The Bruce Observatory’s first open evening of the new observing season, on Oct 18th, began with clear skies. Mark, Keith and John L visited mainly to check the building rather than undertake serious observing. It had not been accessed since summer, when Keith and Mark investigated the weighted drive mechanism and found problems beyond the pulley cable tangling on the drum.

On arrival we wondered whether the troublesome door locks would prevent entry, but they opened smoothly. During the summer visit, it was also discovered there was damage to the hinges on the left-hand dome door flap and decided to keep it closed until repaired, opening just the right-hand flap. 

The Bruce Observatory. (Click for larger image)

This was enough to view the first-quarter Moon, low in the south. Through a 21mm eyepiece, the lunar landscape looked stunning, with the Alpine Valley appearing as a dark slash through the lunar Alps. An 18mm eyepiece improved the view further, while the 12.5mm revealed remarkable detail.  Peaks of various crater centre mountains illuminated by the first Suns rays, the craters themselves still in shadow.  

We planned to observe Saturn next, but cloud rolled in from the North Sea, covering the eastern half of the sky and eventually hiding the Moon, ending our brief but useful session.

WDAS members and Cooke refractor. (Click for larger image)

The open night on the 25th had to be cancelled, the ongoing effects of storm Boelo again to blame, wind gusts of 45-50mph too strong to allow safe opening of the dome. The proximity of old trees was also of concern. All very frustrating given skies were clear. Typical!

'red light mode'. (Click for larger image)

Please note, until the flap door hinges can be fixed, only those evenings with predominently clear skies and light breeze will be considered viable dates. Contact Mark to verify.