Having been contacted several months ago by Colleen Robinson, year 5 teacher at Stakesby School about possible assistance for a planned 'star evening', we were only too happy to help out.  Currently being taught about space, the year group had been offered the opportunity to spend the night at the residential unit at East Whitby Academy on January 16th. 

Excited and looking forward to the possibilty of observing outside. Year 5 pupils.
Image - Keith D.  (Click for full image)

Mark and Keith made the short trip over to East Whitby Academy on the evening in question under overcast skies; the forecast had suggested a possible clear period, but our chances looked bleak for any observations.  Having been welcomed on arrival by Colleen and Sam we unloaded the car; all eventualities covered, and with no stars visible prepared to deliver 'plan B'.  

With the class gathered in the main lounge room, we endeavoured to bring to life some of the objects we had intended to view outside; namely Saturn, Jupiter, Orion nebula, Pleiades and perhaps the Andromeda galaxy, resigned that our 'views' would be app-based only.

Keith and Mark show what may be seen in the January night sky.
Image - Colleen. (Click for full image) 

Unexpectedly, we were then informed skies were clearing and on inspection found this to be the case. Quickly erecting the two Dobsonian scopes brought along out onto the playground, the class donned their coats and joined us.

All at one the clouds are parted allowing views of the winter night sky.
Shame about the light pollution.  Image Keith D. (Click for full image)

Jupiter was our first target and having arranged themselves into two groups alongside each telescope, the pupils took turns in observing the 'king of the planets', for the vast majority their first experience of doing so. The view didn't disappoint, Jupiter looked spectacular, the banded globe flanked by all 4 Galilean moons, just as the app inside had depicted.

Eager eyes on the prize, the prize being Jupiter. Image - Colleen

Leaving the larger scope on Jupiter, the smaller 6" was turned toward Saturn. Again, the view seemed to astound, even though the rings are still closed. Next up was the Orion Nebula, its impact blunted somewhat by light pollution, although the trapezium was clear. The Pleiades followed, but the Andromeda galaxy remained elusive in high wispy cloud. 

Is that Saturn? Wow. Image - Colleen. 

Returning indoors, there was time for a brief scaled solar system demonstration - pupils assisting, the remainder watching along the corridor.  The evening concluded with further images of objects observed together with more explanations. 

The scale solar system demo. Image - Colleen/Sam. (Click for full image)

Questions were plentiful, indeed, considerable knowledge far ahead of their years was shown by some, future scientists in the making for sure! Really enjoyed the evening and more importantly, so had the class, Colleen reporting they had been talking about what they’d observed well into the late evening and following morning. We look forward to future events.