Physopto

 Hi all.

Well moved on to Portpatrick and a friends place. Nice clear skies 😃 at last. Well for a few good hours anyway. Good to see Orion's belt and other star clusters. Moon causing viewing problems as expected.

I suspect Steve and Calvin may be well chuffed back at the Dunroamin camp site as they remained with hope for better weather.

Sill some stars better than none. 🙂

As usual I wish to thank all who attended the Star Party and  especially Lesley and Ralph for hosting us all.

 

There were a lot of "no shows" this time. Many of whom had made much of saying how they would there on the 17 th and just after.

This puts a shadow over us all, as there were no apologies for not showing up.  Lesley has lost out financially and we all are being tarred with the same brush. If the Star Camp is to continue in the future we must at least be consistent and inform the owners if we cannot attend or  decide for whatever reason not to do so.

The Star Camp may soon be cancelled if this continues. Remember  .,..... This is the only Star Camp in Scotland at the present time!

Having said this those hardy soles who did attend had a great time renewing old and,    some newer friendships. We enjoyed good company and a few drams,

We are all hoping that things improve in the future, as it would be a great shame for this special Star Camp to end!

 

Note:

Although dates have been posted for the 2024 Spring Star Camp ........

There may be an alteration to the dates in a week or two. We may change this to February as a test case. Hopefully wishing for longer nights and better weather Now done.

Star Camp  Moved to February 2024

😀My apologies for any confusion, but I have consulted members present and asked for their input.

 

 

 

20 hours ago, NicoleP said:

Hi everyone.. these images are stunning!! Not jealous at all that Nigel and me have missed this 😭😭 Were you able to image something last night? 
Sorry Derek that we couldn’t say goodbye to you and thank you for organising this star camp. The weather wasn’t great for us but the company was very good and made up for it 😊 We are looking forward to coming back in November 😊

Good luck for the remaining days/nights.

Nici, Nigel & Bailey 🐶 

Glad you enjoyed your visit with us.  Hope you can make the Autumn event. We  enjoyed your company. All the best.

 

Well a fair bit rain, but off and on. We managed a few hours of chat between showers. Having a good laugh, ( winding up  Damian). 🤣

Anyway pleasent afternoon.

Just need the other attendees to get here and some clear spells to officially  call it a Star Party.

Glad to hear you got something Jon.

See you in  a couple of hours

18 hours ago, LandyJon said:

You're all missing this glorious sunshine and the crystal clear skies tonight !

Unfortunately delayed. There tomorrow lunch time ish!!

And you aremissing our mist and rain😂

Hi Jon, see you on Saturday all being well.  In the area at present visiting friends.

 

2 hours ago, mapstar said:

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 

 

 

 

I'll call tonight Damian. Found it very hard to hear earlier today with all the traffic.

3 hours ago, petevasey said:

Hi, Derek and all,

Alas, I have to cancel this one.  Firstly a problem with my wife's car MOT.  Due on 20th, tried to book it (and the annual service) last week, but the earliest it can be done by the garage I always use is the 20th!  OK I could have lived with that provided it passed or didn't need much doing - they can often get a needed part and fit it the same day.  So I might have been a late arrival on Monday or early-ish on Tuesday.  BUT my wife has just been notified of a date, Wednesday 22nd, for a long awaited minor operation (at the Freeman, Newcastle).  She won't be able to drive for several days afterwards, and will only have the use of one hand.  No new date available 'for the forseeable future'.  So I'll have to be here for her.  I am booked for November, and must get on with booking next year's events.  I'm writing to Lesley now anyway to cancel.  Although I'm a relative 'newbie' I enjoy the good fellowship and the dark sky 🙂  Hope to see you all in November. 

Sláinte,

Peter

Hi Peter,

I hope the opperation goes well and your missus has a quick recovery.

You cannot miss helping her out so we will see you next time with any luck.

All the best to you both.

Derek

On 12/02/2023 at 22:07, LandyJon said:

Could we get clarification on the dates for this camp ?

I seem to remember Lesley saying she would be away the weekend of the 18/19th but that someone would be able to let us in.

I have my kids the following weekend so I think me n Stu are going to be there that weekend and I'll stay on through the week again but head home Friday 24th.

The Astronomy Scotland group on WhatsApp seem to be under the impression the dates are 20/26th so its all a bit unclear.

Thanks, Jon.

Hi Jon.......

 

Clarification ................... Nothing has changed ...............................Dates as above and have been for over a year😃

 

I do not know where all the confusion is coming from, Astronomy Scotland seems to be getting false info from somewhere!

 

As I have tried to make clear to everyone. Please.....

Join Stargazers Lounge and you can ask questions and Get Answers  Directly.

Any member of the public can look at the SGL website to see all Star Camp posts,

even with out joining the forum

 

 

If there had been any changes I would have posted them ASAP.

 

The toilets will not be cleaned over the weekend due to staff shortages. But will be done on Monday morning onwards.

As I mentioned in the original post it is up to individual attendees to arange any extra time with Lesley at the end or beginning of any Star Camp.

This camp has the weekend before (18/19th) prebooked as the New Moon is on the Tuesday the 21st. Hence the darkest time (weekend) is before the New Moon, not the weekend afterwards.

See you and Stu there and be great to meet up again😄

All the best,

Revised dates ( 26-03-2023) for this Star Camp now confirmed.

  Between Tuesday 6^th and Monday 12^th February 2024

On 04/02/2023 at 22:29, Uplooker said:

Hi All,

Unfortunately I am now not able to attend this event. I have yet to notify Leslie, but will do so in the coming days. I have been double booked 🙄. I have not missed an event since I first attended a GSP SP over 10yrs ago.

Apologies to all who maybe impacted by the omission of my erudite personality and provision of food and drink😮

May I wish all attendees a fabulous time and will catch up with you all at the Autumnal event.

Apologies,

Ian

Damian was right. We will miss your cheery chat. 🤔And........ Damian will loose some weight 😁

(I am sure he will be in touch pleading for a food parcel.)

Honestly though it is a shame, just make sure it never happens again! 🙄 aand Annette just said there may be a few scraps for a doggy bag 😂

 

 

Hi everyone.

 

 

As usual I am announcing the dates as soon as practical so that people who need to give

employers very early dates for holidays can do so.

 

 

 

 

Scotland's Premier Star Camp during the Autumn (November) 2024

 

 

The Star Camp will be held at Drumroamin Camp Site.

(1 South Balfern, Kirkinner, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 9DB.)

 

 

Between:    Wednesday 30^th October    and   Monday the 4^th November.

 

 

 

 

(The New Moon is on Friday the 1^st November)

 

 

A weekend is included this time so hopefully most people may attend if at work during the week days.

 

 

Location: Drumroamin

Latitude: 54.83253

Longitude: -4.45677

 

 

 

New Moon Details November 2024 for Wigtown

 

 

Moon phase details for Friday, November 1, 2024

• Moon Phase: New Moon - 12:48 pm ↑

• Illumination: 0%

• Moon Age: 0.24 days

• Moon Angle: 0.49

• Moon Distance: 402,593.133 km

• Moonrise: 07:26 am

• Moonset: 04:10 pm

• Sun Angle: 0.54

• Sun Distance: 148,419,774.115 km

• Sunrise: 07:20 am

• Golden Hour Ends: 08:15 am

• Golden Hour Starts: 03:49 pm

• Sunset: 04:44 pm

• Length of day: 09h 23m

 

 

October 24

 

 

 

 

November 24

 

 

 

 

This means that observers and imagers are still able to view/image some days before

and after the New Moon without moonlight pollution affecting them.

 

 

These dates for the Star Camp were picked due to several factors:

1) Likelihood of best weather combined with hours of darkness.

2) No dates available earlier in October due to Wightown Book Festival.

3) Far to close to Santa and Christmas at end of November.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The climate in Wigtown is warm and temperate but with a significant rainfall.

Even in the driest month there is a lot of rain.

This location is classified as Cfb by Köppen and Geiger.

The temperature here averages 9.1 °C | 48.4 °F. About 1346 mm | 53.0 inch of precipitation falls annually.

 

  As always those wishing to spend extra time at the Star Camp can arrange that with the owners of the site at time of booking.

 

Hope to see you all there. Best wishes to all.

On 26/01/2023 at 23:36, estwing said:

Dob mob will be pleased to support this event 

Glad to hear it 😀

How are you doing?

 

I posted these Spring dates so as to keep my promise to post a year in advance wherever possible.

As I said, I have to firm up the dates ASAP. So please bear that in mind. I am pretty sure it will be OK though.

I also have the dates for the 2024 Autumn Star Camp sorted, but I will await Lesley's Ok before posting them.

I am concurently busy with several other projects and did not want to forget to let everyone know the proposed dates ASAP.

It should only be a few days hopefully to confirm everything.

 

Hi Everyone,

As usual I am announcing the dates as soon as practical so that people who need to give employers
very early dates for holidays can do so.

 

Apologies for the changes below but due to past poor

weather conditions in March.

We are now trying a different Month this time.

 

🌌 Reworked dates now set below.🌌

 

 

 

 

Scotland's Premier Star Camp during the Spring February 2024

 

It will be held at Drumroamin Camp Site.

at:

1 South Balfern, Kirkinner, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway, DG8 9DB 

  

  Between Tuesday 6^th and Monday 12^th February. 

 

(The New Moon is on Friday the 9^th February)  

These dates contain the weekend following.

Location: Drumroamin

Latitude: 54.83253

Longitude: -4.45677

 

 

Target: 9/2/2024 23:46:37      Target: 9/2/2024 23:46:37

Phase Name: New Moon        Phase Name: New Moon

Percent of Full: 0%     Percent of Full: 0%

Age: 0% (0 days 0 hrs 46 mins)         Age: 0% (0 days 0 hrs 46 mins)

Azimuth:   339° 13' 35"          Azimuth:   339° 13' 35" 

Altitude:   -52° 11' 29"            Altitude:   -52° 11' 29" 

           

Rise: 08:22 at 130°     Rise: 08:22 at 130°

Set: 16:14 at 233°       Set: 16:14 at 233°

Next New: 10/3/2024 09:01  [29.4 days]       Next New: 10/3/2024 09:01  [29.4 days]

Next FQ: 16/2/2024 15:02  [6.6 days]            Next FQ: 16/2/2024 15:02  [6.6 days]

Next Full: 24/2/2024 12:31  [14.5 days]        Next Full: 24/2/2024 12:31  [14.5 days]

Next LQ: 3/3/2024 15:24  [22.7 days]            Next LQ: 3/3/2024 15:24  [22.7 days]

 

 

This means that observers and imagers are still able to view/image some days before

and after the New Moon without moonlight pollution affecting them as shown above.

 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Some time ago I was asked by an SGL member if I had any information regarding

the Past/Long-Term Weather around the Wigtown/Newton Stewart area.

 

 

I try my best to pick when I think we may get better weather, errr.... crossed fingers!

 

So below is what I have found so far, I hope it is of some interest as to how and why

 I picked the dates that I have following these data and others on line.

 

For example February might seem a better month for the Spring event, longer nights and possibly colder,

but it can be a wetter month, especially in early February.

March is supposedly drier, but then it has shorter nights and so loses dark hours to either view or image.

Therefore late February to early March seems the better time.

But, it all depends upon the New Moon dates available and where they fit in the month.

Also I try to see if I can fit in the dates as close to a weekend as possible.

Lesley also opens up the camping area just for us and excludes the general public,

so these dates have to bear in mind her opening dates!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Some interesting information for Wigtown.

(Precipitation and Temperatures)

 

Dates of the Star Camp picked because of likelihood of best weather combined with hours of darkness,

 

The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 14.5 °C | 58.0 °F. At 4.2 °C | 39.6 °F on average, February is the coldest month of

the year.

 

As always those wishing to attend a day or so early and/or stay longer can request this with Lesley at the time of booking!

 

 

 

Hope to see you all there.

Best wishes

 

People asking where it is. The 2023 dates for the Autumn Star Camp

On 16/11/2022 at 12:05, Uplooker said:

Derek, have you raised a thread for the Autumn 2023 SP. Probably operator error and have just missed seeing it.

It is there. Ya just gota look 😊

8 hours ago, Uplooker said:

Lovely day on the field, pity only Kenny left to enjoy it 

I bet he gets clear nights as well 😊

11 hours ago, Baby Hubble said:

 Hi 

just ordered flowers for Lesley and Ralph, I was going to do a thank you card with the flowers with a couple of pics of us all on pie n pea night, unfortunately I wasn’t given that option so instead added ribbon to the flowers, and a wee card. Info in pics. Should be delivered on 28th.

great to see you all.

Dawn

nice one Dawn 😁

please forward the group  picture by email to me, ta

 

51 minutes ago, Uplooker said:

Still raining🙄

When are you leaving?

34 minutes ago, kenny k said:

Hi folks,hope you are all  having a good time.

Got all my gear ready to load up in the morning and looking forward to getting on the road about 10ish.

I've got my gaffer's Sprinter van...its huge,so will be taking it easy on journey up.Hope to arrive before dusk.

Goodluck...hope you get some clear skies tonight.🌠

Kenny.

 

Safe trip up Kenny. Be nice to catch up.

10 hours ago, Pixies said:

Nooooooooooo!

**&&^🤬***^%$

That's me out, I'm afraid. I'll contact Lesley and let her know. I'll pay the outstanding too.

 

Now that's a bummer. Sorry to hear you will not be here. Get well soon, there is always the Spring Star Camp. 🙂

7 hours ago, mapstar said:

Vans all packed ready for the journey up tomorrow. Hopefully bring some clear skies 

See you tomorrow. Safe trip. 🙂

12 hours ago, jamie56 said:

Damn looks like we will have to turn up then pies better be good or I can sense riots 😁

Riotess fun maybe 😁

Otherwise BANNED under Star Camp rule 10.9.34-24 subsection 19 and punishable by forced administration of Macallen Gold!

41 minutes ago, wackyscot said:

For those looking for suitable warm weather gear for the camp, I came across this

Available in various colours and sizes 🤣

Naaaa!  Too small. 🤣

5 hours ago, jamie56 said:

Can u post to Bonnybridge 

No 😁