Whitby & District Astronomical Society

Whitby Youth Hostel - Dark (Cloud) Events

After enduring nine days of overcast skies, where neither the sun nor stars were visible and even the full Moon went unnoticed, expectations for the first Dark Sky - Star Walk event at WYH on Sunday, February 16th were understandably low.  As anticipated, the observing conditions were unfavourable. Consequently, our alternative plan B (might as well be plan A) was executed.

The astronomically themed presentation room - waiting for everyone to arrive. 
 Image - Keith Deason. (Click for larger image) 

Two Dobsonian telescopes and the picture boards were delivered to the hostel earlier on Sunday, where they would remain until after the final event on the 18th. This arrangement reduced the need for repeated loading and unloading of equipment and provided a backup plan in case the cloud cover cleared. Only one car was required for the remaining equipment, allowing Brian to pick up Keith and John L. However, John missed the ride and had to walk to the location still arriving in time to help set up in the Cholmeley room. This was arranged with picture boards, telescopes, binoculars, books and inflatables, creating an 'astro feel'.

After everyone attending had taken their seats, a brief introduction and outline of proceedings was provided. The event followed our established indoor format, including presentations on sky apps, various types of astronomical equipment amateur astronomers use and a PowerPoint presentation on the different type of objects they observe. A refreshment break doubled as a Q&A session. Mark checked out of the rear window for any weather miracles, but sadly no, so he pressed on. After further Q&As at the conclusion of the event at 9PM, all bar the big scopes and boards were reloaded into the car. Looking up, a few stars, Jupiter, and Mars were visible, too late to be of use! On to the next event.

The second event on February 18th could have gone either way weatherwise, settling on a half-way house, skies clear enough high up, but rather misty lower down. With Keith absent, Lee took over on IT duties, Brian and John once again lending a hand.  This was one occasion assistance was required with the Dobsonians being stationed in the Hostel's rear garden area. Joining them was a donated 100mm Sky Watcher Star Travel refractor which had been discovered within the hostel alongside a small GOTO Celestron refractor.

A few more people had booked to attend this event, so it was a relief to finally carry out observations and not just show objects on a screen (which we did anyway!). Following an introductory presentation, everyone donned their outdoor clothing, and we ventured outside to the ‘air chilled’ scopes. The skies were sufficiently clear overhead, though less so around the edges with many constellations veiled. Venus, Jupiter, and Mars were all visible and targeted with the scopes. Venus exhibited a pleasing crescent phase in the eyepiece, Jupiter and its moons were splendid, although the Great Red Spot remained elusive. Mars showed more surface detail than expected on close inspection. Participants were suitably impressed. Mark pointed out some of the brighter stars, constellations, and locations of several deep sky objects, although sky clarity was not sufficient to observe these apart from the Pleiades star cluster.

The group managed almost 45 minutes outside before returning indoors for warmth and refreshments. Thawed out, Mark gave another presentation, focusing on how some of the hidden deep sky objects should have appeared. As always time flew by, beyond the advertised finishing time. Well, it's more of a guideline really! 

Hopefully, attendees found the events informative and enjoyable. Reliable weather would make such events rather more predictable, but this is the UK! Many thanks to the WYH staff and of course WDAS members - Brian, John, Keith, and Lee for their assistance at these events.