For the majority of astronomers June and early July are normally 'no-go' periods regarding observing, but given an active Sun, favourable lunar phase, Venus and a heat wave, on paper our second scheduled star party event had something going for it, held as it was just 3 days after the summer solstice.  It turned out to be one of the best June star party events for a very long time, with warm conditions, more than half decent skies and plenty of footfall. 

Setting up in the late evening Sun, Tal 4", 6"dob and 10" dob.  Image - Mark D.
(Click for full image) 

Having deposited an advertising placard out late afternoon, and with clear skies forecast, we hoped for a more productive event than in May.  Mark and Keith were on the West Cliff by 21:00hrs setting out the scopes and poster boards etc for a 21:15hrs start.  Mark had brought three instruments - the Tal 4" refractor and the 10" and 6" dobsonians.  John Lamb brought his 90mm ETX refractor and we were also joined by Brian Allen. 

People stare at Mark's hat, John explains how large Mark's brain is,
and a lady views the Moon.
(Click for larger image) Image - Keith D.

Mark (in hat) explains the joys and shortcomings of summer events.
(Click for larger image) Image - Keith D

Skies were not as clear as forecasts suggested, with some quite spectacular 'speckled' cloud banks drifting around in the west and south.  The setting Sun was visible however, allowing solar viewing with the Tal 4" refractor and safety filter to be carried out.  Given the wonderful conditions, the West Cliff was busy, and people began to wander over, first curious, then wowed by views of the setting Sun, its face cloud streaked and marked with numerous sunspots.    

A spectacular speckled sunset captured by Keith D. (Click for full image)

As the Sun sank into a fragmented cloud bank lighting up the speckled sky, many photos were taken.  Our solar viewing session was over, attention switched to things lunar as we solely focussed on the Moon.  The two dobsonians had been aimed at the crescent Moon from the outset, clearly visible in the SW well above the Royal Hotel.  Conditions were obviously very light, but lunar detail was evident with the crater chain of Catherina, Cyrillus and Theophilus particularly noticeable, as was Aristoteles and Eudoxus.  Again, people appeared taken aback at the beauty of our near neighbour. 

A splendid summers evening. (Click for full image) Image - Mark D

As more people came over to take a peak, scrutinise the poster boards, and generally admire the view, Keith and John glimpsed Venus playing hide and seek amongst the speckled cloud in the west. 

Can you spot Venus? (Double click for larger image) Image Keith D

Once acquired in the scope, the sight was tremendous (not something you would normally associate with Venus), but the well-defined crescent phase was almost a mirror image of the Moon visible that night.  People were seriously impressed with the view,  attracting others to come and look.   

Both Sun and Moon on show. (Click for larger image) Image - Mark D 

It never ceases to amaze just how cosmopolitan in nature visitors are to Whitby.  Many different nationalities were enjoying the fine evening, including from Europe, the US, Korea, New Zealand, Sri Lanka as well as numerous locations in the UK.  Sharing in the delight of observing bodies in our solar system, no stars were visible even by 22:20hrs, conditions still too light.  People came and went, with some returning several times.  Eventually stars began to emerge, peeping in and out of the speckled cloud which had now spread overhead but had dispersed somewhat in the west.  It was fast becoming a good old fashioned Star Party normally experienced in mid-August - not in June!   People were coming over to view after 23:00hrs, when incidentally the temperature was still 25 degrees C.  We called a halt nearing 23:20hrs by which time the Sun's location below the horizon was nearing due north from the twilight glow present.  

This had been a cracking late evening out on the West Cliff - enjoyed by all and given just how light skies are from Whitby at this time of summer, was probably our most successful 'summer solstice' event. 

Future Events -

Here's hoping for something similar on July 1st - our next foray out on the West Cliff at 21:00hrs. After that we are probably looking toward the end of July, so mark July 29th down, same time and venue. 

August will as always be busy, but let’s start with Aug 5th, Regatta weekend follows, then Folk week and Bank Holiday dates.  All subject to heatwave, monsoon, or just plain, boring cloud! We shall firm-up times, places and dates in the August issue.