Lunar Eclipse observing groups around the country?

Im considering taking the 21st off so I can enjoy the eclipse without worring about work the next day. Are many doing this, and if in the vacinity of dublin, would many be interested in finding a nice site for some observations, photographing the event and banter?


Edited by Seanie Morris: title change to reflect broader audience interest.

Somewhat related, but in a different location, I am thinking of doing the same for next Thursday night (take the night off). Howevr, my request for observing buddies relates to the Tullamore/Offaly area! TAS has a nice (enough) spot 2 miles outside the town. Would anyone down this neck of the woods consider joining up on Tursday night next?

Seanie.

Looks like i may be hosting a small star party for a few neighbours. Many of them know i am into astronomy cuz they see me in the garden at all hours of the night. Every time there is a lunar eclipse i think i am the only person nearby observing it until i hear the Uhhhhhhhhh's and A'hhhhhhhs and camera flashes going off in the gardens around me.

My next door neighbour knows i have a scope etc and asked if her and her sons can come in to my garden on the night to have a look at it in the scope.

I couldnt say NO.

Now you have to understand...........where i live when one person gets an invite to something..........they then invite others and so and and so on.

I reckon on maybe 10 neighbours showing up.


Then today my nephew asked me if him and a few of his mates can come round on the night to have a look.

Again........i couldnt say NO.

I wonder how far my scope and 2 pairs of bins are gonna stretch that night. I also wonder if i am gonna get ANY time to myself that night just to be alone with my thoughts and the majestic sight that is a lunar eclipse........and try to take a few shots,mpeg................

I guess it could be a case of "the sacrifice of the few for the greater good of the many".


I am thinking of doing the same for next Thursday night

Seanie whats happening next thursday night? The eclipse is not til the 20th/21st

I've booked Thursday off also.
Heading to the Burren to take shots by the Dolmen.
Should be spooooky.
I'm really lookin' forward to it!

I dont think i could think of a darker sky area then the Burren even if i tried.

Skiers need snow...
Divers need water...
Astronomers need dark skies!

It's only a 40 min drive from my house so why not avail of some
of the darkest skies in Europe?
Pity about the steadiness of the atmosphere though.

I can tell you..
My attitude to astronomy has changed radically over the years...
For a long time I thought you really needed all the
gizmos and gadgets.
Right now,
Gimme a 12'' (or greater) Dob and dark skies and I'm in heaven.....literally.