My first trip to the Norman Lockyer Observatory

[AlexB]

Hi all,

I've just arrived home after popping along the weekly meet at the Normal Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth. I had a great time seeing the observatory and meeting with both new and learned astronomers.

When I left Paignton, it was thick with cloud so I didn't bother taking any equipment... but by the time I got there the conditions were superb (apart from the fairly zestful wind!) I wished I'd taken at least a tripod! I hadn't seen the sky as clear since I was living on Dartmoor!

I want to thank Martin from FLO for showing me around the Observatory and helping me get my bearings! I'll definately be paying more visits to the Observatory in the future ... (missus permitting!)

Here are a couple of quick snaps I took while I was there (please forgive the high ISO quality!)...

The main foyer:

Waiting for the presentations:

Talk on Venus:

More talks:

Live imaging feeds from member rigs:

Historic Equipment:

The Planetarium:

The Lockyer Refractor:

A (poor) handheld image of the usual suspect! (ISO3200 40mm 10s exposure):

Brilliant evening.

[AlexB]

Can't wait to go again, thought the seeing was pretty good but I'm no expert!

[AllanJ]

I joined NLO at the SW Astronomy Fair three years ago, but have never got round to going to any of the monthly meetings or observers' nights. The website looks a bit more informative now, however, so maybe I ought to get a bit more organised - its only 45 min in the car.

Allan

[davy999]

Come and meet us, we are even more informative than the website,

We are there now :-)

[AlexB]

I struggle to get over there due to kids and work. I just hit a good time to go for my first time, been awful since!

My advice is wrap up warm!! It was pretty cold up there!

[AlexB]

Come and meet us, we are even more informative than the website,

We are there now :-)

Does Rob post on here, was interested in seeing his Orion 'movie' from the night I went there.

[davy999]

Rob posts on our imaging forum, as do I.

Amateur Astro Imaging South West

[Glen]

Thanks AlexB seems you had a great time.

best

Glen

[JAO]

I have visited 3 or 4 times over the years when holidaying in that part of the world. Thoroughly enjoyed each visit, great set up and some historic instruments there. I recommend visiting to anyone who finds themselves in or near Sidmouth.

[AlexB]

Seems from the other forum I missed another clear night at NLO, is that right?

I think we could do with a weather sensor which lets us know what's happening there lol.