Whitby & District Astronomical Society

With high pressure dominating and clear skies anticipated for October 10th, conditions seemed ideal for our annual star party at Westerdale, in contrast to the weather disruptions caused by fog and drizzle in 2024. However, our journey to Westerdale was notably more complicated, a recurring challenge over the years that has often resulted in delayed arrivals. This year, road closures and diversions were the primary causes of travel delays.   

Setting off in good time (almost an hour before the event start time), Lee - with Keith as passenger, followed by Brian accompanied by John L, were sent ahead by Mark who required fuel for his car.  Confident of arriving in good time, the journey over the Moors and down into Danby was uneventful...right up until Mark met Lee and Brian stationary on the Danby/Castleton road, a barrier across it with ominous sign in front proclaiming 'Road Closed'. 

Following a series of ‘exclamations’, we regrouped and retraced our steps back to the A171 and on to the Lockwood Beck turn-off, Mark now heading the convoy.  This way would at least allow avoiding Castleton itself, still arriving in decent time by taking the 'lower road' up to Westerdaleside and on to Westerdale.  Arriving at the 'lower road' junction, this road was also closed (zut alors!), the diversion leading back into Castleton and onto our original route! We eventually arrived in Westerdale with just a few minutes to spare, much to the relief of the organisers. 

The car park was empty, yet the hall was full, apparently people had been asked to park on the main road so that nuisance light from headlamps was kept to a minimum (good idea). It was wonderful to see society member and Westerdale elder John Randles present in the crowd. We set about unloading the telescopes and setting up the IT equipment, Brian, John, Lee and Mark doing the former, Keith the latter. The mild conditions certainly helped, no cold fingers fumbling with mounts and eyepieces etc.  

After formal introductions, Mark sketched out how we hoped the evening would unfold. First, a short presentation about T Cr B - what, where, and whens, then observations outside.   

Conditions outdoors were unseasonably mild, more akin to late summer with skies chiefly clear and still. Corona Borealis was our first port of call, pointing out its location in the sky in relation to other constellations, hopefully aiding people’s ability to recognise it when T Cor Bor finally does erupt. A laser pointer tour of the more conspicuous constellations followed picking out their chief stars, before observations through the eyepiece. 

All the usual targets were sought out, including the Ring nebula, Alberio, Mizar and Alcor, M13, Epsilon Lyra. Top of the shop was Saturn, which now it is gaining in declination, was visible above the village hall roof.  Even though the rings were virtually non-existent, people were still excited to view this delicate structure almost edge on, together with a number of Saturn's moons. 

Time seemed to fly by, Mark hardly noticing the refreshment break - finally remembering the schedule.  Back indoors there was just time for a quick look at the new observatory at Danby Lodge, before some last-minute observations of the rising Moon - now clear of the trees, at least if you were in the right spot, which Lee was. All too soon the event was over, a highly enjoyable one at that and a pleasure to be outside. Following farewells, the journey home proved far more straightforward - though just as long. 

Thanks to Marian, (who was unable to attend) Chris, Steve and the organisers at Westerdale and to the much-appreciated assistance from Brian, Keith, John and Lee.