sensational. All views that I feel are delicately and indelibly etched onto my retinas. A few people, myself included, were taking advantage of the opportunity to take some images of the skies too. Tom took widefield images around the camp and into the light-speckled blackness above. I hunted down the Leo Triplet, the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules and Kemble’s Cascade, while Jupiter and Saturn coaxed many people into a photographic keepsake – some who were trying astrophotography for the 1st time. It was also warm enough to enjoy the party atmosphere until late. The sight of people relaxing on The Common on airbeds with a drink in hand as they gazed up into the skies was a joy to behold. As were the regular sounds of a ukulele that floated across the camp from time to time! The mood was exactly as we’d planned. Clear skies for stargazing, help and guidance to newcomers (a special thank you to Damien Phillips for all his help there), a fun and relaxed atmosphere and a great social gathering to learn more about the skies and techniques to get the best views. A count of scopes on the Sunday showed more than 60 pointing their lenses and mirrors skyward from The Common, and many more dotted elsewhere around the camp site.
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Astronomy Wise
of 3 clear nights at the 2nd, a few We also got the chance to talk to
people were suggesting that we’ll
other astronomy promoters such
be remembered for being the only
as Callum Potter from Astronomy
stargazing festival that can guaran-
Now, Andrew Davies from Mid
tee good observing weather – but
Cheshire Astronomical Society and
we won’t put that on the website,
Jim Anning from AstroPub, where
it’ll only jinx it for next time!