OBSERVING SESSIONS

CARDIFF ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
OBSERVING SESSIONS

Members of the public are welcome. Come and see the wonders of the Universe through our telescopes and talk to knowledgeable astronomers. It's a whole new experience just waiting for you to explore!

When do they take place?

Observing evenings are held most months. The evenings are planned for two or three nights, however we only meet on one of them.

In order to give us the best chance of observing under a clear sky we aim to meet on the first date, but if it's cloudy we meet on the following night and so on.

The dates of the sessions are published in the CAS Newsletter and here on the Website and are generally planned around the weekend.

Where do they take place?

At the moment our observing nights are held at either Castle Heights Golf Course Car Park , Duffryn Gardens Car Park or Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. You can find a map and directions by clicking here or on any venue.

How do I know if the session is on or not?

Generally if it's completely cloudy then the session will not be on. Check below in the Status column of Upcoming Sessions section (The Date, Time, Location and Status of the next session is also shown on the Home Page.) or phone the CAS Observing line, on 07817 - 723883, for the latest information for the next session.

Upcoming Sessions

Date	Day	Time	Venue	Status
23^rd or 24^th September	Friday or Saturday	20:30-24:00 BST	Castle Heights Golf Course	Tonights meeting (Sept. 24th)is cancelled due to overcast coditions.Bob.
1^st October	Saturday	20:00-24:00 BST	Dyffryn Gardens	Sat 1st Oct: The session is on. Observing near the observatory. For assistance phone 07531510112. Marc.
21^st or 22^nd October	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 BST	Castle Heights Golf Course	Tonights meeting Sat.22 Oct.is cancelled due to overcast conditions. Bob.
4^th November	Friday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Dyffryn Gardens	Tonights meeting is cancelled due to unsuitable weather. Bob.Fri.4th Nov.
18^th or 19^th November	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Dyffryn Gardens	If you came for this Friday session and were unable to get through the Dyffryn gates, the explanation is this: We had arranged for the gates to be left unlocked, but through a hick-up on the part of Dyffryn security, the security guard refused to let us in. I had no option but to leave. Marc Delaney. (07531510112)
2^nd December	Friday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Dyffryn Gardens	Tonights session is cancelled due to unsuitable conditions.Bob. Important: Pease note that for security reasons all observers (except keyholders) should be at the garden gates no later than observing start time. Late arrivals may not be able to get in. If you are delayed for genuinely unavoidable reasons please phone 07836635718.
16^th or 17^th December	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Castle Heights Golf Course	Tonights session is cancelled as its a bit damp and windy also the sky isn't that good for viewing.Sat'17th. Bob.
6^th or 7^th Janurary	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Castle Heights Golf Course	Tonights meeting at castle Heights is cancelled due to unsuitable weather. (sat.) Bob.
14^th Janurary	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Dyffryn Gardens	Tonights meeting is cancelled due to cloudy conditions. Bob.
3^rd or 4^th February	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Dyffryn Gardens	Tonights meeting will go ahead.Bob. Late arrivals may not be able to get in. If you are delayed for genuinely unavoidable reasons please phone 07836635718.
17^th or 18^th February	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Castle Heights Golf Course	Hoping for clear skies, call 07817 723883 about an hour before session for confirmation.
9^th or 10^th March	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Dyffryn Gardens	Hoping for clear skies,call 07817723883 about an hour before session for confirmation. Important: Pease note that for security reasons all observers (except keyholders) should be at the garden gates no later than observing start time. Late arrivals may not be able to get in. If you are delayed for genuinely unavoidable reasons please phone 07836635718.
23^rd or 24^th March	Friday or Saturday	20:00-24:00 GMT	Castle Heights Golf Course	Hoping for clear skies, call 07817 723883 about an hour before session for confirmation.

Do I need to have a telescope to come to an observing evening?

No. We always stress that you don't need a telescope to look at the night sky. Our aim is that observing evenings are a social event and a chance for people to discuss astronomy and learn from each other. If you haven't got a telescope there will be plenty of people who have got one and will be only too happy to show you. Please ask before you touch someone else's telescope. Set ups can be different for each scope, and they may be in the middle of taking a photograph or something, even if it looks as if no-one is using the scope. If you do have a telescope, but haven't had much success using it, don't be afraid to bring it along. You'd be surprised how many people struggle to find objects in their new telescope, you are not alone. Bring it along and someone will be happy to give you advice on setting it up, and finding your way around with it.

What equipment do I need to bring?

The main essentials are warm clothing and perhaps a warm drink and something to eat. No matter how warm it may have been during the day and what the weather forecast says, if you are stood under a clear dark sky for several hours it will be COLD ! We don't want any hyperthermia cases on our hands. It will be dark, so you may be tempted to bring a torch. If you do, please make sure it gives out a red light. It takes about 20-30 minsfor the human eye to become 'dark adapted' for optimum viewing. A white light will cause you (and others) to lose that dark adaption. Using a red light avoids that, while allowing you to avoid obstacles and read star charts etc. You can buy special red light torches, but just cover a standard torch with some red plastic and tape it on to get the same effect.

How long will observing sessions last?

That all depends on the weather, and perhaps most importantly how cold it is ! Normally people start to drift away after 2 or 3 hours and only a few hardy souls make it past midnight. On a particularly clear night with plenty to see things may carry on into the small hours, but don't feel obliged to stay to the end if you'd rather be in bed.

Am a complete beginner. What do I need to know before I come along?

There is no 'required level'. There will always be more experienced people that you can learn from, and you'll probably know more than you think anyway. It really is just a case of turning up, introducing yourself, and enjoying the view.

Etiquette for observing evenings

We don't have strict rules for observing sessions and keep things very informal. However a few common sense points of etiquette will help things run smoothly;

Ask before you use someone someone else's telescope.
Don't shine bright lights around where people are observing.
If you are arriving late or leaving early, try to avoid car headlight beams shining where people are observing.
Do not smoke near the telescope, smoke particles damage the optics.

Safety tips

Astronomy is not a dangerous sport, but there are a few things to remember; It will be dark at the site and there will be plenty of things to trip over; telescope tripods, cables, storage boxes, carrying cases etc. Take care to avoid obstacles and try and leave space between telescope set ups if you can. It will be cold. Make sure you dress appropriately. If you unsure about anything, just ask. There are plenty of people there to help.

CARDIFF ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
OBSERVERS CLUB

Cardiff Astronomical society also runs an Observers Club. Meetings takes place on the last Friday of the month and will take place, whatever the weather.

The next meeting takes place on 24^th February.

For further information Visit the Observers Club page.