Cloud forecast for the evening suggested this year’s Westerdale event would be held indoors. Forecasts differed on timing but agreed that cloud would arrive at some point. Plan B then!

Brian, John L, Lee, Keith and Mark travelled from Whitby without mishap or a route diversion this year, meeting fellow WDAS member Paul Wood at the village hall. 

Marian Mathews introducing Mark. Image Keith D. (Click for full image)

Partly overcast skies offered little hope of observing, despite mild, almost windless conditions. Marian welcomed us at the door before we unloaded, set up and connected the IT equipment. We expected to follow the introductory talk with a “plan B” presentation. Audience numbers increased over the course of the presentation to around 30 - very acceptable given the forecast.

As Mark approached the end, Paul reported that at least half the sky had cleared. We put on our coats and hurried outside to check. With stars visible across broad stretches of sky, we switched to “plan A”, using the telescopes we had brought across the Moors: Lee’s Newtonian, John’s Cassegrain, Paul’s Questar and a 10" Dobsonian. 

Mark explaining how the evening may unfold. Image Keith D. (Click for full image)

Unsure how long the clear spell would last, we pointed out stars, constellations and selected deep-sky objects. The Milky Way was clearly visible, and several meteors delighted everyone. After about 20 minutes, returning cloud sent us indoors for refreshments.

Brian and John survey the sky. Image Keith D. (Click for full image) 

After refreshments, Mark gave another presentation on T Cor Bor and other topics until Paul returned with good news: the sky had unexpectedly cleared again. Outside, we found it completely clear, with Saturn visible above the hall roofline. We turned the telescopes towards it, giving everyone excellent views of the ringed wonder amid much excitement.

People gathering outside. Image Keith D. (Click for full image)

We pointed out Corona Borealis and where to look for T Cor Bor when it finally erupts. A laser-pointer tour highlighted the more conspicuous constellations and their main stars, followed by telescope views of selected deep-sky objects. 

We sought out the usual targets: the Ring Nebula, Albireo, Mizar and Alcor, M13, and the Andromeda Galaxy, which was just visible to the naked eye. We also spotted two more meteors and rather too many artificial satellites. Saturn remained the main attraction.

Pointing out constellations.  Image Keith D. (Click for full image)

The mild weather made being outside a pleasure until cloud finally closed in. Back indoors, we shared closing remarks, thanks and farewells. It was an enjoyable, successful evening, tinged with sadness at the absence of respected village elder and WDAS member John Randles. I’m sure he was looking down and smiling; hosting an event at Westerdale had been his idea many years ago.  

Thanks to Marian and the Westerdale organisers, and to Brian, Keith, John, Lee and Paul for their much-appreciated help.