Viewing Around Newcastle Upon Tyne.

[Bazz]

I know we have Kielder and places that are not that far away, but is there anywhere decent within say 10 to 15 mins drive of Newcastle where I can use (practise) with my scope.

[damnut]

If you can make it 15miles or so head to Widdrington, plenty of parking round the bay. You will have Newcastle to the south but fantastic clear sea horizon and dark to the north.

[m.tweedy]

I know these may not be quite in the 15 minutes drive but check them out.

NASTRO

http://www.nastro.org.uk/

Newcastle astro

http://www.newcastleastronomical.org.uk/

or ourselves SAS

http://www.sunderlandastro.com/

hold dark sky meetings.

we at sunderland have access to a private locked car park at Derwent reservoir that we use for our dark sky viewing.

The other societies i believe have similar types of viewing spots.

the beauty of these is SAFETY in numbers. like minded people who can help with questions and general banter.

BEWARE this can lead to either scope envy or aperture fever

[m.tweedy]

I am getting dizzy switching tabs on our conversations

[Bazz]

Thanks for all the information Michael.

[Bazz]

If you can make it 15miles or so head to Widdrington, plenty of parking round the bay. You will have Newcastle to the south but fantastic clear sea horizon and dark to the north.

Thanks Damien I will do that.

[m.tweedy]

You stalking me. or is it the other way round

[Bazz]

You stalking me. or is it the other way round

[callisto]

have you tried Vallum farm just off the A69 at heddon, a few people from the Newcastle asto society observe there 

[Charic]

Bazz......if your just wanting to alleviate your eyes from the street lighting, have you considered one of these. http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-utility-tent-p148806?gclid=CLbb05WByscCFQoEwwodWeAMPw&gclsrc=aw.ds

I use one, with an additional cover, and find that I can concentrate on the Stars a little better If I shield any direct lighting from my eyes.  Going to a darker site is optimal for better results.

Its all very well getting up and going out, but there is always some effort and planning to get it just right. I probably have some of the darkest skies in the UK not more than 40 mins drive away, its just the push to get up and go?

I will put my system through its paces sometime this Year from the darkest place I know.

[m.tweedy]

thats a very good idea however I left Barry and daughter still observing at Sunderland Astro.

[Bazz]

Wow what a night. 

I want to thank Michael & Chris and everyone who's names have eluded me at SAS for making us very welcome right from the start................then it just got better and better, free collimation was performed. Then it was outside to the observatory and spotter and scope aligned

Then the viewing, Saturn looked fantastic, Andromada, Albireo, M57,the Moon and many other objects who names again evade me ( I wish I had written them down) were viewed through my Dobby.

Nothing was a bother to the members attending, so much knowledge put in such a friendly easy to understand way, time just flew past. We will be joining as soon as we can. Fantastic.

[m.tweedy]

Ha its amazing where the time goes when you are enjoying yourself.

Glad it lived upto expectations (and my hype )

[Bazz]

Ha its amazing where the time goes when you are enjoying yourself.

Glad it lived upto expectations (and my hype )

Beyond all my expectations Michael.

[m.tweedy]

society at pow hill tonight

[Bazz]

society at pow hill tonight

Had a few tonight, so might just venture into the back garden. Maybe next time.

[Bazz]

PS

After I have joined.

[Bazz]

Visited Weetslade Country Park, lovely place and only 10 mins from home. Quite dark and lovely open area right next to the car park.

http://www.nwt.org.uk/reserves/weetslade-country-park

Went armed with maps books and loads of what I thought would be easy to find objects................well I did find Albireo , then nothing LOL. Still early days i suppose and I have a lot to learn I know.

[Bazz]

Weetslade last night:

[m.tweedy]

nice

will we still see you down at the Wetlands.

There is a talk tonight on processing images in GIMP if you are interested

[Bazz]

nice

will we still see you down at the Wetlands.

There is a talk tonight on processing images in GIMP if you are interested

Don't think I can make it tonight mate, definitely Thursday though.

[Bazz]

Visited Pow Hill (beside Derwent Reservoir) County Durham with the Sunderland Astronomical Society and even though the clouds rolled in what a great night, with good company.

[scarp15]

Yes Pow Hill (and Millshields) is a pleasant journey heading out of Newcastle so even if the cloud rolls in, not so bad to head for home. Most importantly provides a taste of true dark sky.

[m.tweedy]

Iain saturday is Starbque at Millshield. I am sure Barry wont mind me informing you on his thread.

[Bazz]

Forecast for clear skys in the NE tonight.