subscription fees if possible and Xmas menu choices if not already forwarded to Mark) there will be several presentations. Alan Bentley, who has an image of the Crescent Nebula in the December issue of Astronomy Now, will be talking about his set-up and the work involved in producing such beautiful images from a urban location in Whitby. Mark has known Alan since secondary School, Alan then actually taught for many years at the College. If you do not take Astronomy Now, an example of Alan's imaging prowess is shown below - The Rosette Nebula in Monocerus. 

The Rosette Nebula. Image by Alan Bentley (click for full image)

A further short presentation will be given by society member Phil Richards on the work he has done with his observing set up, assisted by Elaine of course. 

If you are new to the area and want to join the society, or have become interested in the night sky, and want to take 'one small step' more, please do come along, you will be very welcome. Meetings normally follow the format of a monthly review of the night sky with a look at upcoming celestial events, coupled with a talk or presentation on some particular aspect or other associated with the night sky. Meetings end by 21:15hrs. The venue is still Room H1 - Caedmon College - Normanby Campus ( ie Whitby College) from 19:30hrs. All of the monthly meeting dates for this coming year will actually fall on the first Tuesday of each month. Hope to see you. 

Sunday Open Nights - Bruce Observatory

Sunday evening open nights at the Bruce Observatory are now up and running once again. These on paper are every Sunday (barring one or two exceptions) until well into April. They are weather dependant, so if you are intending in coming along from further afield, please contact Mark on the day. The weather can be very different inland, or further up or down the coast, than here in Whitby. The observatory is also located at the Normanby Campus, at the bottom of the drive (the conical domed building). Events in December start from 19:30hrs and normally last a couple of hours, depending on conditions. Let's hope for some clear skies, so far they have been scarce on Sunday evening.