Storm Boelo forced the sensible cancellation of Whitby Youth Hostel’s first ‘Star Night’, scheduled for October 24th, as forecast gales and rain discouraged interest. The conditions also forced Whitby Abbey to cancel its Halloween ‘spooktacular’ and illuminations that evening. Storms!

The Abbey illuminated appropriately for Halloween.
Image - Richard Randle. (Click for full image) 

Conditions were more favourable for the second WYH event on October 28th: milder weather, a light breeze and, crucially, partly clear skies.

Brian, Keith and Mark drove to the Abbey Headland, where the Abbey was suitably spookily illuminated. At the hostel, they met Richard R and Glynnis, the WYH duty manager. She had already told us that the indoor presentation would take place in the Lounge rather than the Cholmeley room.

Mark in deep conversation with one of the attendees. Image - Keith D. (Click for full image)

Having left some equipment on Saturday, we had less to carry through the building. Richard and Mark handled the 10" Dobsonian along the side path directly into the rear garden, while Brian took care of the smaller Dobsonian and Keith set up the IT equipment inside. We planned an opening presentation, refreshments and, weather permitting, outdoor observations, followed by another presentation and Q&A indoors.

People gathering in the lounge. 
 Image - Keith D. (Click for larger image)

With the lounge ready and telescopes set up in the rear garden, we welcomed a good turnout of booked guests. For once, the evening went to plan: Mark presented an overview of the October night sky and how to navigate it, followed by refreshments. With skies partly clear, we then headed into the garden to observe. 

The WYH garden, Mark ready to go in front of a very atmospheric and colourful backdrop.   Image - Richard Randle. (Click for larger image)   

‘Partly clear skies’ can mean haze rather than clear gaps between clouds, leaving only the brighter stars visible—as happened that evening. The waning gibbous Moon further obscured fainter stars, though its telescopic view impressed many. Despite a thin veil of cloud, Saturn offered a steady, magical image, with its largest moon, Titan, just visible as the cloud thinned further. 

The scene in the WYH rear garden. Acquiring Saturn. Image - Keith D. (Click for larger image) 

Mark used a laser pointer to guide us around the visible stars and constellations, but no large stretch of sky cleared completely, so deep-sky objects remained out of reach. Visitors seemed happy with views of the Moon and Saturn.

Queuing to view Saturn through the 10 inch Dob. Image - Keith D. (Click for larger image) 

With half an hour remaining, we returned to the comfortable lounge seats. Mark explained the anticipated eruption of T Cor B in more detail, including when and where to look. A final Q&A brought the evening to a close. 

Mark, showing where T Cor Bor is. Keith at the helm.
Image - Richard Randle. (Click for larger image) 

Visitors seemed to enjoy the evening, perhaps without knowing what to expect. We certainly enjoyed it—a success despite the conditions. All that remained was to reload the vehicles. Thanks to Glynnis, the WYH staff, and WDAS members Brian, John L, Keith and Richard, whose help made an event of this scale possible.

We look forward to doing it all again in February.