The autumn equinox falls on September 22nd, the date autumn officially commences in the northern hemisphere. For the second time this year the polar axis of our planet is at right angles to the Sun and all locations receive equal hours of daylight and darkness... [Read more about The Autumn Equinox]
It turned out to be a pleasantly warm evening on July 30th for a Star Party on West Cliff. Warren arrived just in time to photograph a rainbow dropping to the sea through the hole in a cloud, and capture a magnificent sunset a few minutes after (pictures in the main article).
As the Sun melted below the horizon, observations switched from ships at sea to more distant celestial bodies, and the Star Party got underway with a good number of visitors; who were soon under the spell of Mark's guidance... [Read more about Final Star Party of July]
This year’s event will be held on Sept 3rd (or 10th if clouded out on the 3rd) Definitely, one of our observing highlights, let’s hope skies are clear, as the moon will only be 3 days old. As you know Hook’s House is an excellent dark site location situated on the B1447 overlooking Robin Hood’s Bay. The campsite should still be busy, so we plan to get set up for 8pm. Members bringing scopes please be on site for 7:45pm if possible. If conditions are forecast to be decent, it would not surprise me to have a bit of a ‘in boot barby thing’ going on as well. Fingers crossed for a cracking evening. [Read more about Hook’s House Star Party]
We shall once again be travelling over to Westerdale to host a star party on Friday Sept 2nd. The venue will be the village hall/car park area within the village. Start time is 20:00h for the public, but will members wishing to attend (contact Mark) be there for 19:30-45h to allow time for equipment to be set up. Anyone who has been before will know the site is reasonably dark and the natives are always friendly, and it will be nice to see our friend John. Plan B (indoors) will be initiated if cloudy. [Read more about Westerdale Star Party]
Finally, a star party actually that went ahead, July 15th. It was a bit last minute, but conditions were clear, a little breezy, but nevertheless observations were actually possible. With skies still quite bright, the 10 day old moon was our first target... [Read more about Weather permitted!]
It would seem that a regime change has been encouraged at Whitby Museum. Although exact details of hire charges etc, have yet to be verified, it’s looking likely these will be similar to what the society used to pay for use of the Normanby room. Better news still, food is back on the menu! Watch this space for further news on a likely date for Paul Money. [Read more about Museum Coup]
This was our first Parkfest event, held at the Moors centre, Danby. Keith and Mark had an early start, arriving at the grounds by 9am. Because the forecast was for overcast skies, turning to rain by late afternoon, Mark had loaded the car for almost every eventuality (the kitchen sink wouldn’t quite fit)... [Read more about ParkFest 2016]
If you have not already done so, would members please find time to sign the online petition – re light pollution, set up by Wakefield Astronomical Society. This should have been sent via email to you already. A link will be given on our website. Ten thousand signatures (now reached!) are required for the Government to take note, and 100,000 for them to consider the subject for a parliamentary debate. The closing deadline is July 22nd. If you know anyone else who would be inclined to sympathise with the cause, get them to sign it too! [Read more about Light Pollution Petition]
What started out as a cloudy, chilly and blustery day, the evening seemed to be from a different season altogether, calm, clear and sunny.
Having been at a birthday party, Mark rushed up to the headland on the west cliff, for what proved to be the most successful star party so far this summer. The scopes were all deployed; the Moon was out, a few punters even managed to get a look... [Read more about Star Party: 18th June 2016]
The society has been invited to the NYM Park Fest day on Sunday 24th July, to be held at the Danby Moors centre.
Predominantly a food and craft fair with a theme this year of ‘try something new’, we have been asked to provide some Mars bars, Galaxies, Milky Ways, Rocket biscuits and ‘planets’.... just joking. We have though been tasked with solar viewing, scaled solar system demos and anything else that may be considered adventurous... [Read more about Park Fest – Danby Moors Centre]
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 05:48 | 20:14 |
| Civil Twilight | 05:08 | 20:53 |
| Nautical Twilight | 04:18 | 21:44 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 03:16 | 22:46 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 15:12 | 05:00 |
