Flamsteed Astronomy Society

Observing Reports — 2005/6

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A drinking club with a serious astronomy problem

From Pat Wainwright — Blackheath, September 12, 2005

 

In an attempt to thwart the combined efforts of Murphy and Sod to produce clouds on planned observing  evenings, the “Blackheath observing evenings with pub if cloudy” have been re-branded this year as “FAS pub night with optional observing if clear”.  Last night the strategy paid off and we had a clear night on Blackheath with as good a sky as most of us could remember in London.

The evening kicked off as planned in the Hare and Billet.  About a dozen members assembled.   Conversation flowed, including topics such as the recent Paris trip, possible future expeditions (Ireland, Edinburgh, Canaries, Hawaii, Chile...), the forthcoming eclipse and the tragic story of how Dave Woodford has written off his two telescopes in a bizarre gravitational accident (dropped one on the other!).   As new arrivals came in they reported on the state of the sky and the fact that the Moon was looking splendid and binocular-worthy.   At about 9.30 David Waugh, keen to show first light to his newly acquired Takahashi 5inch refractor, led the slow trickle of members away from their drinks towards the heath.

With the help of several volunteer sherpas, David unloaded his telescope, stand and accessories and set it up on the heath.  It’s not exactly grab-and-go!   With the help of Dave Woodford who got it polar aligned and balanced like a pro, the big beast was soon in action and showing its class.   The Daves W. then put it through its paces and treated the rest of the group to a feast of astronomical lollipops:

Mars – like a variegated lentil.  Albeiro – such a pretty colour double.  The Ring nebula M57 – like a fuzzy squashed white doughnut.  The double cluster in Perseus – Wow!   Alcor and Mizar – Yes, of course I knew it was a double and could see that with the naked eye!  M13 Hercules globular cluster – Oooh!  and the Moon, Andromeda nebula, and the double cluster looked pretty good through binoculars too… 

David’s “big one” will no doubt be coming out to play at Cudham and Romney future events so those who missed last night’s treat will have other opportunities.  Don’t bother asking David for a lift though – when the telescope is on board there’s no room for passengers in his car!

As a reminder, all members and friends are welcome at observing events. You don’t need your own instruments (although it helps if some people do) apart from your eyes and warm clothes as members are always keen to show off their equipment.   This autumn, Mars will be very bright and well placed for observation so we’ll be planning some Mars-centred evenings soon.   Watch this space!

PW 2005 Sep 13