mapstar

Lovely read Neil. I've struggled in the last two years with motivation myself and hopefully life Is turning a corner that I can again return to regular observing. I always remember my first views of ngc2371 in my 8" newt. It was a difficult find initially and very small. Think I'd overlooked it several times. Later with a memory of where it was , a better chart and the bigger scope it appeared easily and was a very pleasing view. Obviously much brighter with more detail. Whilst in Gemini next time have a look at the medusa nebula. Much bigger than you'd expect 😉

A nice swirl around the messier objects and an enjoyable read. As you say the wind around this new moon has been terrible and the December new moon was clouded out. My scope has sat in storage since it's last outing in November. Hopefully the new moon will be better at the end of the month when I make my usual pilgrimage to the dark skies of the Galloway star party.

Happy new year Jim. Hope you and Dawn had a good one. Looking forward to next month 😉

M51 at the spring GSP is something else when it's high in the sky. Never forget seeing it on the Sunday night when just me and Mike ( demonbarber) were left. Best I've ever seen it and I'm sure Mike would agree.

You can see from the orientation of ursa major the different events

Cheers James it was a pleasure giving a tour of the dark galloway skies, although I'm shocked that I've lost 2" off my scope but for a 22" it looks the same size as a smaller scope 😉

Saving the planet Deker

Me and Ian were fine in the vango omega 350 tents. Brilliant tent for rain and windy conditions although not good for the back as they are low so no good to wookie (paul) Mine was second had when I bought it and had it 9 years. It only leaked once last year and seam sealer sorted that. Highly recommend it

Booked also 👌

4 hour journey home was uneventful and easy. Unpacked half the car and relaxing now. Many thanks to all those that attended and to Derek, Lesley and Ralph for the great site and organisation we all get to appreciate. Mike's humour and warm welcome was sadly missed. I did think Derek's kettle was broken 😜 It has been a very enjoyable camp again and the laughs have been a welcome distraction to the normal hum drum. Looking forward to the next.

Agreed Derek.

A few more from last night

A few more from last night.

The aurora over Wigtown last night during the Galloway star party. Three separate events throughout the night gave spectacular views. Mote photos to add later.

Turned in at 4am. Saw quite a few targets but the transparency wasn't quite there. A few meteors but the highlight of the night was several aurora shows throughout the night. Last one was around 3am

I have a supply in the car

Just seen the best fireball I've ever seen. Lasted 10 seconds falling above Wigtown.

To all those travelling up make sure you've a face covering handy 😉

Hopefully I'll arrive around midday on Tuesday. Here was the skies in Selside in the dales last night for a brief period Really strong wind up here today so guess it will be more so up there. Tried walking Ingleborough on Friday. The wind and rain closed in on us at the last Mile so we abandoned it. Take care and see everyone soon

It was the Scottish dark sky observatory Ian. See here https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-57579980.amp

3 and 3/4 hours to get home was an excellent run. Shame I couldn't be bothered with the clear sky at 5am but hope everyone left get some clear skies tonight

Will be booking at next month's camp. Think there's a few ready to book

Yes built from scratch by the owners

The mob travelling the dark skies again................😉

Probably be a 5 hour drive for me so probably afternoon by the time I get there