mapstar

It's normally a bit windy around Calvin

Just over a week to the camp. Hope everyone's ready for the clear skies and lack of sleep 🙂

Rest up Peter 👍🏻

You will be missed Peter. Hope to see you at the february event. All being well I'll be there.

Hello, have you replied on the other thread about the 2023 November star party and get a view on the number attending. I think at last count there were 6 places left.

Looking forward to this, always good to catch up with the regulars and meet new attendees 😉

I use a hotec on the truss dob. It takes litterally a couple of minutes

We have Galloway star party planned upto now. It's been a while since we have been to elan valley so that could be our August trip to catch some more southerly objects.

Nice report Neil. Looks to be a fantastic observing spot and very private? My scope will be back out at the end of August now

I never set the scope up as there wasn't a night where there was a full hours clear sky. The aurora shots were taken in gaps which were clear for 20mins

Made the trip home yesterday and managed it in four and half hours. Pretty uneventful thankfully. Only had 20miles of dry road all the way back. The weather over the A66 was shocking. Good to see old and new acquaintances and had a relaxing time. Thanks to all that attended and sorry those that didn't attend missed it. Here's to autumn which I've already booked. Clear skies

Some photos from the DSLR

Aurora showing through. A few shots via the phone.

Derek is a bad influence

The weather at 5am this morning was very clear and I saw some stars so officially a star party by the chasney scale 😁. Looks a lovely morning although the wind speed is around 50mph gusts so there was no chance of setting the scope up to get a few views in. Just on with my second cuppa and wait for the rest of the dob mob to arrive later this aft 😉

The perma cloud is persisting so the warm room it is. To abscent friends and astronomers

The rain has stopped and the 4 attendees (3 sgl and one astro scot) have a chance of a stroll and chin wag.

Made it to the warm room briefly but didn't stay long. Rain has persisted through the night and it's a damp start to the day. Looks to be clearing around midday so hopefully dry up a bit. Not much life on the campsite but only 4 attendees upto now. The waxing of the utility tent has worked wonders with no dripping and all dry inside. So I can recommend the nikwax.

Managed a safe journey up. John and Derek were milling about and "assisted" with putting up the tent. After the utility tent is set up and I got all the gear stowed half an hour before the rain started. Camp is quiet and Currently everyone is holed up in their digs keeping dry and warm. Maybe venture to the warm room for a wee dram or two soon. Looking forward to some clear patches

Set off a bit later than planned so probably get there around 4.30pm. Hopefully get a bit of clear skies tonight

I'll be there tomorrow mid aft.

Sorry to hear that Peter. Hope all goes well and see you in the autumn. I've just rang, as I was reminded that I'd not booked. Will be there the 19th to the 26th. Fingers crossed for everyone

Sorry to hear this Ian, and a shame to break such an attendance record. I'm sure Derek will be along to make a comment later on how quiet the camp may be without one of it's many characters. Hopefully see you in the Autumn unless I starve if I attend the spring event 🤣

Hope it all goes well. Unfortunately it clashes with the Galloway sp so I will try to make the Autumn bash.

Blue sky too