rapidx Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Hi All,Being very new to astronomy I have bought the odd book and the Sky at Night beginners guide to astronomy. It's all good and feel confident in getting out there. But any recommendations where? I live in a flat in Stockport (not to far from Manchester Airport). I have no equipment as yet but may opt for a cheap pair of bins and eyes until I save for my first scope. But any ideas on where to go? Light pollution is pretty bad around here but I have a car. I do feel a little odd about driving to a field somewhere in the middle of the night but it may come t that. But I'm also thinking of the future I.e. taking a scope out. Does anyone have any ideas?Thanks in advanced,David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starman1969 Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 LP is pretty bad in Manchester & surrounding area, but a semi dark sky should not be too far away. The BBC Stargazing Live came from Jodrell Bank, just down the road, and they seemed to see quite a lot from the field outside the studio.Other than that, east looks to be the best direction to find a dark sky. Somewhere beyond Hyde, towards the Peak District. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidx Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Thanks. Now if Jodrell Bank let observers park up and watch the skies at night that would be nice. I think the odd Club does, I'll have to look into it. Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qualia Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Check out this site, Rapidx, especially the links to the maps. You'll probably find it quite helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesM Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 I have no knowledge of your area but linking up with a local astro club might be a good idea for your own security and to avoid unwarranted interference in what you are doing but also from a more positive viewpoint, to link in with people that have some experience of the night sky and that could help you further when it comes to upgrading to a scope.James Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidx Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Thank you Qualia for the site! That helps a lot.James, you're right. Even from a safety point of view it would be good to hook up with a local group.CheersSent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starman1969 Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Good idea to join a club. I did, and I wish I had done so, sooner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hermit Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 Try the Macclesfield Astronomy Society (http://www.imagepalette.com/_mas/). I've met a few of the members a couple of times and they seem a friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable bunch, who welcome beginners. They have an observing coordinator who arranges observations at relatively dark sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidx Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 Funny you should mention the Macclesfield society as they look good and was on their site earlier. It's a bit of a trek though for the meetings. The West Didsbury Society looks good also and very localSent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starman1969 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I think the Macclesfield society where at the last Stargazing Live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
space3 Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 it would be the best solution to find a club and meet up with a group, but for those nights that you will be on your own, it would be a good idea to take a drive out in the day time and find a spot out of the way of passing cars and unwanted poeple, if you catch my drift. I have to travel out of town for observing and most of the time on my own, but I have a fairly safe spot,good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidx Posted September 18, 2012 Author Share Posted September 18, 2012 I like your thinking. Surprise view is a bit of a trek aswell but would be worth it (about 35 miles).Thanks guys, I'm going to use a bit of commonsense, look for a local club and be on the lookout for some "safe" dark sky areas where I can start learning the skySent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sutton Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 Lyme Park? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosmological Posted September 18, 2012 Share Posted September 18, 2012 This website displays a light pollution map so gives you a good idea of the best places to go, you can zoom in on the map.http://www.avex-asso...dossiers/pl/uk/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onesmallstep Posted September 19, 2012 Share Posted September 19, 2012 Hi and welcome to SGLThe following link is for the Federation of Astronomical Societies and lists astro groups / socs by region, just select from the menu and scroll through the list until you find groups in your area.http://fedastro.org.uk/fas/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=8HTH! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rapidx Posted September 19, 2012 Author Share Posted September 19, 2012 Lyme Park?I've never been but I don't live too far away. It would be worth checking out during the day and seeing what its all about (be nice if I could go there)Thanks for the other recommendations everyone. It sucks not having a garden but then again it seems some people have problems with LP anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sutton Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 After looking at their website, it looks like they close the gates at 6.30 but I reckon a phone call to see if they were flexible would be worth a punt. If not, the Bow Stones on the ridge above the park would give a better panorama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brantuk Posted September 22, 2012 Share Posted September 22, 2012 EMS has a dark site at Belper which is about a one hour drive from Stockport. I drive there from Leicester a similar distance and time to the south. Check out the EMS section in "Social Groups" half way down the main board if that idea appeals to you. They're a very friendly and welcoming bunch who meet regularly for group observing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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