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Post by billw on Mar 20, 2009 12:30:48 GMT
Hello, All very quite!, surely something must be going on...?
The ASE is having an observing session at their dark site, south of Addiewell, on Friday 27th March. Google "Astronomical Society of Edinburgh" for all the details.
Cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Jan 5, 2009 9:06:01 GMT
A Happy New Year to all those who check in from time to time. November/December has been a remarkable period weather wise with long cold clear spells.
On two critical dates, the max of the Leonids and the Quadrantids it was actually fine but cloudy!
Here's hoping we have better luck in the forthcoming year.
As always please post what news you have that is astro related.
This site is kept going for that task!
cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Nov 3, 2008 9:11:24 GMT
The weather this week has been remarkable with the past 8 nights being usable. I can't remember such a spell. Not a lot of Taurid activity despite the claims of "possible enhanced fireball activity" several long watches have yielded very little let alone any fireballs. The observing session was mixed with long cloudy spells and long clear spells. Here's a shot from through the week. 15 x 2 mins with a 180mm lens of u Ceph and NGC 1396.
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Post by billw on Oct 31, 2008 14:03:30 GMT
Hello, The weather looks like it will hold so tomorrow evenings (Sat 1st Nov 08)gathering will go ahead as planned. It looks like it might be a cold one so wrap up well if your coming along. Regards, Bill.
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Post by billw on Oct 28, 2008 11:41:53 GMT
The big high pressure over the Atlantic might offer some decent weather for a few days if it comes our way.
This might be the chance for a get together at Loch Doon on Saturday 1st Nov 2008. As it's now pretty much dark by early evening aim to arrive at the usual location for around 8pm.
If anyone needs directions then get in touch.
cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Sept 30, 2008 8:12:14 GMT
Hello All, Despite a ropey looking afternoon the skies cleared! It turned out to be a great night. The only problem was the extremely high humidity which resulted in serious dewing on everything. Even with this a few hardy souls enjoyed the observing. This is a shot of some galactic open clusters in Cassiopeia. Working left to right, the main clusters are NGC 654, NGC 663, NGC 659 and M103. By this time the skies were getting a bit hazy and my camera and lenses were dripping with water. The North American Nebula and the Gamma Cyg neb can just be made out. The rift is fairly prominent. It turns out we may have also been treated to possible out burst of the minor Alpha Aurigid shower. There were comments about the unusual number of meteors which prompted the searching of meteor list to find out what was going on. Thanks to all who came (and I can announce I have now purchased fresh coffee, the next time it should taste much better!) The next get together will be announced as soon as possible. PS a wee bit more digging as of 13/10/08 reveals that the meteor show was more likely the Delta Aurigids. Bill
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Post by billw on Sept 22, 2008 10:10:26 GMT
Hi, The weather improves at last but will it hold out until Saturday night!? Anyway the plan is now to meet at the site from 8.30pm onwards and hope for some good observing. See you there. Cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 13, 2008 15:35:05 GMT
Dear All, The next observing get together is provisionally for the 27th (Saturday night) September. As this is the September weekend and depending on the weather it could be +/- a day. We'll be using the ASE site at Addiewell, to the south of Bathgate. If anyone needs directions then get in touch. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 12, 2008 14:29:01 GMT
Dear All,
I have taken the step of removing the posting by the member regulus as despite the quite legitimate claim that the event may contain relevant material I feel it is inappropriate to be seen to have events sponsored by organisations supporting the belief in astrology on the SAG forum.
It was also basically and advert for a commercial (ie charging an entry fee) non SAG event.
Regards,
Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 11, 2008 8:46:24 GMT
Dear All,
It has now been a few years since we have had an "Astrofest". Next year is the International Year of Astronomy.
I have been asked by John Brown, the Astronomer Royal of Scotland if the SAG would be interested in organising a major IYA event.
Now is the chance to voice any interest, both in terms of general participation and also what would you like to see specifically.
The intention is to model the event on the format of the last Astrofest with a series of headline speakers, a venue for Clubs and Societies to set up displays and demonstrations as well as some social events.
Please get in touch with your ideas and suggestions.
Regards, Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 8, 2008 13:18:56 GMT
The forecast is pretty grim for tomorrow afternoon but there is a chance that the front will clear by night time. If anyone is up for an observing session then meet at the Finlas Forest Road, Loch Doon, Ayrshire at 10.00pm local on Sat 9th Aug 2008. Cheers Bill.
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Post by billw on Aug 7, 2008 8:14:04 GMT
The weather continues to be miserable across central Scotland. It would appear that the forecast is quite grim but it is changing all the time. There is a chance that the rain for Saturday may very well clear by the night. Stay tuned a final decision will be posted here tomorrow afternoon. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Jul 22, 2008 11:16:36 GMT
A new board for the new season. With digital slr's and video cameras and even mobile phones(!) astro imaging is easier than ever. Taking pictures of the night sky is something that lot's of us do so if you have any pictures of anything astronomical then post them here. A few guide lines. Keep the image less than 800x600 and include the date, time and camera/lens/exposure used. That's it. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Jul 22, 2008 10:08:30 GMT
Hello All, We slip back into astronomical darkness on 08/08/08! The SAG will be having a get together of some description at Loch Doon, weather permitting for the Persieds. Stay tuned for details. cheers, Bill.
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Post by billw on Apr 25, 2008 7:54:33 GMT
Hello All, I hope everyone has read Neil Bones' posting. With the shorter nights of summer it is approaching NLC season. The Perseids are the ideal way to start the autumn season. Make sure you let us know of your plans and results. cheers, Bill.
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