Feb.28, 2019

Dark Sky Event#1: Fylinghall School

On March 1st we will be hosting an event at Fylinghall School, which is also being co-promoted by Baytown Coffee.  It’s 3 years since we last visited the School for a star night event, and it will be nice to renew ties.  If conditions are satisfactory (not chucking it down, blowing a Hooley, or knee deep in snow- none of which look likely) the boarding students will be flogged enlisted to help out with a scaled solar system demonstration before observing is commenced, or the implementation of plan B (indoor presentation)... [Read more about Dark Sky Event#1: Fylinghall School]

By Mark D
Jan.27, 2019

New Laptop

Hussar!  A new laptop at last!  Well, it was about time, our existing one getting on for 8 yrs old, slowing-up, taped-up and most probably fed-up.  The new one (an HP) is much quicker, smaller, lighter and better capable of running the newly released upgrade of the Starry Night program we utilise for the meetings etc.  Good timing really.  Want to see a picture comparison?.. [Read more about New Laptop]

By Mark D
Jan.27, 2019

Society Subs – 2019

If you have not already done so (and you haven’t had a visitation from Mark) subscriptions for the coming year are due.  Happily subscription rates have been kept the same i.e £12, for adults with subsidized rates at £8 for under 16’s.

You can bring subs along to the W.D.A.S monthly meetings in January or February at the very latest.  If you cannot make the meetings

Cheques are made payable to: “Whitby & District Astronomical Society". Please address to Mark Dawson at 33 laburnum Grove, Whitby.  YO211HZ. 

Many thanks for your continued support. [Read more about Society Subs – 2019]

By Mark D
Jan.27, 2019

‘Whitby and the Cosmos’ Exhibition: Whitby Museum

This exciting exhibition sponsored by the Royal Society at Whitby Museum opens on February 16th and will showcase the importance of Whitby and the surrounding area in investigating the cosmos, from Captain Cook’s 1768 voyage mapping the transit of Venus to the current search for Dark Matter at Boulby Underground Laboratory.

The exhibition will be opened on the evening of the 15th, with a public lecture in The Normanby Room entitled “The Search for Dark Matter”, given by Professor Henrique Araujo of Imperial College London, telling of the internationally important work being carried out at Boulby Underground Laboratory... [Read more about ‘Whitby and the Cosmos’ Exhibition: Whitby Museum]

By Mark D
Jan.27, 2019

Lunar Total Eclipse – Report by Mark Dawson

Blimey O’ Reilly, I don’t believe it, skies were actually clear for one of this year’s astronomical highlights, so I hope you set the alarm and viewed it. 

I had set my camera and tripod up the previous evening, so when the phone alarm jolted me out of my slumber around 04:45h, I only had to don some warm attire and wander out into the back garden to view proceedings... [Read more about Lunar Total Eclipse – Report by Mark Dawson]

By Mark D
Jan.27, 2019

Danby Moors Centre: Dark Skies Night

On Saturday 2nd February 2018, we shall, weather permitting, be called in to action again at the Danby Moors Centre, for their Dark Skies Week event. The date coincides with the schools half term.  This is their ‘flagship event’ and if skies are clear we shall need assistance from members regarding scopes/transport, similar to the event held last October... [Read more about Danby Moors Centre: Dark Skies Night]

By Mark D
Jan.27, 2019

Fyling Hall School: Dark Skies Night

It’s that time of year again when half term holidays coupled with dark nights, will hopefully coincide with clear skies, so we have a busy few days at the start of March.  First up is Fyling Hall School on Friday 1st March.

Inspired by the North York Moors National Park’s Dark Skies Festival, Fyling Hall School have invited us to host their very own Stargazing Party... [Read more about Fyling Hall School: Dark Skies Night]

By Mark D
Dec.30, 2018

Night Scenes 2019 – a few left!

There are not too many copies of night scenes 2019 remaining.  If you would like a copy it’s just £4 to society members and £6 otherwise.  They are an indispensable guide for the astronomical year ahead, so don’t delay, once gone that’s it. [Read more about Night Scenes 2019 – a few left!]

By Mark D
Dec.30, 2018

Bruce Observatory

Essential work on the Bruce Observatory is once again required in order to maintain the integrity of the building itself. 

The telescope and mount itself is in pretty good working order (maybe a good clean required) but the shutters, guttering, south side wall, dome felting and exterior laths all require attention.  [Read more about Bruce Observatory]

By Mark D
Dec.30, 2018

Geminids

Did anyone spot any Geminid meteors?

(Publisher’s note: Andi in Tenerife raises his hand, smugly.)

The evenings (and early part of the mornings) on the relevant dates, were pretty cloudy.  The dawn of the 14th was clearer, but at 06:45h skies were beginning to lighten and Mark only saw two (one of these wasn’t a Geminid), so hopefully someone may have fared better. [Read more about Geminids]

By Andi

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