Whitby & District Astronomical Society

After Regatta weekend, our next scheduled West Cliff star party, on Saturday Aug 15th, was due to be the first from our usual Cook headland location, but once again the weather forecast intervened. Two forecasting sites predicted partly sunny skies through the day and into the evening; in reality, the sky stayed completely overcast, with nothing “partly” about it. With little sign of improvement and no advertising placards erected on the cliff, Mark decided not to go ahead.

Then, with less than half an hour before the scheduled start, skies cleared enough for observing—but too late for us to proceed. It was frustrating, to say the least, though cloud returned later, so perhaps it was the right call after all.

The following Saturday, Aug 22nd, was an easier decision: all systems go. Mark, Keith, John and Lee met on the cliff under mostly clear skies. Once the telescopes were set up, our first target—the Moon—played hide and seek behind a cloud bank to the south.

Conditions were reasonably calm, though certainly not mild. Even so, a steady stream of people came over to investigate, with many staying to enjoy views of the Moon, Albirio, Mizar and Alcor, Vega and the Andromeda Galaxy.

As darkness deepened, intermittent cloud formed over the coast, preventing further observations of deep-sky objects, and by 10:30pm it covered much of the sky. Even so, it was a successful evening—and good, at last, to hold a star party.

The next event, on Friday Aug 28th, was almost a repeat of the planned star party on the 15th, but even more frustrating. Cloud and rain arrived as forecast and lingered all day and well into the evening, long after we had cancelled the event. Then, just after the scheduled start time, the skies unexpectedly cleared, leaving a definite sense of a missed opportunity.

With the weather pattern turning more unsettled, we will nevertheless try to hold a couple more West Cliff events in September, weather permitting: one on Sept 12th and another on Sept 19th. Both are due to start at 8pm.

Hook's House Event  - September 5th

One of the highlights of the WDAS observing calendar is our annual visit to Hook’s House Farm Campsite. This year’s event takes place on Saturday Sept 5th, starting at 8:30pm, with members asked to arrive by 20:00hrs.

Hook’s House lies on the B1447 from Whitby down into Robin Hood’s Bay, on the right-hand side of the road. Members who have attended before will know what an excellent location it is, overlooking Robin Hood’s Bay towards Ravenscar, with open views to the south, west and much of the east—and respectable northern views too.

The event is always well attended, though transporting equipment remains the usual challenge, so any help would be appreciated. It is always an enjoyable evening and one we look forward to each year. We are confident that, unlike last year, moorland fires, smoke and an empty campsite will not force a change of date. Contact Mark for further details.

Westerdale Event - Looking slightly further ahead our annual visit to Westerdale will take place on Oct 2nd this year. The venue will be the village hall/car park - probably starting from 19:30hrs.  

For more information please contact – Mark Dawson:  tel 07886069339 or Email - spanton9363gmail.com  or visit our website www.whitby-astronomers.com