Observing near Manchester

[marxy]

Hey all.

I'd really like to find an observing site near Manchester for both visual and photographic use.

Is it safe to observe by myself in the countryside?

Is there a group of northern observers who meet up to observe?

Thanks

Jay

[George]

http://www.astronomycentre.org.uk/

Skies are really dark up there, about a 30 minute drive.......take a torch

[marxy]

Looks nice.

I'm sure gonna have a look at it and contact them

[mhc]

Sounds excellent. I live in built-up North Manchester and would love to find a dark(er) sky.

[tom.yates]

Perhaps we should all meet up somewhere and have a night's observing i live in wigan safety in numbers anyone up for it ?

We could make it a regular once a month .

[mhc]

I'm in - weather, wife and work permitting :nono:

[tom.yates]

Perhaps we could meet up at the astro centre first time then decide if it's what we all want think it is open every Sat night Or any other place you all fancy.

[marxy]

YES INDEED!!!!

I'm planning on going to the Todmorden centre this weekend.

Hope it's clear skies

[tom.yates]

Cant make this weekend previous engagement but i will pm you my phone number so we can talk some more, Anyone else would like to join us from the local area Manchester/wigan etc for observing nights please let us know .

[George]

I'll take a trip up, but this weekend is NOT looking good, might be an idea to ring Peter Drew (lives on site) to make sure you don't have a wasted journey, really nice guy.My one and only visit was about 15 years ago just after I built my 8" DOB, I took it up there for him to give a once over, I have never seen so many stars, milkyway was clearly visible and TBH you don't need a scope, binos will do. He showed me round,the observatory was only half built, no dome etc and he was living in a caravan on-site

[marxy]

Thanks a lot everyone.

Hope the weather clears a bit

Can you give me Peter's contact so I can give him a buzz?

Thanks everyone

[George]

I don't have a working phone number anymore but his email address can be found on the centres website.