Whitby & District Astronomical Society

After a couple of Star Parties held in June and July, August is scheduled to be somewhat busier with a number of events being held; almost normality! The initial two dates in August (7th and 14th) will be hosted on the West Cliff as per usual, from 21:00hrs.

We then arrive at the Whitby Regatta, and with outdoor Regatta activities going ahead, the society's involvement will be as 'normal' as we want to make it. There will be two solar events in the afternoon; Aug 21st and 22nd from 14:00hrs -16:00hrs. These will be held in our now usual location of the grass area adjacent to the 'mini carting' and trampolines on the West Cliff. If members can assist we aim to be setting from 13:30hrs.

The evening star parties (Aug 21 and 22nd) will be held from the Pitch and Putt area, just behind the Archery Green on the West Cliff. These will commence from 20:45hrs, (observations from 21:00hrs). Again if members could assist with transport, etc please contact Mark Dawson. Ideally we would be looking to be set up for 20:40hrs.

The following week is also Folk Week, and a scheduled Star Party is planned on Wednesday 25th from 20:45hrs. West Cliff - Cook headland as usual. If the weather dictates another evening would be more suitable, we may rearrange. However our normal Friday evening event at the end of Folk Week is cancelled. This is because we shall be hosting an invitational closed event at the Northcliffe and Seaview caravan park; located off the B1447 just past Hawsker. The society was invited to host an event from the caravan park several years ago, which was a great success with really dark observing conditions. With things returning to normal, the campsite team have invited us back for another event this year. It will be 2hrs in duration starting from 20:30hrs, vacating the site shortly after 22:30pm. If members are intending to assist please let Mark know so that arrangements can be made.  

A further Star Party may be scheduled on the 29th, but as yet this is not set in stone and would take place on the West Cliff, but from the Pitch and Putt area from 20:30hrs. We also 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 4th from 20:00hrs. More details next month. Finally, looking further ahead we hope to organise something for Westerdale, Ainthorpe and already have something planned for Danby Moors Centre. Preliminary discussions are ongoing regarding possibly sighting somekind of observatory at the Centre. It's still early days, and there will be more information on this exciting proposal in the coming months, but it could see some changes to the society, something for futuire discussions.