Morning All, I've been looking at locations where I could do some imaging outdoors as long it is safe and relatively dark, unfortunately I don't have the luxury of backyard or Garden. In addition to gostargazing.co.uk, I came across this site www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk, I've even reached out to https://www.hanwellobservatory.org.uk/ near Banbury to see if their grounds were open to armature astronomers (no response as yet). Been to Chesteron Mill (CV33 9LB) recent weeks (3 nights) to look at Comet Neowise, classed as Bortle 4 by Clear Outside app. Night 1 - I just went to scout and and was amazed that I could see Neowise, Night 2 - completely dark and loads of stars was surprised. Night 3- did some imaging (but was full Moon), with DSLR and flimsy tripod. Pros It does get relatively very dark, I could see milky way lanes (faint) with naked eye. Was quite and a few people imaging, either landscape photography or astro Public access Saw a group doing a night sky tour (I think), they were all huddled in chairs (social distancing of course) while someone was pointing at sky and giving a talk, could be a cult..who knows Limited parking Cons Bit of a walk up to the mill, so if you are strong then you can haul up your kit. Trolley might work but its grass so be warned, I'm trying to get a portable kit....still in the works. Glow from Warwick but it could also be due to summer and it took about 1 am to get completely dark The wind mill is an obstruction but you can pick a spot around it and stay there for the night. limited parking next to the gate/entrance, I would say roughly 15 cars seen parked (this was at the height of Neowise frenzy) I suggest go during the day and scout the area then decide. If I do hear from Hanwell Observatory I'll let you folks know...would prefer a location that provide access to mains (happy to pay a fee for elec) I'm still mulling over the kit I need, need to decided on Mount (needs to be go to) and Power supply. I wanted to attach an image I took on Night 3 but can't seem to upload a file, will try again.

Hi Everyone. Could anyone recommend any dark observing sites near Wolverhampton, Walsall or the west midlands area? Jupiter and Saturn are good in my telescope but there is light pollution and are partly blocked on the horizon. It would be great to pack the scope and drive for 20 mins to a dark site. Thanks bsf

Hi Steve we at Wolverhampton AS are trying to find somewhere Sunday & Monday nights to see Neowise. Had a great night last weekend up the Long Mynd.

Hi, had a break from astronomy due to work etc, but slowly getting back into it! Love to join in if you are planning any observation nights etc

I've stumbled across this old topic! I live very close to Dean the op of this thread! Have you guys met up at all? Found a good site?

We are holding our first Society meeting online with the speaker doing a YOu tube presentation followed by a Zoom discussion on Monday 11th May. We also have an observatory site a few miles west of Wolves that members can use.

Hi, Yes, I'm interesting in joining the WolvAS as soon as this lockdown is over. Turns out reading on stargazers lounge has made me change my mind on scope. I've decided to get the 130PDS to better suit the EQ5 Pro mounts' weight limit.

You could join the Wolverhampton A. S. at wolvas.org.uk we have several sites but none are open for access at the moment I guess.

Hi all, sorry about dragging this topic up from 3 years ago! During this lockdown we're all now facing, I've recently gotten back into Astronomy, and focusing more on astrophotography. I'm in the process of purchasing a SkyWatcher Explorer 150PDS on a EQ5 Pro mount to start off with. It's been a while since the last post in this discussion, and I wondered if anybody knows of any decent sites for astronomy and possible group meetings. I'm based in Sedgley; between Dudley and Wolverhampton, but willing to travel if there are any sites that a couple of people are open to travelling to.

Out of interest I looked at the sky simulation for Kingstone, Hereford still a blot to the NE: Francis

Francis The staff at Madley EDC want to develop astronomy and we usually organise a star party for them about once per year. We normally access the site via the old airfield although I appreciate that the main gate is usually locked. Last night Rob took a reading of 20.7 but I can't remember the reading at Madley although the site is dark as you mentioned.

Thanks Mark, Great help last night from all concerned. 891 has been a favourite of mine for years since first imaging it. Not sure what the arrangement is with Madley EDC I've been thinking about taking my scope over to the Kingstone sports field which has very low horizons all round and I think the skies might be slightly darker than Fownhope, but access not so good. See what comes of the add - not too expensive so may just get one anyway... Francis

@fwm891Francis we met last night at Fownhope and I did not appreciate you were a member of SGL. I can now see why you wanted to observe NGC 891 last night. I am not sure you are aware but we also have an arrangement at Madley EDC next to the BT Station - this is close to you at Kingstone. By the way hope you are successful with your wanted advert it will make life so much easier with a RDF and a correct image right angled finderscope.

Realise the original post here is quite old but I'm in HR2 area and would be interested in observing evenings. Current member of Hereford Astro and attend their monthly obs meetings. HR2 0LA for me would be via Peterchurch. HAS observe from HR1 4PJ (Fownhope) Francis

Not too far from me, I will pay Bromsgrove Astro a visit

Bromsgrove Astro have a dark site, only 30 minutes from South Birmingham. They meet 1st and 3rd Monday each month.

Sorry mate we are away on the norfolk broads that weekend, not got to many this year only small events but will try harder next year. With the clubs will there be a way of publishing the programmes of the various astro groups in the region I am thinking of a way to see all of the groups to encourage non members to attend and to push the small observing evenings that groups have out to a midlands audience Regards Steve

Thanks Steve. By the way are you coming to lucksall this year?

Hi Mark yep we would like a club please, i would like to post Wolverhampton A.S. talks list for next year and would like other local clubs do the same.

You may have noticed that we have created a new heading, above the banner, called 'Clubs'. The plan is to move all the existing social groups and observatories to this new area. Currently there are 17 different groups some more active than others. You need to advise me, in this thread, whether you wish your social group to be moved, otherwise the group will be closed and archived. I look forward to hearing from someone within group for us to take necessary admin action.

If you're close to Rosliston the best thing to do is try to attend a club night at the forestry centre- they're on twice a month; the details are here: http://www.roslistonastronomy.org.uk/calendar.html It's a good enthusiastic group and will probably help you find people for this sort of thing.

Hi, I know this post is really old. I live just 5 mins from Rosliston and have been looking for spots around there...further out towards Abbots Bromley and South of Uttoxeter way. Anyone still meeting or been out recently. Been thinking of setting up in a layby out in the middle of nowhere but feels a little vulnerable. Have asked a few farmers if it was okay to pop over their gate and set up in a field but not got the best reply's!

I agree i would be uncomfortable on my own in the dark with expensive equipment unless im in the back garden. Im in solihull. A few of us meet up occasionally for some social observing/imaging. We are members of knowle asteononomical society. We were in the cotwolds at the weekend. We are not going to get many dark hours at this time of year and so observing sessions will be quiet for a while. Ian

I’m not a million miles away in Dudley.

Hello! just wondering if anyone is around south brum? I'm still a billy no mates...I quite fancy getting out into the countryside sometimes to do some imaging, but its a bit intimidating when you're on your own. Would love to make a few astro friends around here