Having had a better than average success rate for star party events given the mixed weather so far this summer, we head into our busiest period.  Predictions for August (if they are to be believed) are more encouraging.  Good news for observers should this prove to be the case especially as the main 'showcase' planets start to show face in the evening sky.  We have a number of dates to note in the calendar and hope you can join us for some, especially those for Regatta and August Bank Holiday. 

Whitby Regatta... and the weather this year will be?

The first date will be Saturday August 5th – normal location West Cliff – Cook headland from 21:00hrs. 

The following weekend is Whitby Regatta and our usual busy schedule over the weekend days.  There will be three solar observing events, Saturday 12th event will be located next to the Grovers Optics stand on the West Cliff opposite Royal Hotel - facing the Sea.  Mark and Keith will be present from late morning, although the official timings are from 13:30hrs to 16:00hrs.  The following day will be from the stated location in the Regatta programme of the grass area adjacent to the 'mini carting' and trampolines on the West Cliff.  If any members can assist, we aim to be setting up from 13:00hrs.  A final solar party will be held on the Monday afternoon from the Grovers optics stand location.  

The evening star parties (Aug 12th & 13th) will be held from the Pitch and Putt area, just behind the Archery Green on the West Cliff.  These will commence from 21:00hrs, (setting up 30 minutes before).  Again, if conditions look favourable these may be busy affairs, coinciding with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.  Transportation of equipment is always troublesome so if you can assist, please contact Mark, or if you can just generally assist that would be greatly appreciated.  

or will it be typically 'Regatta'... we shall see!

The next event is on the 19th from the usual location - West Cliff (20:45hrs) the first of the scheduled Folk Week events, the second being Aug 25th.  A Bank Holiday weekend event on Aug 27th will take place from the Pitch and Putt area (Regatta evening location) from 20:30hrs.  Assistance would be welcome. 

Waiting for twilight - Hooks House campsite 2018 (click for larger image)

Finally, we have a date for the Hook's House Farm Campsite event (located on the B1447 down into Robin Hood's Bay), this will be on Sept 2nd from 20:15hrs, arriving by 19:45hrs. This should be well attended, being the final weekend of the school holidays. Transportation will be the issue here, so if you can assist, great.  Further details next month.  Fingers crossed for settled conditions... for once.