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Impressions of Hardraw, February 24 - 26, 2006 ...
Our first of six visits to Hardraw in 2006 didn't quite live up to
the high clear sky expectations set by previous visits. Nevertheless,
we did manage to get nearly three hours (mainly naked-eye) observing
to soothe our star-starved eyes ...
And when it did show itself in all its glory, what a wonderful, dark starry
sky it was. The Milky Way arcing through Cassiopeia, into Perseus and
beyond into Orion was striking and drew gasps from all those underneath
it. More than a handful of sporadic meteors were also seen - much to the
frustration of those who weren't facing in the right direction!
Then the clouds rolled in so we spent time watching two classic, but very
different space-themed DVDs: Alien, and 2010 (The year we make contact).
They must have been enjoyed because they kept most of those who attended
our field trip awake until at least 0400 ...
We also gladly received two sets of visitors to Harris House - Chris and
her husband (who joined us for a traditional fish and chip supper). Then
shortly after, Angela and Derek Sherwin arrived having made the journey
from Alsager, just for the Saturday evening - now that's what I call dedication.
Although the sky was only clear on and off during the evening and into
the night, both said it had definitely been worth traveling to see the
majesty of a dark, rural sky. I, for one was thankful to hear such a positive
response!
Here's a pictorial record of the weekend.
Andrew Greenwood
Click on an image to see a larger version.
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Keep up-to-date with Society events and subscribe to the electronic version of our newsletter - 'What's Up?' ... Click
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 July and August updates ...
The bright twilight nights are slowly giving way to darker skies and the prospect of revealing a little-known nightly sight. Away from the towns and cities, the Milky Way will soon be glimpsed meandering through the constellation of Cygnus. This river of stars was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians ... Nowadays, especially when we approach the end of Summer, it's astronomers that turn their gaze skyward and praise the sight of a myriad of stars arching high above them.
The following sections have been updated: This month's night sky and observations.
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Would you like to join our newly formed visual observing group? We will now be holding regular observing sessions at some of our dark-sky sites across Macclesfield. If you would llike to be added to our contact list, don't delay ... Click
here. |
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For information on our observing
field trips to Hardraw, Yorkshire ... Click
here. |
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Our Workshops continue to be a
great success. As a result we are looking for more of you
to participate and give your own short presentations to Society
members. Let us know if you'd like to get involved ... Click
here. |
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