At one point it could have run to three cars, but in the end five WDAS members made the journey over to Leeds squeezing into just one - Andi's car - for Astromeet 2014.
The slightly 'quicker detour route' around Pickering proved 'deer-less' this year, much to our disappointment and arrival at Leeds university was bang on 09:40h - as per usual... [Read more about Leeds Astromeet 2014 - Mark’s Journal (so far)]
If you still wish to come along to the Christmas Meal (and we believe there are a few who do) please let Mark know before December 4th, along with your menu choices.
As of going to press there are 10 confirmed for the Christmas meal: Andi, Andy L, Ian D, John T and Sue, Mark, Keith, Phil, Rosemary and Victor (all with menu choices).
The date is Dec 12th for around 7:15pm. It has been provisionally booked for up to fifteen. We shall sort out transport ideas at the December monthly meeting. [Read more about Christmas Meal 2014 - Last Call]
Don't forget the December 2014 WDAS meeting.
This month:
Mark gives us an in-depth look at hot star cluster The Pleiades
Andi gives an update of Astro-News, including the Rosetta/Philae mission so far - with 3D images and animations, no less! (3D glasses supplied)
As well as a tour of the Christmas sky, now, and then;
You have the snazzy new-style newsletter; and now here comes ther reminder to WDAS Members about subscriptions for 2015, which are now due for renewal and will be held at the current inflation-busting levels as last year. [Read more about WDAS Subs 2015]
We caught up with Paul Money at Astromeet, and now have in our possession 20 copies of Night Scenes 2015... and it’s fair to say there’s quite a lot to look forward to next year.
So for an in depth preview of celestial events next year reserve your copy now. First come, first serve, as usual, Booklets are priced at £4 for members and £6 for non members. [Read more about Night Scenes 2015]
It was a very encouraging turnout for our first meeting of the ‘new season’, and a new format as well. Apart from usual society news and business and a review of the night sky using Sky pro plus 7, each monthly meeting will also feature ‘mini’ presentations on a particular item relating to astronomical news and events, or a more in depth look at a particular celestial object, theory, or topic.
Last month Andi gave a short, but very interesting presentation on NASA's Grail Mission, and its discovery of a huge rift valley on the moon. This month... [Read more about WDAS Monthly Meeting]
We have ordered 20 copies of Night Scenes 2015. Compiled by Paul Money, who will hopefully be coming up to speak in spring 2015. All who purchase NSC will know it to be an indispensable colour almanac/ booklet, packed full of information on the coming year’s monthly celestial highlights. The price will be £4 to paid up members, £6 for non members. [Read more about Night Scenes 2015]
The final scheduled event of the summer (Sept. 20th) fell victim to quite unseasonably chilly and blustery conditions, with cloud scudding in off the sea, not really conducive for public viewing.
A week later summer had returned and an unscheduled event took place on the 27th. [Read more about WDAS September 2014 Star Parties]
After a predominantly overcast day, and some pessimism about prospects of being able to view anything outside, wouldn't you know it, skies cleared as forecast and remained clear for the duration of the event at Westerdale, making our journey very much worthwhile.
The sky was quite magnificent from the venue of the village hall car park. Quite a posse of members made it with just the one navigational miscalculation, although I believe Warren enjoyed the very scenic route... [Read more about Westerdale Star Party on 13th September 2014]
After August’s full moon wash out, would September’s fare any better?
Initially things looked promising and we would get to view thmoon rising over the east horizon. However it became evident that by the time of moonrise, cloud in the wrong place was going to spoil the party.
Society and members of the public alike gathered around Cpt Cooks statue passing the time by trying to estimate/gauge just where the moon might appear. And then ... [Read more about September 2014's Mega-Moon Party]
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 05:22 | 20:54 |
| Civil Twilight | 04:38 | 21:38 |
| Nautical Twilight | 03:38 | 22:38 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 01:59 | 00:17 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 19:27 | 01:00 |
