A Stargazing Evening on Friday 28th November
by Neil Martin
The House of the Binns and the afternoon Moon (Neil Martin)
Following a successful initial reconnaissance visit in October, a group of ASE observers worked with the National Trust for Scotland team at The House of the Binns to create a public stargazing event.
The NTS publicised the event and all of the tickets made available were taken up by the public. The ASE put together a structured programme covering familiarisation with the night sky, and observing and imaging with a range of equipment.
Setting Up – Indoors and Out
As we arrived, the NTS hosts had already setup the Laigh Hall to receive guests, with seating, a screen and most welcome hot refreshments.
The House of the Binns and the evening Cloud (Fran Goodman)
Outside, our fears about the poor weather forecast were already being realised – the winds were still gusting and the clouds were still filling the sky. At least it wasn’t raining!
Undaunted and optimistic, we set about positioning our collection of small scopes, binoculars and smart scopes. For safety reasons, the larger scopes – particularly the Dobsonians – stayed under wraps.
Welcoming our Guests
Our guests were also welcomed with hot drinks and comfortable seats, before Helen Knox, the NTS Visitor Services Manager, got the evening started.
The ASE introductory presentation contained information about the Society and a selection of our videos. We also introduced planetarium applications and shared some basic views of what we expected to see in each direction.
Observing from The Binns and Trevinca
Introductions done, a quick check outside left us in no doubt that we should start with some remote observing using ASERO from Trevinca. Unfortunately, the weather in Spain was no better! It wasn’t much longer before the roof was locked down and we were left with little option but to take things outside at The Binns.
Despite the continuing wind and cloud cover, the mood in the group was positive and enthusiastic. Using mobile devices running the planetarium apps we’d shared earlier, everyone was finding their way around the sky, in the hope that the clouds would clear a little. There were also plenty of questions about the equipment, so we returned indoors to have a much closer look at a smart telescope, and the accompanying app.
All the while, we kept a collective one eye on the sky outside. It was obvious to all that we’d be in for some spectacular views, if the clouds would only move on.
Moon through the Clouds (Neil Martin)
Highs and Lows
The only real low of the evening was, of course, the weather – both locally at The Binns and remotely at Trevinca. That said, this was met with understanding and acceptance.
The huge high was that the enthusiasm, interest, curiosity, and patience of the group were all rewarded with a few glimpses of something before the end of the evening. The Moon, Jupiter, Cassiopeia, Castor and Pollux all made brief cameos. However, any imaging opportunities were limited, as can be seen in these two images.
Jupiter through the Trees and Clouds (Fran Goodman)
What’s Next?
The positive public feedback received on the night, and on social media immediately afterward, was certainly sufficient to provide encouragement. It is the intent to gather more feedback via surveys.
Already, both the NTS and the ASE are keen to run further events – we must at least continue until we do experience some clear skies! We’ll look to come up with some suitable dates in January and February taking account of the lunar phase.