Whitby & District Astronomical Society

Fylingdales Primary School - Fylingthorpe - Robins Hoods Bay, will be our first outreach event of 2024.  January 19th (Friday) is the scheduled date starting at 18:30hrs.  It's quite a few years since our last visit back in March 2016, memorable for being particularly wet, but not enough to deter everyone from carrying out the scale solar system outside. 

Mark recalls that back in 2016 the event was really well attended - pupils and parents, all determined to play their role in proceedings, including being out in the rain for the scaled solar system demonstration.  On returning indoors the classroom almost turned into a sauna!  WDAS members wishing to assist for this coming event please be at Mark's house for 5:50pm, allowing time to load equipment, journey over, and set up etc.  It should be a fun evening.

In February we shall again be returning to the Whitby Youth Hostel on Friday 16th for their Dark Skies event in the Half term break.  This event is one of many being publicised by Danby Lodge under the NYMNP umbrella of Dark Sky events that week. Weather permitting, Mark will be able to redeem himself by remembering the eyepieces, essential items he left at home last time! 

A similar format will be adopted to that of the previous event in October, i.e., a short introductory talk, a star walk, observations (if possible) and a closing presentation. The outside aspect will undoubtedly be subject to weather considerations. The event starts at 6:30pm, so we'll need to be on site for 6pm.  Further information will be given at the January meeting. 

Finally, WDAS members will be on hand to give presentations and provide observations at the Dark Skies - Warm Fires event run by Colin at the Fox and Hounds in Ainthorpe on February 9th. More on these, and other events next month.