Whitby Youth Hostel Events

In a word, yes! Weather conditions across the Dark Sky festival period extremely hit and miss, WDAS events seemingly always hitting the cloudy, windy, damp nights and missing the occasional clear evening! It should come as no surprise then that both WYH events were wholly indoor affairs, app and PP presentations only. Just to rub salt into the observing wound, it did not go unnoticed a ghostly Jupiter was visible for the first event on Feb 18th, a pale imitation of the 'king of planets', ruling a sky devoid of stars above a windswept landscape. 

The audience gathers but no outdoor observations tonight!
Image by Keith. (Click for full image)

Mark, Keith, Brian, and Richard arrived at the youth hostel, followed shortly thereafter by John L.  The sole Dobsonian telescope remained in Mark's car, the rest of the equipment and display material transported to the Cholmeley room after several trips, many hands make light work! Following erection of the poster boards, IT equipment set up and arrangement of binoculars, books, inflatables, and related accessories, the room was well-prepared as attendees began to arrive.

After a brief introduction, Mark proceeded with the established event format, including presentations on sky applications, scale demonstrations, and PowerPoint delivery. These segments highlighted the features of the February night sky and illustrated the vastness of space. A refreshment interval also served as a Q&A session, during which the meteorite collection was circulated for close examination. 

Owing to unchanged outdoor conditions, the second half of the evening continued with further presentations, demonstrations and more Q&A’s. The event concluded around 9pm, with the audience expressing satisfaction despite the absence of observational opportunities. 

Feb 21st - small but enthusiastic audience.
Image - Keith D. (Click for larger image)

With Mark, Keith, Brian and John ready to do battle once again, the second event on February 21st was virtually a carbon copy of the first. Cloud cover was thicker, conditions milder, and the audience smaller (the prospect of Olympic curling gold was perhaps another reason for this apart from the obvious cloud cover), but they were a keen bunch, not shy to assist with demonstrations. Mark gave further presentations and there was a good range of questions asked.  As always time flew by, but our finishing time was met - for once!  Hopefully, attendees found the events informative and enjoyable, feedback positive. 

Mark blending into his presentation! Image by John L. (Click for larger image)

Many thanks to the WYH staff and of course WDAS members - Brian, John, Keith, and Richard for their assistance at these events.