Our wait is finally over, as evenings are getting a little darker earlier and a menu of observational objects start to emerge.  All that said, it's still mid-month before Saturn - the first of the major planets to rise, becomes accessible for observation before 22:00hrs.

There are numerous dates to note in your calendar and hope you can join us for some.  It does look as though the Regatta events will be our first star parties this summer (See below). 

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

Whitby Regatta weekend falls on Aug 9th, 10th and 11th, with our usual busy schedule over these days.  There will be three solar observing events, Saturday 9th, 10th and 11th all from the West Cliff - this year back on the grassy area near the trampolines, mini Go-Kart track and presumably the Birds of Prey.  Mark and Keith will be present from late morning, although the Regatta programme official timings are from 13:30hrs to 16:15hrs.  If any members can assist, we aim to be setting up from 11:30hrs.   

The evening star parties (Aug 9th & 10th) will be held from the Pitch and Putt area, just behind the new skateboard park on the West Cliff. These will commence from 21:15hrs, (setting up 30 minutes before).  If conditions are favourable these can be busy affairs, and assistance would be appreciated – especially logistics, transportation of equipment etc.  

Strong moonlight will hamper deep sky observations for Regatta evening events and Perseid peak nights, as such there will be no Perseid meteor party scheduled for the public. 

Will it be typical 'Regatta' weather, or not... we shall see!

Our next scheduled events are on Saturday Aug 16th from the usual Cpt Cook headland location - West Cliff (21:00hrs). There will be another event on Saturday 23rd - same location, same time. 

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 Saturday Aug 30th from 20:15hrs arriving by 19:45hrs. This event is always well attended, the school holidays still in operation. Transportation will be the usual bugbear, so assistance would be appreciated. It's always an enjoyable evening; one we look forward to every year.

A panoramic view of Robin Hood's Bay from Hook's House. Image - Keith Deason.

(Click for larger view)