I can't believe it!

For exactly the hour between 7.30 and 8.30 pm, the sky cleared over Bootham, and the small select group who came along got to see a range of interesting phenomena. The lunar crater Cleomedes, just north of the Mare Crisium, all four Moons of Jupiter, as well as the north and south equatorial belts, the Pleiades star cluster, The Great Orion nebula and many lovely stars. As if by magic, the clouds slid back into place at exactly half past eight, like the safety curtain in a theatre.

This was most unexpected, and all very exciting. see you all at the next meeting I hope...

Oh dear

Thick cloud over York. I don't think it very likely that we'll see anything tonight. I've left this as late as I could in the hope of a break in the weather, but nothing has opened up yet. I'll be there to give a guided tour of the observatory for any of you who come, but I can't promise any comets...

Tonight's ISSP event

Not looking that great at the moment (07:55) but they are giving sunshine and showers for the North East this afternoon, so things might pick up. Please check this site, or twitter before you decide to come in - if the sky is cloudy, we can always try again next week.

However, if everything looks good, please come into the school and meet at the science block, where we ran the ISSP session on saturday. Parking at the school will be tight tonight, as we have a big concert on in the school hall, so please park up on the area near the school pitch.

Timetable

19:00 - session starts - short introduction.
19:20 - looking for PanSTARRS - I haven't seen it yet either, so fingers crossed...
19:40 - the Moon and Jupiter - everyone will get a go at drawing what they see, so be prepared!
20:00 - the late winter sky - a starhopping tour for those new to stargazing.
20:30 - end of session.