Star Parties

Star Parties are a fantastic way of getting astronomers of all ages and experience levels together to view the night sky, especially when there is a notable event taking place (such as an eclipse, meteor shower, etc). It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a telescope of your own, as you will be able to use the Society’s equipment (and that of other members attending), although if you do have a scope or binoculars then we encourage you bring them with you. These are great social events, and an opportunity to glean advice and assistance from those around you.

We plan to hold Star Parties at the observatory site on the following dates. Site arrival times will be published here nearer the date.

Please note that these are weather dependent, and you are advised to phone Graham Boots (01903 505346) on the day to confirm whether it will be going ahead.

13th December 2010 (Observatory) Start Time 1900hrs

Geminids Meteor shower Monday and Tuesday night 13th-14th December 2010 7.00pm onwards all members & friends welcome Moon : First quarter

If you do attend, please remember that spending long periods of time outside at night, under clear skies, can get very cold (even in summer!). We therefore suggest the following list of equipment as essential (and remember that lots of thin layers are much warmer than one thick one!) :

• Warm coat / jacket
• Hat, scarf & gloves
• Jumpers
• Warm socks
• Appropriate sturdy footwear (give consideration to the thickness of sole between your feet and the cold ground!)
• Flask of coffee / tea / hot chocolate / soup, etc

We also suggest that if you have any of the items below, you bring them with you :

• Your astro equipment; telescopes, binoculars, imaging kit, etc. The more the merrier!
• A torch. We must insist though, that during the hours of darkness, no white lights are used. These can damage the night vision of others around you, so red lights only (bike lights are ideal!)
• Munchies! Please ensure that all litter is removed from the site when you leave

From experience, we know that you may be standing around for several hours. If you have a problem with this, then we also suggest that you bring some form of seating (e.g. collapsible camping chairs) with you.

There is plenty of car parking available at the site, but marshalling may be in place to guide you to park a short distance away from the dome site itself. Although cars will not be far away, please do not rely on being able to park next to your telescope.