Those of you looking forward to the Leeds Astromeet this year will sadly have to keep looking, cos it’s not on, cancelled, postponed, deceased?..The comment on the Leeds website reads as follows... [Read more about Leeds Astromeet 2017]
Having finally made contact with Paul, we have pencilled in a date for his postponed talk. Unfortunately it will be 2018 before Paul can make it as he running a WEA course until March of 2018. [Read more about Paul Money - Talk 2018]
Given that this event was organised for a bank holiday weekend, it was pleasantly surprising to plan for the evening with a high degree of confidence of clear skies. Mark, Andi and Keith made the journey over to Northcliffe holiday park at Hawsker, (Andi and Keith checking out Seaview park en-route), three scopes packed including the LX 200. Once we had negotiated the bollard and gate (don’t ask) leading to the football field, the instruments were set up and we prepared for a great evening’s observation. [Read more about Northcliffe and Seaview Event]
Unusually for Folk Week it didn’t rain every single day, in fact Wednesday (Egton show day) was the only bad day... and it was bad, and dark, very dark, sort of total eclipse dark with apocalyptic rain for several hours. Prospects for the evening star party therefore looked encouraging... [Read more about Folk Week Events]
Astronomy fever gripped America in August, where millions were treated to a total solar eclipse. And WDAS was also invited to join in, by a website visitor from Whitby (Ontario), wondering what events we had planned.
Although Regatta Monday was laid on in celebration, or otherwise, the 5% eclipse in Whitby (North Yorkshire) was less exciting to behold, particularly as it was hidden from view by thick cloud.
However Andi and Héctor's friend and colleague, Javier, captured this imagen evocadora from his home in Gran Canaria. Thanks to Javier for letting us publish it here. [Read more about 2017 Solar Eclipse]
So, what did Mother Nature have in store for this year’s Regatta – the usual mixture of inclement dross, incorrect forecasts and a blank white disk to look at for hours on end! Well, at least any likely showers would fall on a new gazebo, purchased just a few days prior. The old one requires major (but not insurmountable) work to rectify various issues – particularly with the strut frame work – so we thought a new one would be the better option for now. [Read more about Regatta 2017]
Unless you had stopped up all night, the chances of spotting any shooting stars from our neighbourhood were pretty negligible. The waning gibbous moon would have drowned out most, however cloud cover obscured all! Apparently it did break up sometime in the early morning hours, allowing moonlight to drown out any late meteors. Super! [Read more about The Perseids]
Tonight (Sept 1st) is Hooks House night, so if you read this in time and are planning on coming over, weather permitting we aim to be there for around 20:00h. The Moon will be just after First Quarter, Saturn will still be quite well placed, so there should be something on offer for all (weather permitting) and if so it should be a cracking evenin [Read more about Hook’s House Farm and Westerdale Events]
With a waxing moon lighting up the sky throughout our normal date frame period, our visit to Hook’s House is a little tricky this year. The full moon occurs on the 6th, so our options are a bit limited. After consideration we have decided to go ahead for the 1st Sept (Friday) this at least is 5 days before full moon and the campsite should be still busy. We will be looking at setting up equipment for around 20:00h – the moon will be a across in the south and Saturn will still be visible. If the weather is fine it should be a cracking evening... [Read more about Hook’s House Farm and Westerdale Events]
The Regatta events follow the usual route – afternoon solar viewing, on the Saturday (19th) and Sunday (20th), with evening star parties on both dates. The location of the solar viewing i assume will be as last year ie – the grassy area adjacent to the small Go carts and Royal Crescent on the West Cliff. Time wise 2 – 16:30pm. The Star parties will be held on the pitch and put area, above the archery green – as per last year. [Read more about Regatta et al – events]
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 05:51 | 20:12 |
| Civil Twilight | 05:12 | 20:51 |
| Nautical Twilight | 04:22 | 21:41 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 03:21 | 22:41 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 02:06 | 07:37 |
