Blackheath Observing

We will be holding our first observing session of the year at the end of this week on Friday 3rd with a weather back up of Saturday 4th from 8.30pm.

The location for this event will be Blackheath. The Moon will be with us, which is not ideal for observing but will be past its highest point after 8.30pm.

Many of you have been looking forward to an event so we have decided to go ahead. The Moon will be a crescent so offers plenty of interest as the shadow around the terminator will highlight much detail.

Also in the Sky will be Neptune and Uranus. It should be possible to discern the faint green tint of the latter if conditions allow. Other objects visible from 8.30pm will be the Ring Nebula (M57), Dumbbell Nebula (M27) and also the Elephants Trunk Nebula (IC 1396) which is enhanced by use of an OIII filter. The attractive doubles of Albireo and Almach plus many others will easily be seen. The great Hercules Cluster M13, Double Cluster (NGC 869) and the Wild Duck Cluster (M11) should also be easily visible.

If you are unable to bring along your own telescope, don't worry, there will be plenty on hand to show you the sights.

This year, in addition to monthly observing nights, we shall also be holding some practical imaging workshops for those interested in improving their astrophotography skills. The first workshop will be held in October and will cover basic concepts and dealing with light pollution. The date of this workshop will be announced shortly.

So we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. Bring a scope if you can, if not just turn up for a look.

Blackheath is quite exposed, so please remember to wrap up warm. The plan is to meet on Blackheath, just north of Talbot Place at 8.30pm. Talbot Place is a right turn off Goffers Road as you head towards Shooters Hill Road or the first left after the Tea Hut. Talbot Place is a cul-de-sac, where free parking is available from 7.30pm. A map of the site can be found on the Flamsteed website -  http://flamsteed.info/observing/stargazing-events/blackheath-stargazing/  .