Leeds Astromeet 2017

A reminder to anyone who didn’t see the news last month, this year’s Leeds Astromeet has been cancelled.  The comment on the Leeds website reads as follows

Leeds Astronomical Society has decided to cancel this year's Astromeet conference at Leeds University.  The committee took this decision reluctantly, aware that there will be much disappointment, but after careful consideration.  The reasons for cancellation include: financial constraints related to funding; rising costs at the current venue, and a number of other administrative concerns.  Hopefully this isn't a binding decision - and should an Astromeet be proposed for 2018, details will appear on the New Year website.

Let’s hope it’s just a glitch for this year. [Read more about Leeds Astromeet 2017]

The society meetings restart in October the date is Tuesday 3rd (not 4th as incorrectly stated last month). 

Apart from a roundup of our summer activities and a look at the current sky, Mark will be giving a short talk on Cassini and Andi hopes to have a talk ready too.  Hope you will be able to join us (see WDAS diary for venue and time etc )

Our open nights at the Bruce Observatory recommence on Sunday 8th Oct starting from 19:30h.  As always if you are unsure about the weather prospects on the evening contact Mark. [Read more about Society Monthly Meetings: Recommence]

Summer Assessment

C +

Started off the season reasonably well, but lost momentum midsummer, with a few opportunities missed.  Inconsistent latter half, with one or two highlights. 

Summary: Must try harder. [Read more about Summer Assessment]

Westerdale Event

This year’s trip over to Westerdale (15th Sept) coincided with cloud and eventually rain, preventing any observations outside.  But as we know Esk Valley folk are a hardy breed, and in spite of the weather a good turnout gathered at the village hall... [Read more about Westerdale Event]

This year’s event was early in the month in an effort to minimise the effect of moonlight.  Conditions on the evening were encouraging with cloud forecast to clear away to the south.  This turned out to be the case, but was painfully slow so that the moon and Saturn were initially obscured... [Read more about Hook’s House Farm event]

Leeds Astromeet 2017

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]

Paul Money - Talk 2018

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]

Folk Week Events

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]

2017 Solar Eclipse

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]

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