Impressions of Hardraw, February 04 - 06, 2011 ...

Cloud cover: 200%; hours' observing: nil; images captured: nil (although Chris got an electrifying view – the nearby pylon insulator) ...

Astronomy topics and activities covered

Viewing of several very good video lectures on the Theory of Relativity provided by Malc (we all really enjoyed these but had some occasional lapses in space-time continuum due to nodding off); compatibility of computers driving go-to telescopes (conclusion: John needs more laptop processing power); the possibility and venue of a MaccAstro August Perseid-Barbecue outing (generally well favoured as an idea); other potential astronomy outings - visits round the UK (National Space Centre and Wirral Spaceport considered perhaps more suited to juniors); the implications of Ophiuchus as a new sign of the zodiac – we all move into different star signs, confirming how meaningless tabloid astrology is (mind you we Gemini's are fickle like that anyway); the outdoor 'Skyspace' features around the UK (very intriguing and contemplative, if you're into that sort of thing) the idea of producing a software observing session simulation package for wet-weather GCSE progress (Malc quite liked this idea, so we'll leave it to him); the astronomical odds of the 'look out behind you' meteor moment on Stargazing Live ('what are the chances of that happening then?' as Harry Hill would say); opinions of Kielder Observatory (views ranged from 'distinctive and inventive in its spectacular context' to 'odd'); Chris's Christmas book : 'The Big Questions – The Universe' (looked good and very stylishly produced); Kirsty's photos of atmospherics (definitely a future MaccAstro Workshop presentation, although we will all be jealous of the locations); the trials and tribulations of seeking a permanent local base for MaccAstro observing sessions (clearly not simple); the relative merits of Professor Brian Cox, Dara O' Briain and Jonathan Ross as astronomy communicators (need say no more)

Other occasional musings arising

W hat are the constituents of Breakfast Juice (now known to be a blend of Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice and Bacon Fat); was it just the wind that caused the window glass to smash in on Tricia's bed (thankfully empty); what would we chose to do in life if we hadn't done what we ended up doing (needed some thought, so maybe we'll revisit this another time); would Steve have spent 10 mins in the pitch black and driving rain wedging his car within the gate posts had he seen there was another entrance 10 yards further on (answers on a postcard please)

Overall conclusion

Despite the journeys being challenging (like driving several hours in a car wash) and observing being clouded out, it was still an enjoyable, informative and social weekend – looking forward to next time

Attendees: Malc Beesley; Tricia De Hoogh; Kirsty Grogan; Chris Hill; Dave Sayer; John Tipping; Steve Warbis; Dave's Mum's mince pie..

Steve Warbis

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