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Post by billw on Mar 22, 2010 15:26:39 GMT
The usual few hardy souls came along and we had a great night. The sky was completely clear (most of the time....) and the seeing was superb! Using a 10inch SC the Moon and Saturn were fantastic. The conditions were such that features could be seen on the unlit side of the moon through the reflected earth light, quite astonishing. After 3+hours of great observing we were finally defeated by the rapidly falling temperature and ice on everything. The cars had to be scraped before departure. If you didn't come along then you missed a terrific night. Hopefully the April observing get together will be as successful. Bill.
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Post by billw on Mar 19, 2010 9:15:41 GMT
Hello, The forecast is looking mixed but there is a fair chance of some clear skies so the plan is to meet at 9.00pm at the larger lay by along the farm road, past the cottages. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Mar 1, 2010 13:54:55 GMT
Hi All, We're getting into the best time for having a peek at the Virgo/Leo galaxies again.
A get together is planned for Sat 20th Mar and also Sat 10th April. These offer decent periods of dark skies.
Rather than the Loch side site I suggest the alternate location off the 713 to avoid fog problems.
If anyone needs directions just let me know.
Cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Feb 11, 2010 11:59:33 GMT
Hi Len, Good to see you on here too! I think this has been the best winter I've seen for years! With the winds switching to a more easterly direction we've been on the leeward side of the country for a change and since Christmas there have been some cracking spells. It's actually a bit un-nerving as I'm used to almost complete cloud cover with heavy rain and gales through the winter. Racking up hundreds of meteors on the system but the decline in sporadic flux is really noticeable given this chance of more regular clear skies. Any plans to attend the IMC in Armagh in September? cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Feb 10, 2010 8:55:30 GMT
So far the winter has been brilliant for astronomy, cold but brilliant! There have been spells of exceptional skies. Has anybody been out looking at anything of interest? Surely all these clear skies have not gone to waste....
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Post by billw on Oct 19, 2009 8:54:23 GMT
Hello all, Well that's the September and October sessions over for another year.
September was clouded out but, for a short time at least, we had a spectacular view of the milky way on the October night. Whilst the loch side site is an excellent site it does have mist problems.
I think we were losing out un-necessarily due to this. I propose an alternative site which is also off the A713 but is much further up (height wise) the other side of the valley. It's not such a long and winding road to it. It also has a much superior view to the southern horizon. The only down side is space is a bit more limited.
I'll get a map posted in time for the spring get togethers.
Even with the cloud it's always a laugh if nothing else. Hopefully see you there next time. Cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Oct 12, 2009 7:51:23 GMT
Hello all. I've not had any feedback about the alternative observing site so it's back to Loch Doon for the next observing get together. This coming Saturday 17th October, meet around 9pm at the usual lay-by. If the weather forecast looks poor I'll post a cancellation here on Friday. Here's hoping the weather cooperates! cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Sept 24, 2009 15:13:01 GMT
Hi All, The weather looks like it's improving with at least a fair chance of some clear skies. If you're coming along bring some biccies. See you at Loch Doon site around 9.00pm onwards. Cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 31, 2009 8:06:46 GMT
Hello,
Another autumn comes around!
There is an observing get together planned for Sat 26th September at the Loch Doon location and another penciled in for October 17th (This will be at a different location)
These are dark of moon weekends and offer the best views of the Milky Way, weather permitting!
Stay tuned for more details closer to the time.
cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 11, 2009 7:52:48 GMT
Hello there,
Tonight is the run up to the predicted peak of the Perseids. The forecast isn't brilliant but the north and east are looking the best.
Things are looking better for Wednesday night where activity should still be high.
Keep watching the skies!
cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Jul 9, 2009 8:24:37 GMT
Although the Perseids suffer from some moon light this year, the peaks of the Orionids, Leonids and Geminids are all well positioned this year. Post counts and any other observations here. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Jul 9, 2009 8:04:22 GMT
Hi, Absolutely!, there have been some good displays so far and we're now at the peak of the season so everyone keep you eye's peeled and post a few pictures. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Jun 15, 2009 9:14:27 GMT
Enthusiasm sadly lacking, as seems to be the norm.... I've not had much response from the outdoor centre so I have to assume that they're not interested in the business. Oh well, there you have it! cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on May 19, 2009 9:34:59 GMT
As this is the IYA maybe it's a good time to have a larger get together. For a few years AFA hired the Scout outdoor centre at Megerrnie. Even with pretty poor weather this was always a great weekend.
I have made some inquiries about hiring the site for a weekend in October and would like to hear if anyone is interested.
The facility is modern with communal bunk rooms and a couple of family rooms. When the skies do clear it is a great dark site! It has a large activity hall and fully equipped kitchen.
If the weather is poor the at least we can have a party.
So come on let's have a bit of enthusiasm, even if we only do it once then the IYA is as good an excuse as any!
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Post by billw on Mar 25, 2009 8:48:07 GMT
The forecast is looking poor for the Friday but if anyone is interested in getting together at Loch Doon on the Saturday night let me know. Cheers, Bill.
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