Whirlpool Star Party 2007

Thanks for posting the images Johnathan.
I was holding the red skywatcher torch while I climbed the ladder in that pic above.

Next step is to see how much we can flog the PA we have for...

It's a Behringer setup. You should get enough money for at least two packets of crisps.
I'm sure you'll sell it to one of the many bands hanging around your area.
You can even try the Irish "Thumped" music forum. they've a classified place that'd be the place to try.

I had a Whirlwind of a time at Whirlpool, many many thanks to the organisers for a really great experience.

It was teriffic to see so many astronomers from Northern Ireland attending. Jonathan it was your e mail that I lost so perhaps you could PM me when you have a minute..

I will never ever forget M27 in Dave Lillis's scope, the apple core image still sits in my minds eye like a photograph. Mars later on was without doubt the best eyeball view I have ever had. No need to look till yer eyeballs were popping out, there it was with clear features very sketchable, very tactile, great for such a low altitude and the LP factor.
I had a bit of fun with two guys Patrick and Ryan from The Netherlands with their Skyscout, nice to see other Europeans attending Whirlpool.

Observing with Sue French, the blue snowball in a small reflector, and a Mars later was good fun. Observing anything under the Leviathan is a special occasion and this year was tops, two nights, great scopes, good fun. It was brill to float around and see lots of stuff in different scopes.

Observing surrounded by fog was a first for me but sure it was hard to leave and walk away with such great views which seem to improve as the hours got later fog or no fog


The lads and Mia from East Antrim and the IAA were great craic, thanks for helping me with the small step ladder everytime I wanted to look.
Thanks also to Chris Lyntott for making himself smaller so that I am at least in the photo's with him, a real gent.

The Veil nebula in Richard Fleets 20 inch was a real treat and a fantasy sketch, I also had a look in Vicki Fleets homemade 8inch dob, lovely stuff.

What can I say about Michael O'Connells new big baby scope,a truely super piece of engineering. Clear skies ahead there Michael.

Thanks Shannonside see you next year

Deirdre Kelleghan
President
Irish Astronomical Society 1937 - 2007
Public Relations Officer IFAS
www.deirdrekelleghan.com/
homepage.eircom.net/~irishas/index.htm
www.irishastronomy.org/

Deirdre, did you manage a sketch at all from Birr?

I went on your website, and your sketches are amazing and you have sketched my favourite thing in the sky, CR399!

You've a wonderful talent! I'm in awe!

Here are a few quickly processed shots of WSP 07.




If you look verrrry verrrrrry carefully you just might see the Whirlpool ......(starparty!)
















The fog was thick and light pollution unbearable but yet we saw loads!?
The town lights in this pic look like an atomic bomb going off, but at least,
it makes a good light source for a silhouetted shot.

Frank

They are fantastic shots, i particularly like the first one with the plough hanging over the telescope.