Weather permitting, WDAS members will be hosting several Star party events in the coming month.  First up are two events at Whitby Youth Hostel, the first being on February 16th (Sunday) from 7pm, with a further event on February 18th - again from 7pm

A previous event. You cannot see the cloud - for the trees! 
At least we did venture outside -WYH rear garden. (Click for full image)

Both events will follow a similar format adopted to previous events held there, introductory talk, observations (if possible), scale demonstrations, and a further presentation. The structure is deliberately fluid taking account of conditions on the night.  We would like to think we are due a clear evening for one of these events, although mother nature doesn't always 'think' along similar lines. We need to be on site for 6:30pm. Further details will be given at the February meeting.

From the rear garden of the hostel - Mark points at things!
Image Richard Randle. (Click for larger)

On February 20th we have an appointment at National Trust Ravenscar Visitor Centre - organised by the National Trust.  This sounds like an interesting evening and somewhere we haven’t been before. The Centre is located on the sharp bend by the entrance to Ravenscar Hotel.  Mark had a site visit on a foggy morning near the end of January to reconnoitre the venue.  The centre can accommodate up to 30 people, though it may be a bit of a squeeze.  

Outside, a seating area should provide a suitable observing site if skies are clear, the location is likely to be very dark. The event is due to start at 7pm, so a 6:15pm departure from Whitby will be required. Further details at February meeting.

The National Trust Visitor Centre at Ravenscar. (Click for full image)

Finally, on February 27th we shall be visiting Egton Bridge and St Hedda's Catholic Primary School, yet another new venue for us. The event is a 6:30pm start and will be similar in structure to other primary school 'star night' visits. We shall leave Whitby at 6pm.  Again, the location is likely to be very dark should skies be clear.  More details at February meeting.

St Hedda's primary School at Egton Bridge. (Click for full image) 

Looking further ahead we may have several events in March (details TBA) We definitely have two events in April, at the Outstation at Stape for NYMR on April 4th and the Rosedale Abbey WI in Rosedale on April 14th.  More on these at the February meeting.