Observing
Nights
Contacts:-
Andy Hatfield
...........................(Observing
Officer) 01274 413464 (Mobile 07858 177531)
John Bardsley
......(Assistant
Observing Officer) 01274 419142 (Mobile 07796 997631)
Tony West
.................................(Newsletter
Editor) 01274 683896 (Mobile 07813 240601)
We normally observe
from Rawdon Model Boat
Club, however due to a recent increase in light pollution from Leeds
and Bradford Airport, we are currently observing from Thackley
Football Club grounds until further notice. We did observe from Thackley
prior to using the Boat Club but for various reasons Thackley fell into disuse
- however TFC have done a lot of upgrade work to the site, the main improvement
for the society is the clearing of all the rubble where the annual bonfire
used to be held, and we understand that this event will not be taking place
in the future, which means we can observe from the area at the top of the
car park once again. Our old site in the far corner of the field has now gone
- TFC have converted this field into a pitch and the old 10" telescope
base and pillar for the C8 have now been removed completely
and there is no access for vehicles into this
area anymore.
Please Note - occasionally there are football
matches held on a Thursday night - most Thursday night training is usually
finished by about 9:15 however we cannot predict an unscheduled match - if
observing is definitely on and we find that a match is in progress we will
divert to the boat club. we may also occasionally observe from Otley Chevin
depending on the current events we intend to observe, or for any public viewing
sessions etc, but we will advise if this is to take place.
The 'official'
observing evening is on a Thursday from 7.30pm onward during the winter months,
(8.30 at TFC) and in summertime will depend on sky conditions as the days
get longer, but as a rule we still keep on observing throughout the summer
when possible. The only time we tend not to observe is around the time of
the full Moon because the sky is generally too bright to be able to see many
of the fainter objects, however we still do sometimes observe depending on
what objects are around at the time.
Check the applet below to see the current phase of the Moon - this will give
an indication whether we are likely to be observing if it's clear.
There are a number
of dedicated observers
who are 'under the stars' at every opportunity, so please check the contacts
below if the sky is clear and you want to do some extra observing - it is
likely that someone will be going out!
As most people
are aware the skies around out cities are becoming more light polluted, however
there are still a great many objects which can be observed with either binoculars
or smaller telescopes. Tony West has compiled an extensive list of interesting
objects and he usually has a few things lined up for an evenings viewing depending
on what's around at the time.
We are currently
trying to generate interest in Digital Imaging
using a variety of equipment - Andy Hatfield has a Watec 120N integrating
video camera which can display some deep sky objects directly to a monitor
or laptop screen, and several members are experimenting with their digital
cameras to produce some very good photographs - see the members area for more
examples.
All the photographs
above were taken with amateur equipment on our observing nights - as you can
see there are also phenomena to photograph during the daytime too, as Tony
West's picture of a Parhelia (Sun Dog) shows.
Check the Moon
phases for likely observing sessions
The society &
it's members own a variety of equipment, including various telescopes, solar
telescopes & filters, CCD cameras, video cameras, special filters etc.
