Malham Tarn Star Camp 4th and 5th September

[robbieince 88]

Hello Fellow Astronomers,

Malham Tarn Star Camp 4th and 5th September

We invite you to come and join us for two nights observing in an elevated dark site within the stunning National Trust Malham Tarn Estate in the Yorkshire Dales. Our site is within easy reach of Settle, with its steam railway, Malham Tarn and Cove and the rest of the Yorkshire Dales. There are many beautiful walks in the area, both within the estate itself and further afield. This area is well known for its many and varied attractions. Please be advised that: This is not a public observing event. This is a serious event for amateur astronomers. 

The Malham Tarn Star Camp or Star Party is simply a gathering of astronomers  from all over the UK to observe, stargaze, photograph the astronomical wonders of the night sky, exchange ideas, socialise and enjoy a few days of camping. The Malham Tarn Star Camp is a fairly informal affair with people bringing their own camping equipment and observing equipment be it telescopes, astro-imaging equipment or just a pair of binoculars, and camping under the dark skies at Malham Tarn. Everyone just “does their own thing” and there are no lectures or organised sessions during the day or at night times. 

The event runs over the weekend of 4th and 5th of September and hours of darkness are 7:20pm sunset, Moon rise (last quarter) 11pm Friday and 11:45pm on Saturday, 6:21am sunrise.

Pets are allowed but we do ask that they are kept under control.

As this is an astronomy event we have a strict “red-light” rule during the hours of darkness. i.e. no white lights allowed, only red lights as white light spoils night vision and ruins astro-imaging. This includes inside tents as it shines through and also means car interior lights need to be set to permanently off. You can easily adapt a white torch to red by buying red gel to put over the glass or some people use red cycle lamps. There are lots of options.

There is a large and well-drained field for camping, (tents only due to access restrictions) with portable toilet facilities provided.

Booking is essential, so please ensure you have received confirmation of your booking before you arrive. There is a limit to the number of guests we can accommodate, so book early and avoid disappointment! No admission will be granted to individuals or groups who arrive without a confirmed booking and payment in full in advance.

2015 Camp Prices:   £50/pitch – max of 4 per pitch 

To book, contact me her or on robert@theinces.freeserve.co.uk or 07511 403702 or direct with the National Trust Office at Malham on 

Malham Tarn Estate Office

Waterhouses

Settle

North Yorkshire

BD24 9PT

01729 830416

Attached is a panorama of the camping field and its aspect  

,

plus a night-time shot taken this Spring from nearby

.

Robert Ince

Edited July 16, 2015 by robbieince

[Joe_L 66]

Lovely. I know the area well, it's a great place.  (Have yet to finalise family holiday dates before I know if I can come).

Joe

[robbieince 88]

Actually, it's not tents only, campervans are fine too, it's just trailered vehicles will struggle on the access road....

Edited July 16, 2015 by robbieince

[Paul73 3,687]

Great setting for a Star Party. Can't do this year but will certainly be along in future years.

I'm assuming that children / young observers are welcome (same rules as pets).

Paul

[Dom1961 160]

Great setting for a Star Party. Can't do this year but will certainly be along in future years.

I'm assuming that children / young observers are welcome (same rules as pets).

Paul

Do us children need to be kept on leads as well then? May come to this, have to persuade my dad to take me, are there showers there? That's the only thing he can't live without xD He can't cope with his hair messy

[robbieince 88]

Only if you are naughty... ;o) 'Course kids welcome...........

[robbieince 88]

Sorry - no showers, but Portaloos and a day room for charging batteries etc... Wet wipes are normal camping "temporary showers" tho...

[nightfisher 7,336]

would have liked to go but its to close to my star camp at ingleton, maybe next year

[robbieince 88]

Bump - pitches still available for this event - you can also book directly now, through Eventbrite, https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/malham-tarn-star-camp-tickets-18096662605

Its a beautiful site and there are lots to do in the area in the daytime - come on you know you want to... ;o)

[adamw 26]

This sounds good where exactly is the campsite, is it next to the tarn? I am familiar with the area as i do a bit of walking around there.

[robbieince 88]

Hi Adam, it's immediately next to the field centre, about 500m away from the tarn itself. The first image above shows the tarn in the distance, looking south east, over the camping field. In the Google Earth piccy, it's the NW pin.....

[adamw 26]

Thanks for that. I am going to hope it won't book up too quickly make a decision based on the weather forecast a couple of days before ( for what it's worth). I have a sea fishing trip booked that weekend but if the forecast looks ok I will cancel the fishing.

[adamw 26]

2015 Camp Prices:   £50/pitch – max of 4 per pitch 

I wont be able to make the Friday. If I decided to just come for the Saturday night would I be able to pay £25 for one night or will I still have to pay £50?

[robbieince 88]

Hi Guys,

Unfortunately due to low numbers, the NT have decided not to go ahead at this time. I'm talking to them about rescheduling but have no more details at the moment. Ohh well, I'll keep you informed....

[adamw 26]

That's a shame although i could only make the saturday night. You can gaurantee clear skies over malham now

This is a nice little site walking disctance fron the village but i cannot remember what the lighting is like.

http://www.miresfield-farm.com/