Unusually for Folk Week it didn’t rain every single day, in fact Wednesday (Egton show day) was the only bad day... and it was bad, and dark, very dark, sort of total eclipse dark with apocalyptic rain for several hours. Prospects for the evening star party therefore looked encouraging... [Read more about Folk Week Events]
Astronomy fever gripped America in August, where millions were treated to a total solar eclipse. And WDAS was also invited to join in, by a website visitor from Whitby (Ontario), wondering what events we had planned.
Although Regatta Monday was laid on in celebration, or otherwise, the 5% eclipse in Whitby (North Yorkshire) was less exciting to behold, particularly as it was hidden from view by thick cloud.
However Andi and Héctor's friend and colleague, Javier, captured this imagen evocadora from his home in Gran Canaria. Thanks to Javier for letting us publish it here. [Read more about 2017 Solar Eclipse]
So, what did Mother Nature have in store for this year’s Regatta – the usual mixture of inclement dross, incorrect forecasts and a blank white disk to look at for hours on end! Well, at least any likely showers would fall on a new gazebo, purchased just a few days prior. The old one requires major (but not insurmountable) work to rectify various issues – particularly with the strut frame work – so we thought a new one would be the better option for now. [Read more about Regatta 2017]
Unless you had stopped up all night, the chances of spotting any shooting stars from our neighbourhood were pretty negligible. The waning gibbous moon would have drowned out most, however cloud cover obscured all! Apparently it did break up sometime in the early morning hours, allowing moonlight to drown out any late meteors. Super! [Read more about The Perseids]
Tonight (Sept 1st) is Hooks House night, so if you read this in time and are planning on coming over, weather permitting we aim to be there for around 20:00h. The Moon will be just after First Quarter, Saturn will still be quite well placed, so there should be something on offer for all (weather permitting) and if so it should be a cracking evenin [Read more about Hook’s House Farm and Westerdale Events]
With a waxing moon lighting up the sky throughout our normal date frame period, our visit to Hook’s House is a little tricky this year. The full moon occurs on the 6th, so our options are a bit limited. After consideration we have decided to go ahead for the 1st Sept (Friday) this at least is 5 days before full moon and the campsite should be still busy. We will be looking at setting up equipment for around 20:00h – the moon will be a across in the south and Saturn will still be visible. If the weather is fine it should be a cracking evening... [Read more about Hook’s House Farm and Westerdale Events]
The Regatta events follow the usual route – afternoon solar viewing, on the Saturday (19th) and Sunday (20th), with evening star parties on both dates. The location of the solar viewing i assume will be as last year ie – the grassy area adjacent to the small Go carts and Royal Crescent on the West Cliff. Time wise 2 – 16:30pm. The Star parties will be held on the pitch and put area, above the archery green – as per last year. [Read more about Regatta et al – events]
We have finally arranged a date for the postponed star party event at the holiday site. The event will take place on August 26th from 20:30h. Society members intending to come along, and can also bring a scope please be there for 20:15h.
Details of the site are included in the Events Calendar. It should be good evening (weather permitting) with little light, great views and hopefully a healthy turnout from site occupants. [Read more about Northcliffe and Seaview Event]
A case of déjà vue here as both events scheduled for early July, just like June, went ahead allowing observations of the Sun, moon Jupiter and Saturn, pretty much the only celestial objects on show. The event on the 9th was particularly interesting as we were able to view the setting Sun, complete with a sunspot grouping and a thin strata layer of cloud seemingly cutting its disk in two. A running theme as it turned out, the rising full moon also subject to a similar effect, visually pleasing through the eyepiece. [Read more about Event Horizon]
Both of the early June Star Parties went ahead as scheduled.
The event on the 3rd drew a reasonable crowd over the duration. Solar observations were initially possible, the sun still above the horizon low in the NW and a noticeable sunspot grouping was visible, which was an unexpected bonus. Once the sun had set attention turned to the moon, a gibbous phase with some lovely detail on show, particularly around the Clavius crater area.
As twilight deepened a little further Jupiter emerged, a pleasing view, with considerable, colourful on show and all four Galilean moons. Later on, Saturn was picked up low to the horizon, not brilliant detail it has to be said, but the rings could be made out, much to the satisfaction of the public... [Read more about Event Horizon]
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 07:06 | 16:25 |
| Civil Twilight | 06:28 | 17:03 |
| Nautical Twilight | 05:46 | 17:45 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 05:04 | 18:27 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 07:10 | 15:58 |
