Cockermouth Astronomy

January meeting update

2012-02-04T23:43:00.001Z

Thanks to everyone who came along to our January meeting and special thanks to Ian for holding the fort as Jeremy was injured and I was away with work. It sounds like it was a successful meeting and the high level is interest we had through our Stargazing LIVE events continued with many more people attending the meeting and hopefully joining the society.

Our next meeting is on 28th February. Keep an eye on the website for more details.

Chris.

Astrophotography tips

2012-02-04T09:39:00.002Z

It was great to meet so many people last weekend who are interested in having a go at astrophotography or who are already dabbling.

Below are some useful links to software and hardware that will help you progress:

Registax - a freeware program that produces stunning images of the moon and planets using webcam video footage
http://www.astronomie.be/registax/setupregistax6.exe
Clamping arrangements to attach a compact digital camera to the eyepiece of a telescope. These can be useful to ensure the optics are aligned properly and held steady. This will allow straightforward imaging of planets and the moon through your telescope.
http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/camera-adaptor/univerasal/digiscoping
Phillips 880SPC or Phillips Toucam Pro II (SPC900) are excellent cameras for webcam imaging. Unfortunately I can't find any in stock anywhere...but keep your eyes open. Morgan Computers were selling them for £17.90 recently. All you need in addition to the camera is a nose piece and IR cut filter, which can be purchased from many astronomy shops online such as Altair Astro for example ( http://www.altairastro.com/product.php?productid=16449&cat=0&page=1 )
Digital SLRs are a great way to get into astrophotography if you already own one. The best are either Nikon or Canon. I use a Canon 300D which I have had modified to remove the daylight colour balancing filter as this blocks a lot of the red spectrum that we really want to record. Astronomiser.co.uk is the service I used to modify my Canon 300D and the service was first class. The camera was returned to me within 2 days. You can also purchase pre-modified cameras from Andy Ellis from about £500.
However, if you are going to invest a significant amount of money in a camera for astronomy you may want to consider a dedicated astro-CCD camera, rather than a DSLR. There are many brands and prices available, too many to discuss here. The two benefits of a DSLR over an astronomy CCD in my opinion are: (i) DSLRs can be used for normal daylight photography not just astronomy, although you will have to do some colour balancing if you have the chip modified and (ii) the field of view of a DSLR is much larger than many dedicated astro-CCD cameras £ for £.
If you are going to get into imaging stars, galaxies, etc (not planets and moon) then an image processing software is essential. Again there are many options. I use the excellent package called ImagesPlus developed by Mike Unsold (www.mlunsold.com) and selling for $230 at the moment. Tutorials and support are excellent. But as I say there are many options out there.
If you don't want to invest yet in image processing software then try out this freeware:
http://deepskystacker.free.fr/english/index.html or have a go an manually aligning images in Photoshop (warning this will take a LOT of time). Deepsky Stacker is fantastic for a free package and there are some good explanations of the theory behind image stacking on the website (click on the "How To Create Better Images" link on the left hand pane of their website).
I also use a piece of software called NeatImage which helps to reduce noise in processed images. Be careful not to overprocess the image though.

Hopefully this will set some of you off the journey to taking your own images. If you need any specific advice get in touch via email: j.g.hunt@btinternet.com

Stargazing Photos

2012-01-29T19:48:00.000Z

Some photos from our Stargazing Event in Cockermouth

Thanks to everyone who was involved in making the day a great success.

Don't forget our next meeting is on Tuesday (31st January). Usual place and time; St Joseph's Church Hall, Cockermouth, 7.30pm. I can't make this one, but I hope lots of you can and I hope to see you at future events.

Chris.

Stargazing in Cockermouth initial report

2012-01-28T21:18:00.001Z

A quick report from our stargazing event today. We had a really good turn out all afternoon for our exhibition and talks. Thanks to all the CAS members who came along and brought equipment and displays and spent all afternoon talking to people and helping them with telescopes etc. Thanks to Stuart for coming from Kendal to show people his meteorites and Mars 3D pictures.

Unfortunately, yet again, the weather didn't co-operate so we have had to cancel our observing event this evening. There was almost total cloud cover when our talks finished.

Thanks to everyone else who came along to visit us the enthusiasm and questions from everyone made the day.

More update and photos later.

Chris.

Directions to Stargazing in Cockermouth events tomorrow

2012-01-27T19:38:00.001Z

If you are unsure of the locations for tomorrow's events the map below shows the locations of the United Reformed Church (events start at 1pm) and the Memorial Gardens (observing starts at 8.30pm).

View Stargazing in Cockermouth Locations in a larger map

Fingers crossed for clear skies!

Stargazing in Cockermouth timings

2012-01-26T23:55:00.001Z

Just a quick reminder of timing for our event on Saturday.

We start at the United Reformed Church in Cockermouth at 1pm with exhibitions and short talks. No booking is necessary just come along and drop in when you can.

At 6.30pm we will have a couple of longer talks. One providing a Tour of the Solar System and the other an introduction to astrophotography.

Finally from 8.30pm we will be in Memorial Gardens in Cockermouth with telescopes and binoculars observing the night sky. Weather permitting we will be there until at least 10pm.

Hope to see as many people as possible throughout the day.

Chris.

Potential aurora tonight

2012-01-24T16:58:00.001Z

The sun is really active at the moment and yesterday there was another massive solar flare and coronal mass ejection. What that means is that loads of charged particles are on there way towards Earth and could potentially cause aurora (northern lights).

There is no guarantee this will happen and the weather looks pretty cloudy at the moment. However if it does clear after dark it is well worth going outside and looking to the north. You may see the northern lights as a faint shimmering curtain of light.

There has been lots of activity recently and the aurora got a fair bit if TV coverage yesterday and this morning.

Good luck.

Stargazing report: Low Gillerthwaite event

2012-01-22T08:49:00.001Z

Yesterday's event at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre was a great success despite the fact that the weather didn't co-operate. Clouds stubbornly refused to clear as the sky got dark and after a while the observing was abandoned in favour of a few more talks. Everyone there could certainly see the potential for great observing with the dark skies and fantastic setting.

There was a great turnout for the event with well over fifty people visiting during the day, and it was great to see so many family groups. The inflatable planetarium was a favourite. Provided by the Science and Technology Facilities Council, the planetarium was set up in the barn and allowed around 30 people at a time to be taken on a tour of the solar system and the night sky. The enthusiasm of the presenter, Alan, was infectious and he was bombarded with questions at the end of each session.

Over in the classroom we had a range of astronomy books, posters and equipment on display. I did a number of talks during the afternoon all of which were well attended and followed by questions and answers. Topics such as finding extrasolar planets, what to look for in the winter sky and the ten most amazing places in the solar system were covered. There was also an opportunity for younger enthusiasts to get hands on making planetarium umbrellas. Perhaps the most appropriate equipment for the day!

Thanks to the CAS members who came along with telescopes and spend the day answering people's questions.

We will get another chance for some observing on Saturday 28th at our Cockermouth event.

Chris.

Stargazing Events - Press Coverage

2012-01-20T18:53:00.000Z

We have been fortunate to get quite a bit of press coverage in the local press for Stargazing LIVE events, which is great for our events, but probably a bit too much for me personally !!

Unfortunately there is some confusing information in some of the papers about what events are taking place when. I'd hate people to be disappointed turning up at the wrong place or time, so I'll try and clarify as simply as possible. Here goes . . . .

There are TWO events taking place, one this weekend and one next weekend.

The event this weekend is at Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre in Ennerdale and has been organised by them. I and other members of Cockermouth Astronomy Society will be attended to help out with some talks and observing weather permitting. I haven't got full details of the timing of this event but I understand the main part of it will start early on Saturday afternoon and continue into the evening (21st January). For more details check the Low Gillerthwaite website.

The event next weekend is on Saturday 28th January in the United Reformed Church on Cockermouth Main Street. This event is organised by Cockermouth Astronomical Society and will consist of an exhibition and talks during the afternoon and early evening (starting at 1pm) and observing in nearby Memorial Gardens from about 8.30pm weather permitting.

I hope that clarifies things. Both events are free and it would be great to see as many people as possible.

There are some other confusions in the articles not least we are of course Cockermouth ASTRONOMICAL Society not astrological society (how many times ?. . . . ). So if you are coming along to see what the stars hold for your future expect an appropriate response!

Finally for the avoidance of doubt, with regard to the photos, the good looking bloke on the left is Professor Brian Cox and the other bloke is me! Brian will not be at our events but I hope to see you there.

Chris

Monkey Head Nebula

2012-01-18T20:12:00.004Z

During the first in the series of BBC Stargazing Live I was in and out of the house to the observatory, capturing the following image of the Monkey Head Nebula or NGC2174.

NGC2174/2175

Skywatcher MN190

Canon EOS300D modified

EQ6 Pro autoguided

28 x 5 minute exposures

Stargazing LIVE update

2012-01-17T21:33:00.001Z

I hope everyone is enjoying the BBC Stargazing LIVE series on BBC2, over 4 million people watched the first programme last night. Judging by the number of people visiting this site and the number of emails I've had quite a few people have been inspired by the programmes and are looking for further events to get involved with. There are plenty of events around Cumbria check out the BBC Things to Do website.

We will be following up on many of the items covered in the TV series at our exhibition and talks on 28th January including more on; finding things in the night sky, choosing telescopes, photographing the night sky and getting hands on with the scale of the universe.

You will have seen plenty of examples of amazing astrophotographs on the TV series, just as impressive are the ones Jeremy has posted on this site including the fantastic Flaming Star nebula one below. Jeremy will be sharing more images and giving advice on how to start taking night sky images yourself.

IC405 - The Flaming Star Nebula

2012-01-17T00:04:00.004Z

With the lovely spell of clear nights I've been out getting some new shots and the first to be processed is of the Flaming Star Nebula in Auriga. It's a stunning object with deep red emmision and haunting blue reflection nebulae intermingled.

This is the second time I've shot this object, but the first time with this scope. I've done a very deep exposure totalling 3.5 hours colour and 1.5 hours hydrogen-alpha.

IC405 - Flaming Star Nebula

Mak-Newt 190mm f/5

Canon EOS300D modified

EQ6 Pro autoguided

43 x 5 minute exposures (colour) ISO800

plus

9 x 10 minute exposures (hydrogen-alpha) ISO800

Stargazing LIVE starts with events around Cumbria

2012-01-15T22:47:00.001Z

Stargazing LIVE starts tomorrow on BBC2 and the series runs for three nights.

Events are already taking place all around Cumbria. Eddington Astronomical Society had a successful observing evening on Saturday, the details are on Stuart's Cumbrian Sky blog. It looks like they had a great turn out from the Kendal. Border Astronomy Society are also holding observing evenings at their observatory in Carlisle.

Check the BBC Things to Do site to find other events in the area.

One event we are involved with is the Low Gillerthwaite Dark Sky Discovery Siite event on Saturday 21st January. Details are here.

Then, of course, there is our own Stargazing in Cockermouth event on Saturday 28th January.

I hope to see you at one of these great events.

Chris.

Welcome to 2012 - Some dates for your diary

2012-01-10T12:17:00.001Z

Happy New Year to everyone.

2012 promises to be an interesting and exciting year for astronomy with plenty for us to get involved with. Later in the year we will have the opportunity to see at least part of a transit of Venus for the last time for 105 years! In August NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover is due to land on the red planet, Opportunity is still going strong 8 years after she landed!

We will of course have a full programme of CAS meetings for 2012, but the activities start before our first meeting on 31st January so take note of the following dates.

16th - 18th January: BBC Stargazing LIVE airs in BBC2, so sit back and enjoy.

21st January: Stargazing event at Low Gillerthwaite Dark Sky Discovery Site at Ennerdale. Various activities including an inflatable 'star lab'. We need society members to come along with telescopes to help with observing later in the evening. More details to follow.

28th January: Our own Stargazing in Cockermouth event at the United Reformed Church on Cockermouth Main Street from 1pm and observing in Memorial Gardens from 8.30pm. We will have plenty of displays in the hall with activities for young stargazers to get involved with. During the afternoon and early evening there will be a number of talks on astronomy subjects and the obviously the observing sessions, weather permitting. We need society members to come along and help set up and bring telescopes and equipment where possible. Everyone else is welcome to just turn up, entry is free for everyone.

31st January: CAS January meeting, 7.30pm in St Joseph's Church Hall.

I hope to see you there.

Chris

Season's greetings

2011-12-23T16:24:00.001Z

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Hopefully 2012 will be a good year for astronomy.

Clear skies.

Chris.

Telescope for sale

2011-12-21T13:37:00.001Z

I've had someone contact me looking to sell a secondhand telescope.
The 'scope is a Meade LX90 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and comes with a computerised 'GOTO' mount and accessories including eight eyepieces.
The owner describes the telescope as 'hardly used' and as this is a high end telescope is looking for £1250 for it. If anyone is interested please contact me and I will pass on the sellers details to you.
Chris.

Stargazing in Cockermouth January 2012

2011-12-15T22:15:00.001Z

We are planning our Stargazing event for January 2012. The event is designed to support the BBC Stargazing LIVE series which will air between 16th and 18th January, presented by Prof Brian Cox among others. The series was very popular earlier this year and looks set to be equally popular this time. Our event is later in the month, on 28th January and this time we will have an exhibition and talks in the afternoon followed by talks and observing in the evening.

More details will be published as we prepare for the event. In the meantime put the date for our event and, of course, the TV series in your diary.

Details are also on the BBC Things to Do website.

CAS Christmas drinks

2011-12-13T21:18:00.001Z

Tomorrow night (Wednesday 14th December) is our annual social get together for a few pre Christmas drinks and chat. We will also discuss planning for our Stargazing LIVE event in January.

We'll meet up about 8pm in The Swan on Kirkgate. I'll probably be a few minutes late.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Chris.

November Meeting Report

2011-12-01T13:10:00.001Z

The moon was the main topic for our November meeting. Denis Kelly provided us with some new insights on the moon and it origins based on a recent distant learning course he has completed on the subject. The talk not only provided details on the moon which were new to most people in the audience but demonstrated just how much knowledge is out there on the Internet for interested amateurs to learn more about the hobby.

Following a brief news update from Chris we discussed and agreed our plans to support the BBC Stargazing LIVE programmes to be shown in January. We agreed that we will hold a afternoon and evening event on Saturday 28th January in the United Reformed Church on Cockermouth Main Street. We will also have hands on observing in Memorial Gardens, weather permitting. The event this January was a success, although the weather was not kind to us, let's hope it is better this time.

Society members' help will be essential for success. We need volunteers to help with displays, bring along telescopes and other equipment and generally be around to point people in the right direction and answer questions if possible. You don't need lots of knowledge and experience to help out.

To help with planning it would be useful if you could book the date in your diary and let me know via email if you are available to help.

Chris.

November Meeting

2011-11-28T18:43:00.001Z

The next CAS meeting will be on Tuesday 29th November 2011 at 7.30pm.

Hope to see you there.

Leonids Meteor Shower

2011-11-16T20:28:00.000Z

Don't forget that the next couple of nights is the time for viewing the Leonid meteor shower. This year there is quite a bit of interference from the moon so the best time for viewing is probably around midnight. Just go outside and look up. The meteors should appear to come from the constellation Leo, but you could see them from anywhere really. This is one occasion where a telescope or binoculars will hinder you. All you need is a nice, wide, clear view of the sky.

Good luck,

Chris.

California Nebula over 5 hours

2011-11-08T22:25:00.003Z

I took my longest ever exposure this weekend, lasting a total of 5.5 hours in an attempt to capture the NGC1499 (aka California Nebula) under bright moonlight.

The secret to this image is the use of a Hydrogen-Alpha filter to cut out all wavelengths bar a narrow band 12 nanometers (FWHM) in the region of 656nm wavelength. This effectively cuts out all emission from mercury and sodium lights and general sky (and moon) glow. The downside is that although it does transmit 97% of the h-alpha light, prolonged exposures are required due to a dimming of the image.

NGC 1499, California Nebula (central potion)

Skywatcher MN190

Canon EOS300D modified

EQ6 autoguided with a Toucam Pro webcam & PHD

20 x 15 minute H-Alpha subs

5 x 5 minute colour subs (in bright moonlight)

Processing of the image in ImagesPlus included flatframe, bias and dark noise reduction and a simple average stack, followed by Digital Development Processing (DDP algorithm).

Further image adjustment including H-Alpha/RGB combination to produce a "colour" image. Noise reduction, nebula enhancement, star reduction and diffraction spikes were applied using Noel Carboni's Astronomy Tools. Further contrast enhancement was applied with a high-pass filter of several iterations.

Dark Sky Observing in Ennerdale

2011-11-04T23:56:00.001Z

On the weekend of 25th to 27th November the Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre in Ennerdale are holding an astronomy event to encourage people to take advantage of their newly awarded Dark Sky Discovery Site status. We have been asked to get involved by providing some talks and exhibitions on afternoon of 26th November and helping with observing on that evening.

So we need as many members as possible to come along and join in with this event. You don't need to be an expert, or do anything in particular other than join in. It would be great to get a few telescopes along for the evening, so if you have one that's portable please bring it along.

You can find details of Low Gillerthwaite Field Centre at www.lgfc.org.uk.

To help me give the field centre an idea of numbers it would be helpful if you could let me know if you can make it. If your not sure now it is fine to just turn up on the day. The event is open to anyone, and there is now charge for attending, so feel free to encourage friends and family to come along. More details will be available here, on the field centre website and hopefully in local press nearer the event.

Thanks

Chris.

October Meeting Report

2011-10-27T20:50:00.001Z

We had a great turn out for our October meeting, and it was particularly good to see a few new faces at the meeting. That was particularly good as our topic 'finding things in the night sky' was aimed at helping out beginners getting to grips with a telescope.

We had loads of good questions and plenty of tips from some of our more experienced members. One topic which is always an issue is setting up and aligning an equatorial mount. We had one available at the meeting and were able to provide some demonstration, but I said I would try and find a suitable video which might help for future reference. I found a useful video on YouTube here.

Chris.

CAS observing night postponed

2011-10-27T20:38:00.001Z

We discussed the planned observing night at our meeting on Tuesday and although we didn't reach a firm conclusion at the meeting it was clear that many people were unavailable due to the half term holidays. We are therefore postponing the planned observing until November. Keep an eye in the website for details of where and when to meet.

In the meantime make the best use of any clear skies we get!

Chris.

NGC 1848

2011-10-22T08:46:00.003Z

For the first time in about 6 months I managed to grab a few hours outside with the stars last week. Although I was eventually clouded off I did manage to get 1.5 hours of NGC1848, sometimes called the "soul nebula" as it resembles a foetus in long exposures. (mine doesn't do it justice unfortunately)

NGC1848, Cassiopeia

SN-190mm f/5 with EOS300D

11 x 8 mins @ iso800

Processed with ImagesPlus and Photoshop

October CAS Meeting

2011-10-20T06:24:00.001Z

Our next meeting is on 25th October. The topic this month is "Finding things in the night sky".

This is always a topic of many questions and frustrations, particularly when trying to get to grips with a new telescope. I will be talking about some equipment and techniques which will hopefully help. It would be good to have a few telescopes around to help demonstrate and this would be an opportunity to bring yours along if your are struggling with set up etc. So if anyone can bring a telescope along please do.

Chris.

Flying over planet Earth

2011-09-27T21:58:00.001Z

Tonight at our meeting I showed a video from the ISS showing the view from orbit in time-lapse form. A few people were looking for the link. As luck would have it the video actually features as today's Astronomy Picture of the Day. Look up the 27th September APOD here.

CAS meeting

2011-09-24T07:11:00.003Z

Hi all

Summer is over, if it was ever here...at least we'll have the benefits of longer darker nights to come.

The next CAS meeting is on Tuesday 27th September at 7.30pm.

Hope to see you there!

Jerry

No meeting in August

2011-08-29T13:41:00.001Z

Just a reminder that we have no meeting this month due to the bank holiday etc. Our next meeting is the last Tuesday in September. Enjoy the bank holiday.

Chris.

Neptune one year on

2011-07-11T20:00:00.001Z

Today marks a special date in Neptune's history it being exactly one year since it was discovered!

Of course that's Neptune years not Earth years. Neptune takes 164.79 years to orbit the Sun and was discovered on 23 September 1846.

It's quite mind boggling to think that all the time we've known about, observed and even sent probes past, Neptune it has only just completed one orbit of the Sun. More information is available here and here.

Integrated Flux Nebula and Van Den Bergh catalogue

2011-06-29T17:24:00.002Z

For those of you who made it last night, I hope you enjoyed the talk on faint nebulae. Some links to the info on the internet follow:

Integrated Flux Nebula http://www.galaxyimages.com/UNP1.html

Arp's Loop controversy http://www.cosmotography.com/images/small_ngc3031.html

Van Deb Bergh catalogue http://tvdavisastropics.com/astroimages-1_00008e.htm

Regards

Jeremy

Future of space exploration lecture

2011-06-28T05:58:00.001Z

If you are interested in the future of space exploration over the next 30 or 40 years there is a lecture on Wednesday evening which will be of interest.

It's organised by the Samuel Lindow Foundation and is being held at Westlakes Science and Technology Park near Whitehaven.

Full details are here

Chris

June 2011 Meeting Tuesday 28th June

2011-06-26T22:25:00.001Z

This Tuesday (28th June) is our June meeting and the last one before the summer break. We are meeting in the usual place at 7.30pm and following a brief news round up Jeremy will be giving us a talk on a rare category of nebulae.

After this meeting we will have a break during July and August and meet again on the last Tuesday in September.

Chris

Location:Cockermouth,United Kingdom

Lunar eclipse Wednesday 15th June

2011-06-14T21:57:00.001Z

Don't forget that we can see a lunar eclipse tomorrow night. The moon will rise already in eclipse with mid eclipse being 2113h and the moon rising for us around 2145h

So there is only about 15 mins of full eclipse remaining. The moons will then move into the penumbra for another hour or so. This part will be less noticeable as the moon will not be in as dark a shadow.

The best observing plan is just to find somewhere with a low eastern horizon and watch as the moon rises.

Chris

May 2011 meeting report

2011-06-11T07:22:00.001Z

The May meeting was our Annual General Meeting. Thanks to everyone who came along to take part and thanks particularly to those who volunteered to join the committee for the coming year.

Before the meeting Robin took the opportunity provided by some clear skies and sunshine to show us the sun through a couple of solar telescopes. Thanks Robin.

After the formal AGM business was complete I gave a talk on "Particle physics for astronomy" looking at the links between the very large ( cosmology) and the very small (particle physics).

Next month is our last meeting before the summer break.

Chris

Recent pics

2011-05-08T14:45:00.007Z

Taking advantage of the fine weather we've had for weeks, I've managed to get a few new shots.

NGC7000 (North American Nebula)

15 x 8 minute exposures @ ISO1600

Canon 300D modified

Processing: ImagesPlus and AstronomyAction by Noel Carboni

NGC6992 (Western Veil Nebula in Cygnus)

5 x 8 minute exposures @ ISO1600

Canon 300D modified

Processing: ImagesPlus and AstronomyAction by Noel Carboni

IC1396 (Elephant's Trunk)

10 x 15 minute Hydrogen-Alpha exposures @ ISO1600

merged with

10 x 8 minute exposures @ ISO1600

Canon 300D modified

Processing: ImagesPlus and AstronomyAction by Noel Carboni

NGC7023 (Iris Nebula)

10 x 5 minute exposures @ ISO800

Canon 300D modified

Processing: ImagesPlus and AstronomyAction by Noel Carboni

What a great month!

Jerry

April CAS meeting

2011-04-20T19:08:00.003Z

The next CAS meeting will take place on Tuesday 26th April 2011 at 7.30pm.

We have a travelling guest speaker from the York Astronomical Society, Hazel Collett, who will be speaking about her passions in astronomy.

In addition to her work at the York AS, Hazel is the Meetings Secretary for the British Astronomical Association (BAA) and is an avid observer of the Sun. So for those of you who attended last month this will be a good follow on from Stuart's talk on our violent star.

Don't forget to bring along any images or observing notes you have made over the last month.

My latest endeavour was the Iris Nebula (NGC 7023) below.

March Meeting

2011-03-15T18:16:00.003Z

Hi All

Just to let you know that the talk at our next meeting will be given by the enigmatic Stuart Atkinson on the theme of "The Savage Sun", a fascinating look at the beautiful and violent star at the centre of our solar system

Should be a very interested talk and I'm sure Stuart will include something fascinating for newer and more experienced observers alike. If you've not heard him speak before you'll certainly enjoy his enthusiasm and some spectacular images.

Meeting is at 7.30pm, usual venue, on March 29th 2011.

Telescope for sale - Meade ETX 70

2011-03-12T19:05:00.000Z

I have been contacted recently by someone who has a Meade ETX70 telescope for sale.

If anyone is potentially interested I can pass on contact details.

Chris.

February 2011 meeting report

2011-02-23T23:22:00.000Z

Last night was a February meeting which was well attended and a useful session.

Many thanks to Dennis who gave a short introduction to web-cam imaging showing us some moon images he had recently captured as well as demonstrating the Registax software use to process webcam movie files into still images. The cameras Dennis referred to and details of how to get hold of them were discussed by Robin in this previous post.

I mentioned the Globe at Night project which everyone can get involved with (assuming we get some clear nights!). I had left the details at home but you can find out all you need to know at the project's website. It's easy to get involved so have a go.

Our question and answer session went well with quite a few questions around observing and equipment. We will definitely try to do more of that. Our discussion inspired Paul to do a bit of follow up research and he posted the following comment. . .

"Very interesting meeting tonighht.
A bit of googling turned up transient lunar phenomena, which nasa is taking a great deal of interest in
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2007/27aug_explodingeclipse/

and auoral sounds
http://www.churchillscience.ca/?page=ab_attrac_lights

this guy even records them allbeit with a special antena
http://www.archive.org/details/auroral_chorus_2_cd

paul"

February Meeting

2011-02-21T21:14:00.003Z

All,

the next meeting will be held on Tuesday 22nd February at 7.30pm in the usual venue.

The agenda is likely to include a Q&A session for beginners, a demonstration of imaging the moon by one of our members and some recent spaceflight news.

See you all there.

Jeremy

Image processing comparison

2011-01-24T16:19:00.004Z

After reading Nik Syzmanek's imaging article in the recent Astronomy Now magazine I decided to go back to my recent picture of M42 to try out the Photoshop-Highpass filter technique he described.

Results are below and I think the increased contrast and structure within the nebula is very apparent.

Above: Original image

Below: Image with highpass filter blending

Jerry

Stargazing LIVE in Cockermouth - Report

2011-01-18T17:33:00.001Z

As expected, the weather prevented us doing any actual observing at our event on Saturday night. The clouds and rain were well set in all day so there never was any real prospect of setting telescopes up in Memorial Gardens.

Efforts were focussed in St Joseph's church hall, and it was great to see so many people turn out despite the awful weather.Even before 7.30pm people were arriving and there was plenty for them to see. Displays of astrophotography greeted people as the arrived along with some impressive telescope set ups.

Computer simulations of the night sky and solar system proved very popular, especially with our younger visitors! People were particularly impressed when we pointed out that both software packages were free downloads.

Lots more people were interested in astronomical equipment and were able to get some advice on buying telescopes, and setting up the ones they already had. Jeremy's photography displays were popular with visitors who wanted to know how they could get started taking photographs of the night sky.

Many thanks to all the CAS members, and families, who turned out to help with displays, talk to visitors, make refreshments and clear away afterwards. The event was a great success (weather apart) and judging by the website statistics, a lot more people know about CAS now.

If you were one of our visitors it would be great to see you at our routine meetings (the next one is 25th January, 7.30pm in the same location). We will also be trying again to beat the clouds and actually see something through a telescope at some point in the future. So keep an eye on this blog (or subscribe to the email service via the side bar).

Chris

Stargazing tonight

2011-01-15T11:13:00.000Z

Today is our Stargazing LIVE day and the heavy rain has already set in!

It's likely most of the activities will be taking place in St Joseph's Church Hall in Cockermouth (close to The Trout Hotel). You will spot the Statgazing LIVE banner outside. Activities start at 7.30pm.

Chris

Stargazing Live in Cockermouth - Update

2011-01-14T18:41:00.000Z

I've just finished watching the weather forecast this evening and couldn't help but notice that the presenter stressed at least THREE times that Cumbria could expect 36 hours of rain this evening and tomorrow. Typical!.

Not to be disheartened our event will still go ahead. We have the back up plan of indoor displays and simulations in St Joseph's Church Hall from 7.30pm to 10pm (that's Saturday 15th). So there will be plenty to see and members on hand to give advice. The aim will still be to help you find your way around the night sky and learn how to start photographing the night sky.

I hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Getting ready for our own Stargazing Event

2011-01-09T23:49:00.000Z

I hope everyone enjoyed the BBC2 Stargazing LIVE series last week. Although the weather didn't cooperate well especially in Cumbria.

However, we have another chance with our own observing event this Saturday 15th January. We will have a public observing event in Memorial Gardens, Cockermouth. We already have a number of telescope planned but if you want to bring your own instrument (scope or binoculars) the more the merrier!

Should the weather not cooperate (or even if it does) we have a back up plan. In nearby St Joseph's Church Hall we will have displays of astronomy photographs and information as well as computer simulations of the night sky. Members will also be on hand to shown you how to find your way around and even photograph the night sky with simple equipment.

So whatever the weather throws our way we'll be set to have a great evening. Everything kicks off at 7.30pm Preparations are well underway and I'm looking forward to seeing you all there.

Chris

Season's Greetings

2010-12-24T15:49:00.000Z

I'd like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2011. My apologies to those attending the Christmas Social last week, unfortunately I was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances at home.

Hopefully people are taking advantage of the long run of clear (if VERY cold) nights we have been having.

As an early heads up, we will be needing the help of as many members as possible on 15th January for our Skywatch event linked to BBC Stargazing LIVE. We will have observing sessions open to the public in Memorial Gardens and indoor displays and activities in St Joseph's Church Hall. Se we need members to help out by bringing along telescopes, binoculars and other equipment if possible. If not please just come along and help man displays, or show people the night sky.

If you can help please reserve the date in your diary and let me now via email so we can refine our planning.

Stuart has a special blog with details of all the Cumbria events here.

All the best.

Pacman Nebula (NGC 281)

2010-12-13T19:49:00.004Z

Finally managed to get some h-alpha footage to add to the colour data from October... of the Pacman Nebula or NGC 281 in Cassiopeia.

Unfortunately only got about 1/2 hour of h-alpha. So the colour still is a bit "pink" rather than red.

NGC281 - Pacman Nebula

1000mm f/5.3 Skywatcher MN-190

Canon 300D Modified

EQ6 pro autoguided with PHD

25 x 5min colour exposures + 25min h-alpha (5 subs)

Christmas Social

2010-12-05T20:29:00.000Z

As is traditional this time of year we will be meeting in a local hostelry for few drinks prior to Christmas rather than having a formal December meeting. (Our next formal meeting will be on 25th January 2011).

This year we will meet on Thursday 16th December at 8pm in the Swan Inn, Kirkgate, Cockermouth.

I look forward to seeing you there.

January Public Observing Event

2010-12-05T17:01:00.001Z

As mentioned briefly at our last meeting we will be running a public astronomy event in Cockermouth in the new year to link with the BBC Stargazing Live series. We have fixed on a date; Saturday 15th January 2011. The event will, weather permitting, include observing the night sky as well as an indoor exhibition of astronomy equipment and information.

If you are a society member then please reserve the evening in your diary as we will need as many members as possible to ensure the event's success. More details will be made available on this site in the next few days.

November Meeting

2010-12-05T16:57:00.000Z

Thanks to everyone who came along to our November meeting despite the snow and ice. Special thanks go to our guest speaker, Robin Bellerby, from Dumfries who made it down to Cockermouth to tells us about the Wigtownshire Astronomical Society's activities and in particular their project to establish the UK's first Dark Sky Park in Dumfries & Galloway.

It was certainly no easy task and Robin provided a fascinating insight into the project from concept to conclusion, including his interview with Sir Partick Moore following the opening of the park.

Thanks again to Robin and to Jeremy for organising the talk.

Meeting reminder

2010-11-30T15:51:00.002Z

Just a reminder to say that the meeting is on tonight.

If the skies are clear we may get a chance to go to the Memorial Gardens afterwards, so anyone interested bring along your binoculars or scopes.

Jerry

November Meeting

2010-11-19T22:13:00.003Z

This month's meeting will take place on Tuesday 30th November 2010 at the usual venue (St Joseph's Parish Hall in Cockermouth).

We have a guest speaker this month, Robin Bellerby from across the Solway. Robin is coming to speak about the creation of the UK's first Dark Sky Park in Dumfries & Galloway, recognised internationally for the quality of its dark skies.

Chris will also be giving an update on astronomy and spaceflight news over the past month.

All are welcome, members and visitors alike. See you there!

Jerry

Hartley 2 flyby images

2010-11-06T17:05:00.001Z

There is lots of information and fantastic images around at the moment about the EPOXI mission flyby of comet Hartley 2 (yes it is the same comet previously, and more correctly referred to as 103P/Hartley).

Hartley 2 nucleus from EPOXI mission

Check out the latest updates at Planetary Society, Bad Astronomy and of course Cumbrian Sky. More at our next meeting.

CAS Library: A reminder

2010-10-28T21:40:00.000Z

Just a reminder to members that we do have a reasonably extensive library of space and astronomy books which are available for full members to borrow. Denis kindly looks after the books (and a couple of DVDs I believe), but due to storage and transport restrictions it is not possible to have them all available every meeting.

If you are looking to borrow anything then I would suggest speaking to Denis at a meeting or contact me via email and we'll see what we have.

Many of our newer books which are ideal for beginners have been out on loan for a while. If you have one of these books on loan and are not actively using it perhaps you could return it at one of the upcoming meetings to make it available for other members.

Also if anyone has any suggestions for books we should have available for loan, then please let me know. We can consider some purchases of particularly useful books.

Chris.

Look out for UFOs / Sky Lanterns

2010-10-27T19:07:00.000Z

As the bonfire and fireworks season approaches this year keep a look out for a relatively new trend; sky lanterns.

Sky lanterns, or Chinese lanterns, are small paper lanterns which act as hot air balloons and drift on the wind across the sky. Although they have been around for a while they seem to be a growing trend this year. I've seen many on sale in local shops and advertised as an alternative to fireworks.

The other night my kids spotted something in the sky over our house. On investigation there were about ten lanterns drifting over the house and I managed to catch some on the video below.

These lanterns will no doubt prompt lots of enquiries from people who have seen a 'UFO' and want to know exactly what it is they have seen. I've a few similar enquiries over the last couple of years. So if you have people telling you they have seen strange lights in the distance you can probably tell them what they have really seen.

It's worth noting that looking a bright lights in a dark sky plays havoc with our perception of distance. People will often assume they are seeing large objects (spacecraft ?) at a great distance moving very quickly. In reality it's more likely to be small objects, much closer and moving more slowly carried by the breeze.

Whatever you are doing this bonfire night have a safe and enjoyable one.

Chris.

October 2010 Meeting Report

2010-10-27T08:41:00.001Z

Thanks to everyone who brought their telescopes and other equipment along to our equipment evening. We had a really good range of telescopes with examples of all the major types of 'scope. There was also plenty of other equipment, including binoculars, webcams and books for people to look through.

Much of the evening was spent in informal discussions around the various 'scope. Robin demonstrated spectroscopy with the aid of a commandeered telescope, a diffraction grating and a box with artificial stars!

Robin has posted some further information here.

Webcam Imaging and Spectroscopy

2010-10-27T00:15:00.004Z

Here are more details about the webcam imaging kit and the Star Analyser diffraction grating I demonstrated during the meeting on Tuesday

You can buy the cheap webcam, adapter and IR blocking filter here but be quick, they may run out. Note that the webcam will work with windows XP with the recommended driver but you will need to modify the camera firmware to make it run on Vista or 7 (contact me if you need help)

The Star Analyser diffraction grating can be bought here Contact me for an £8 rebate (fully paid up CAS members only)

Robin
www.threehillsobservatory.co.uk

October Meeting - Equipment Evening

2010-10-23T19:23:00.000Z

October is traditionally our equipment evening, and this year is no exception. It's a great opportunity for those thinking about buying a telescope, perhaps with Christmas in mind, to get some advice and see some telescopes up close. It's also a fantastic opportunity for those who are still getting to grips with their 'scopes to bring them along and get some practical help. The evening will be flexible so hopefully there will be something for everyone.

If the weather cooperates we will finish the evening with some practical observing over in Memorial Gardens so bring along some warm clothing.

Hope to see many of you there, and if you have any specific questions feel free to email me before to ensure we get a comprehensive answer for you.

Chris.

Apollo launch video

2010-10-23T19:14:00.000Z

I've just been checking my usual haunts around the web and followed a few links, as you do. I came across this video of the Apollo 11 launch back in July 1969. The ~~video~~ film was originally shot at 500 frames per second and has been slowed down and converted to HD video to give an 8 minute slow motion of the engines at launch. What's more it's got a very informative narration with it so you get full details of what you are seeing. Well worth 8 minutes of your time!

Comet 103P Hartley

2010-10-22T15:28:00.002Z

For those who haven't managed to catch a glimpse of Comet Hartley yet, here is a great link to S&T magazine showing the comet in all its glory.

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/observing/home/102632669.html

Hopefully we'll get some good views over the weekend, although the moon is still very prominent.

The comet is now apparently naked eye without visual aid and has a very large diffuse coma and some tail.

Jerry

Comet Hartley & Double Cluster

2010-10-15T09:49:00.003Z

Dodging the water-saturated skies (hair-dryer working every 10 minutes to de-mist the optics!) I managed to get a short series of frames to make a mosaic of Comet 103P_Hartley approaching the Double Cluster in Perseus (NGC 884 & NGC 869).

The image is compose of 5 frames, each made up of 6 x 1 minute exposures at ISO800, with the exception of the "comet frame" which is actually 6 x 2 minutes at ISO 1600 to bring out the coma in more detail.

All images are prime focus of the MN-190 giving an effective focal length of 1000mm f/5.3.

I have aligned the images on the stars rather than the comet nucleus, giving a pleasing background, but this does show the motion of the comet's nucleus over 12 minutes. Others have obtained images of a faint tail but this is not spectacular.

Jerry

Comet Hartley

2010-10-07T21:38:00.000Z

I finally managed to track down comet Hartley in my binoculars tonight after trying over the last few clear nights.

The comet is just 'passing' the double cluster in Perseus tonight and tomorrow night. In 15x70 binoculars it is very faint requiring a dark sky, dark adapted eyes and use of 'averted vision' to pick it up.

Hopefully Jeremy has managed to get some good pictures to show us.

Chris

40 minute movement of Comet 103p/Hartley

2010-10-06T20:56:00.004Z

The following image, taken at an effective focal length of 1000mm, shows the movement of Comet 103P/Hartley over a 40 minute period.

The image is composed of 20 x 2 minute exposures stacked at ISO800.

More images hopefully at the weekend (clear skies forecast).

Jerry

September Meeting Report

2010-10-05T11:00:00.001Z

Confusingly our September meeting was held on Saturday 2nd October. The meeting was a great success thanks to Robin Leadbeater stepping in to do an excellent talk on "a week in the life of an amateur astronomer". Not a typical week by any means, but a great insight into the work an amateur can do to help out with real professional science.

We also discussed and number of items under our news section including Comet 103P/Hartley which is currently visible in the sky. Jeremy Robin (thanks for correcting me Robin) has posted an excellent photo here and we look forward to more of his images. If you want to find the comet your self there are finder chart on Stuart's Cumbrian Sky blog and the Sky and Telescope website. Let us know how you get on at our next meeting which is at the usual time and place on Tuesday 26th October.

That session will be our annual equipment night. This is an ideal time for those who have telescopes and are looking for some additional help and advice on getting the best out of them, or those thinking of buying a telescope. If you want some advice then bring you 'scope along and there will be plenty of advice on hand.

Chris

Comet 103P/Hartley

2010-10-04T18:59:00.002Z

Comet 103P/Hartley is starting to brighten and is winging its way across the bottom of the W constellation of Cassiopeia towards Perseus.

The comet is visible all night, at a high altitude giving good clarity. However, it is still a little unspectacular visually, even though it is estimate at Magnitude 5.6 at the moment.

I took the following image on Friday night. It is a single 2 minute exposure at ISO1600. Just visible in the image is NGC281 (Pacman Nebula). The field of view in the image is about 2 x 1 degrees. The comet is 16.6 million miles from earth in this image.

More detailed images will be posted later in the week once I've processed them.

If the skies are clear take a look on Saturday night when the comet should be brighter and will be within about 0.5 degree from the Double Cluster in Perseus.

The comet is very small, estimated to be only 600 metres across. But is relatively bright as it will be within 10 million miles of earth at its closest approach.

CAS Meeting, Sat 2nd October 2010

2010-09-27T18:27:00.002Z

HI all

our speaker for Saturday night is the world famous Robin Leadbeater, from none other than Torpenhow. Robin's talk is entitled "A Week In The Life of an Amateur Astronomer".

Hopefully something that will whet the appetite of budding new astronomers and show how far we amateurs can take our hobby, to a semi-professional level!

Robin's talk will include tales of colliding stellar winds, an Antarctic ballooning disaster, unearthing treasures at the seaside, shining a light on a dark and mysterious object and much more... so get yourself and your friends along to hear it from our resident expert.

Saturday 2nd October 2010 at 7.30pm, St Joseph's Church Hall Cockermouth.

Jerry

Guest Speaker cancellation

2010-09-21T19:31:00.002Z

Everybody,

I'm sorry to announce that our planned Guest Speaker for October 2nd, Rob Harrison, is unable to attend due to unforseen circumstances. He sends his apologies and would like to come at a later date.

So if you or friends were planning to come and listen to him on Saturday 2nd October then please be aware of the change.

The meeting will proceed on the Saturday as planned to avoid complications, but we will have an alternative speaker.

Jeremy

September Meeting Reminder

2010-09-19T17:21:00.003Z

All,

please remember that the September meeting date has been changed from the usual Tuesday to Saturday 2nd October at 7.30pm in order to accommodate our special guest speaker.

The venue is the same - St Joseph's Church Hall.

Rob Harrison will be coming to speak about his Icarus Project, or home made high altitude balloon camera exploits.

See you there!

Jerry

September meeting date changed

2010-08-11T21:18:00.002Z

Please be aware that the next CAS Meeting will be held on Saturday 2nd October not on the usual Tuesday evening at the end of the month.

This is an advance notification, I will follow up with more reminders to try and ensure everyone is aware.

We have an extra special guest speaker, Robert Harrison coming to speak about his internationally recognised ICARUS project, or the home-made balloon camera!

http://www.robertharrison.org/icarus/wordpress/about/

Jeremy

Telescope For Sale

2010-07-13T19:57:00.002Z

Meade lightbridge 10" deluxe Dobsonian reflector telescope.

Recent best 10" scope in Sky at Night magazine.

Open Truss design that takes apart to transport in car, put in cupboard etc.
Deluxe version has red dot finder and roller bearing mount, main mirror fan cooled.
Crayford focuser that takes 1 1/4" eyepieces as well as 2".

Also with extras of 2" 25mm eyepiece, dust/waterproof cover and light damping sleeve to cover open tube (good for reducing air currents, dewing and stray light) both designed for lightbridge telescope cost around £150.

Great scope, looking for £400. Or swap for good quality refractor - ideally long focal length 4" plus diameter.

Contact Dave on 01900 828217 or e-mail bainbridge-c@sky.com

2010-07-10T08:14:00.000Z

ESA’s Rosetta mission has has a long a interesting journey through the solar system on its way to its final target Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Launched in 2004 the probe has completed flybys of Earth twice and Mars one and already visited an asteroid as well as taking some fantastic astro-images on the way.

Today it passes asteroid 21 Lutetia at a distance of about 3,000 km. The closest approach takes place at about 1645 BST but as it is happening at a distance of 450 million km from Earth it will take some time for the pictures to be returned and processed. It's unlikely we'll see anything on the web before ten o'clock tonight.

This image from the ESA Rosetta team shows the asteroid seen from the probe yesterday at a distance of 2 million km. More information and updates are available on the Rosetta Blog.

The asteroid itself is relatively large, about 100km in diameter and although classed as an 'M type' asteroid has some characteristics of the much older 'C type' asteroids. Hence there is a bit of a mystery for astronomers to solve from the data Rosetta returns. It is also a great opportunity to test out all the instruments before the final comet encounter in 2014.

The Solar System needs your help . . .

2010-07-10T07:44:00.001Z

Last year Kendal's Eddington Astronomical Society held a really successful scale model solar system event at Kendal Castle. I went along to help out and it was a really good day. See the video below. .

They are repeating the event this year, in the town centre this time. The aim is to bring the event to even more members of the public. The event takes place on 14th August.

To do this Stuart and EAS could really use your help. They need as people as possible to turn up for as long as you can spare to 'man a planet' as it were. You don't need to be an expert and will be given all the information and equipment you need. The idea is just to have people on hand to talk to the public, answer questions or simply point them in the right direction for more information.

If you think you could help out please get in touch with either myself or Stuart and offer your services. If you can't help then please encourage friends, family and colleagues to go along learn something.

Planck produces an new map of the microwave sky

2010-07-05T22:00:00.000Z

ESA Planck instrument has been observing the sky at microwave wavelengths for 12 months now. This newly released image shows the microwave radiation from both the cosmic background radiation and the milky way.

Credit: ESA, HFI and LFI consortia

The next task for the team is to use the information from Planck's detectors a nine different wavelengths to remove the Milky Way emissions and produced the most detailed map of the cosmic microwave background yet.

More information at the ESA website.

June 2010 Meeting Report

2010-07-04T11:42:00.002Z

A very big thank you to Professor Ryan Hickox, an STFC Fellow at the University of Durham, who came to speak to us about the Growth of Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes.

Ryan flew in from Paris, having spent several days reviewing the latest data from the Herschel space telescope.

If you'd like to know more about Ryan check out http://www.dur.ac.uk/ryan.hickox/

There was much interest in the talk, which appealed to young and advanced with plenty of opportunity for questions (and a pint in the pub after the talk)!

There will be no meetings in July or August due to summer holidays. So the next society meeting will be 28th September 2010.

June CAS Meeting

2010-06-16T20:23:00.003Z

The June Cockermouth Astronomy Society meeting will be held on Tuesday 29th June 2010 at the usual venue (St Joseph's Church Hall, Cockermouth) at 7.30pm.

We have a guest speaker this month, Ryan Hickox who will be talking about:

Supermassive Blackholes & The Growth of Galaxies

All are welcome, so pass the word to your friends and family.

Jeremy

Comet C/2009 R1 McNaught

2010-06-13T16:24:00.003Z

If you can manage to stay awake until about 1am and have a clear North horizon, then you might just manage to glimpse the rapidly moving Comet McNaught c/2009 R1. It is brightening nicely, currently at Mag 6.3 but expected to brighten to Mag 3.0 by the end of the month.

There is a nicely developing tail visible in long exposure images.

http://www.spaceweather.com/submissions/pics/m/Michael-JAcger-2009R120100606UT0050web_1275850175.jpg

Check out this great time lapse video of the comet "passing by" a galaxy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DY3nfJgys4

Of course you'll be battling the twilight so I suspect it'll be quite a challenge.

Clear skies are predicted for most of next week, so have a go and report your observations at the next CAS meeting (June 29th) or bring along your photos.

Jerry

Telescope for sale

2010-06-07T08:03:00.000Z

I have recently been contaced by someone locally who has a telescope for sale. The scope is a Celestron NexStar GT80 which I'm told is in good condition and still in its original box. If anyone is interested please contact me and I will pass on the seller's details.

Chris

May CAS Meeting

2010-05-24T18:50:00.002Z

The May 2010 meeting will be held on Tuesday 25th May at 7.30pm in St Jospeh's Church Hall, Cockermouth.

The agenda for the evening is as follows:

News Update for May (10 mins)
CAS Annual General Meeting (20-30 mins)

COFFEE

Stellar Evolution - Chris Darwin (45 - 60 mins)

Regards
Jeremy

Recent images

2010-05-11T19:49:00.005Z

The night was so clear on Monday that I was out from 11pm to 3am. The milky way was gorgeous and I took the following two pics.

M17 in Sagittarius
Skywatcher MN190 on EQ6
Canon 300D modified
4 x 5 mins @ ISO800

M17 is located at a declination of -16 degrees so it's pretty close to the horizon from northern England. The shot is only 4 combined images so very short. I only managed to steal a few images as the dawn was breaking.

I spent most of the night imaging parts of the North America and Pelican Nebulae (NGC7000). The following image combines 45 minutes of white light plus 100 minutes of Hydrogen-Alpha data.

NGC7000
Skywatcher MN190, EQ6 + Canon 300D modified
10 x 10mins H-alpha + 9 x 5 mins RGB
ISO800

Cocoon Nebula

2010-05-03T16:06:00.005Z

I got about an hour of exposure time on the Cocoon Nebula (IC5146), located in the constellation Cygnus.

The nebula sits at the end of a great dark nebula B168, the tip of which is just visible at the top of this shot.

IC5146 - Cocoon Nebula

MN190 (1000mm f5.3)

Canon 300D modified

EQ6 PHD

12 x 5mins @ ISO800

plus

1 x 10min Hydrogen-Alpha frame

Society Telescope

2010-04-28T18:11:00.003Z

To all CAS Members,

I am currently storing the society's telescope, which is an 8" reflector on a CG5 computerised mount.

Any full members of the society are entitled to borrow the scope if they wish.

Please contact me if you'd like the use of the scope at any time.

Jeremy

016973 71224

April Meeting Report

2010-04-28T17:35:00.003Z

We had a great meeting last night, with lots of visitors in attendance for the first time.

Following some space news updates, Robin gave us a fascinating description of the work he is doing on Epsilon Aurigae. Truly ground-breaking on an international level.

The main feature for the evening was our guest speaker Stuart Atkinson from the Eddington (Kendal) Astronomy Society. Everyone gave rapt attention to Stuart's presentation entitled "A Tourist's Guide To The Universe" as he presented a plethora of images and illustrations of the wonders in our solar system and the wider universe. Truly excellent and one that I'm sure will stick in the minds of our young visitors for some time.

Next month we have a talk by Chris Darwin on the topic of Stellar Evolution.

Don't forget some of the links mentioned yesterday:

NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory (sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov)
Hubble Space Telescope (hubblesite.org)
Mars (marsrover.nasa.gov)
Robin's astronomy site (threehillsobservatory.co.uk)

M16 Eagle Nebula

2010-04-21T19:29:00.003Z

Rising at 2am I managed to get a few shots of M16, The Eagle Nebula between the setting moon and the rising sun this morning.

7 x 5 min exposures @ISO800
Canon 300D modded
Skywatcher MN-190
EQ6 autoguided with Toucam Pro and EQMOD

The raw images were calibrated with flats (10), darks (10) and bias (10) frames, before aligning and stacking with a Sigma-clipped Average. The final image was then adjusted for levels and colour balance in Photoshop before a final noise reduction with NeatImage.

April CAS Meeting

2010-04-20T21:10:00.003Z

The April 2010 meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 27th April at 7.30pm.

We have a guest speaker, Stuart Atkinson, from the Kendal Astronomy Society and well known to many of us at Cockermouth. Please invite your friends or family, they will undoubtedly be energised by Stuart's dynamic presentation.

5 planets at once

2010-04-18T17:32:00.002Z

And finally...

Over the last few days you'll have probably seen (whether you were aware of it or not) 5 planets in the same evening sky.

Saturn in the south, Mars high in the south-west, Venus in the west, Mercury just to the right and below Venus and of course the Earth (you're standing on it!)

We were also treated to a lovely young crescent moon on the 14th and 15th of April.

Runaway Greenhouse Effect?

2010-04-18T17:26:00.002Z

I thought this was a good tongue-in-cheek image, showing Venus setting behind the Bothel windfarm with a red sky (perhaps linked to the volcanic ash from Iceland).

Venus we know is an unhospitable planet due to a runaway Greenhouse Effect arising from volcanic eruptions in the planet's past.

Earth on the other hand has managed to control its atmosphere, perhaps due to the effects of precipitation extracting the volcanic gases from the atmosphere and locking it back into the oceans and rocks.

Man on the other hand may (or may not) be affecting the delicate balance here on earth. One thing is for sure, the idea of a man-inspired Greenhouse Effect has perhaps runaway with itself leading to the erection of windfarms such as the one at Bothel.

Saturn

2010-04-18T17:21:00.005Z

From first light last week, I shot a quick movie of Saturn using the MN190 and Toucam Pro webcam. Not a very good quality image, I obviously need to practice my webcaming more. The view through the eyepiece was great (I could count 5 moons around the planet no problem).

Saturn
MN190 with 2x barlow
(2000mm f/10.6)
Toucam Pro II
K3ccd Tools

M101 with new scope

2010-04-18T17:12:00.003Z

Grabbed a few clear hours on Thursday night (despite the alleged ash cloud high in the atmosphere) to shoot M101 with the new MN190. You won't see much detail in this web-image but the stars are nice and sharp across the entire field of view. You can count at least 5 other galaxies in the background of the image.

M101
11 x 5 mins @ ISO800
1000mm f/5.3 on EQ6
Canon 300D Modified

Maksutov-Newtonian 190

2010-04-13T00:00:00.002Z

Hey,

first light with the new Mak-Newt 190mm...absolutely gorgeous. Of course I was in such a rush to get using it I didn't wait for it to cool down at all, taking it straight out of its box and mounting it in the observatory.

Still, beautiful views of Saturn. Simple pic to follow when I get a chance to process the webcam footage.

The light grasp is appreciably different to the William Optics 80mm (as it should be at twice the diameter!) Stunning views of M35, M36, M37 & M13.

Got a few snaps of different objects but didn't spend any time photographing really. Just messing about. But will post a few shots of M13 and M101 later in the week.

Jerry

New scope...

2010-04-07T19:26:00.003Z

I'm dead excited...got a new telescope coming Thursday/Friday. The new Skywatcher Maksutov-Newtonian 190 astrograph. Rave reviews call it the equivalent of an 8" apochromatic refractor with a beautifully flat field of view and fast optics. Hopefully it should arrive in time for the clear nights forecast for this weekend... Will post some pics ASAP.

M13 Globular Cluster

2010-04-06T20:53:00.003Z

I had a go at doubling up the focal length of my William Optics via a 2x barlow a couple of nights ago. Unfortunately this does increase the exposure time by a factor of 4 but it givesme a better view of the cluster due to its relatively small size on the Canon.

Canon 300D on autoguided EQ6
William Optics with 2x barlow (EFL 1090mm f/14)
4 x 5mins @ ISO1600

Solar Activity

2010-04-06T19:42:00.003Z

Hi all

managed to persevere with the Webcam and Robin's Coronado PST solar scope on Sunday and got the following image of a very large prominence on the side of the sun.

Not the best picture of the sun ever taken, but it was really exciting to see this thing with the naked eye. What a shame I'm going to have to return Robin's telescope!

Jerry

Kendal AS Scale Model of the Solar System

2010-04-06T17:19:00.003Z

Stuart Atkinson and his enthusiastic cohorts from the Eddington Astronomical Society in Kendal are staging a "Live" Scale Model of the Solar System on August 14th 2010.

Take a sneak peak at their blog here: http://ksssm2.wordpress.com/

All are invited to attend and/or participate and help bring the wonders of the solar system a little closer to home.

New Solar activity

2010-03-25T07:15:00.002Z

Finally there are signs that the sun is waking from its prolonged period of inactivity.

Sunspot 1057 appeared a couple of days ago and has already thrown a large Coronal Mass Ejection out into space (but not in our direction). The spot is still growing and as it turns to face earth we could be in for increased chances of aurorae.

Check out www.spaceweather.com for more.

Cloudy skies

2010-03-23T02:52:00.003Z

Just thought I'd share my frustration with you all...Got up at 1.20am to do some observing, only for high cloud to roll in. Do I wait it out or go to bed?? That's twice in the last week this has happened!

March CAS meeting

2010-03-21T15:38:00.004Z

Hi all,

The March 2010 CAS meeting will be held on Tuesday 30th March with the following agenda:

Astronomy & Spaceflight Newsround by Chris Darwin

Refreshments
Introduction to Astrophysics by Dennis Kelly
- Measuring the distance to the Galactic Centre
- Calculating the earth's orbital velocity
An Alternative History of Astronomy by Ian Smith

The meeting starts at 7.30pm, hall open from around 7.15pm, in St Joseph's Church Hall Cockermouth.

Anyone who has done any visual or photographic observations over the last month is welcome to bring along pictures or talk about their experiences.

See you on the 30th.

Jerry

Sunspot 1054

2010-03-14T17:31:00.003Z

Thanks to Robin, I've borrowed his Coronado PST solar telescope and mylar white light filter.

I couldn't resist a quick photo through the white light filter when the sun peeked through the clouds this afternoon.

Unfortunately I couldn't get a decent image through the h-alpha PST scope, although visually I could see some small prominences around the limb. Really great - first time for me.

Jerry

Jellyfish Close-Up

2010-03-11T17:01:00.003Z

A crop of the previous image is shown below to bring out some more detail in IC443, which is the remains of a supernova with an age range of 3000 to 30,000 years.

Look here for a narrowband image of the "head" showing spectacular detail in the shockfront of the expanding explosion: