As part of the Dark Skies festival held throughout February half term across North Yorkshire and beyond, our society will be hosting a ‘star party’ at the Danby Moors Centre. And the RAF Fylingdales event planned for January 18th, and organised by York A.S, the base, with assistance from us, had to be cancelled, victim of the wintry conditions... [Read more about Dark Sky Night – Danby Moors Centre]
Our Christmas meal at the Hare and Hounds once again proved a great success with ten members making it to the banqueting table. The food was excellent, the wine flowed (favouring certain parts of the table more than others) and the company, most convivial. Crackers, crackers... [Read more about Christmas Meal 2017]
We have now booked the Hare and Hounds for Dec 15th (Friday). The booking is initially for a dozen at 19:30h.
If you would like to come along (the food is excellent and the evening most enjoyable) we shall continue taking names, rank and serial numbers at the December society meeting on the 5th, failing that please contact Mark Dawson. First come, first serve.
Taxi arrangements will be discussed at the meeting. [Read more about Society Christmas Meal 2017]
Having bumped into Sean Paling, director and Senior Scientist at the Boulby Underground Laboratory the other week in a local watering hole, we briefly discussed the possibility of a visit to the facility down in the mine... [Read more about Boulby Mine – Dark Matter Facility]
It will soon be time for sub renewals for the coming year. Happily society subscription rates will be kept at the same level as last year, ie. £12 for adults with subsidised rates at £8 for under 16s and over 75s... [Read more about WDAS subs 2017]
We have been invited by York AS to join them for a star party at RAF Fylingdales on Jan 18th 2018. We are however required to furnish Martin Whillock at YAS with details of all those wishing to attend by Nov 30th... [Read more about Fylingdales RAF base star party]
This was our second visit to the Kettleness Scout centre, which used to be the railway station back in the day. Sleights cubs were spending the Halloween weekend camping there and had asked for a star party for evening of the 28th. Conditions, although very in keeping with Halloween, were not very conducive for observations, being rather cloudy and very windy, too windy for the scopes. Use was therefore made of the activities room for an indoor show... [Read more about Kettleness – Scout /Cub Event]
A reminder to anyone who didn’t see the news last month, this year’s Leeds Astromeet has been cancelled. The comment on the Leeds website reads as follows
Leeds Astronomical Society has decided to cancel this year's Astromeet conference at Leeds University. The committee took this decision reluctantly, aware that there will be much disappointment, but after careful consideration. The reasons for cancellation include: financial constraints related to funding; rising costs at the current venue, and a number of other administrative concerns. Hopefully this isn't a binding decision - and should an Astromeet be proposed for 2018, details will appear on the New Year website.
Let’s hope it’s just a glitch for this year. [Read more about Leeds Astromeet 2017]
The society meetings restart in October the date is Tuesday 3rd (not 4th as incorrectly stated last month).
Apart from a roundup of our summer activities and a look at the current sky, Mark will be giving a short talk on Cassini and Andi hopes to have a talk ready too. Hope you will be able to join us (see WDAS diary for venue and time etc )
Our open nights at the Bruce Observatory recommence on Sunday 8th Oct starting from 19:30h. As always if you are unsure about the weather prospects on the evening contact Mark. [Read more about Society Monthly Meetings: Recommence]
Started off the season reasonably well, but lost momentum midsummer, with a few opportunities missed. Inconsistent latter half, with one or two highlights.
Summary: Must try harder. [Read more about Summer Assessment]
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 06:38 | 19:15 |
| Civil Twilight | 06:02 | 19:51 |
| Nautical Twilight | 05:19 | 20:34 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 04:33 | 21:20 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 00:36 | 17:50 |
