Whitby & District Astronomical Society

It is always a pleasure to return to the Fox and Hounds at Ainthorpe to assist with events Colin organises, this occasion the annual Dark Skies, Warm Fires event. The observational evening (Friday) offers an opportunity for those booked on the weekend to view the majestic stellar winter canopy within the heart of the North York Moors Dark Sky Reserve, at least in theory.  Always subject to the weather, which in February can be a lottery, following a couple of years where observations were possible, mother nature seemed determined not to make it three in a row.  At least conditions were not unexpected, with forecasts universally in agreement rain, low cloud, and mist would prevail until almost midnight. 

Prepared for this,  Mark loaded only the small 150mm (6") dobsonian in case of observational miracles occurring, plus two refractor optical tubes and various sized binoculars for display purposes, together with IT equipment, screen, poster boards, books and bag of tricks.  Allowing more time than usual for the journey to Ainthorpe through a blanket of mist, Mark joined a long queue of slow-moving vehicles out of Whitby - each one following the taillights of the one in front.  Turning off for Danby and with no taillights to follow, the need to go slow was evident, the fog even thicker.  Finally arriving at the Fox and Hounds Mark found that John McCue had beaten him by a minute after a similarly scary journey over the Moors.  Greeting us in the Bar lounge, Colin assisted in ferrying the gear into the games room, which as usual served as ‘lecture theatre’ for indoor presentations.

Once set up, Colin gave a short welcoming speech to those guests already present, before handing over to Mark who utilised the Starry Night program to reveal just what was obscured from view by the mist.  With no change to conditions outdoors, John McCue then gave presentation concentrating on the Moon, but also utilising an Orrery brought along demonstrating the orbital movements of the planets.  John also showed images of the Moon he'd taken together with drawings sketched by himself of various named craters, along with back stories of the people they were named after. Dinner then intervened, adjourning to the dining room for food and plenty of chat with the guests.

Eventually returning to the games room, and with no possible chance of any observations, John concluded his fascinating presentation on the Moon. It was now heading toward 10pm, leaving just enough time for Mark to briefly delve into some of the wonders of the Winter sky. And so the evening came to an end, totally spent indoors,  but we've become accustomed to that in recent months.  Reloading the cars, the mist had lifted and hints of cloud breaks were visible to the west - all too late. Farewells said we departed for home - a journey that only took half as long, mist having cleared.  Better fortune next year!