Help viewing round belfast

Hi folks

Just signed up, bought myself a celestron astromaster 130 eq at the start of lockdown and it's been immense, particularly back when cloud cover was nil.

I'm trying to get a look at the comet, and wondering if anyone has any suggestions for in or around Belfast, I'm in the east, and thinking towards hightown may be decent. Obviously cloud cover is mostly high next few days but if get a gap want to be able to just go and try to see it.

All ideas welcome!

Cheers

Raymond 

Very welcome Raymond, 

As I'm based in Dublin I can't offer any suggestions, but I'm sure someone will. Best of luck with the comet, and clear skies, 

Darren. 

Try the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy society.  
eaas.co.uk

Hi Raymond and welcome to a wonderful hobby!

I'm up in Larne myself so have easy access to the Antrim Coast which has a good number of dark sites. I particularly like the Ballygally Bear on the Coast Road as it has an excellent view to the North that looks right between NI and Scotland.

From your location you could head out east to one of the beaches looking across Belfast Lough - some lights from Carrickfergus etc though nothing like Belfast itself. Or as you suggest up Divis Mountain.

The good news is the Comet is bright enough that some light pollution doesn't kill it. You may get better views in binoculars than in your scope just because it's so big!

You may also want to consider joining your local club, The Irish Astronomical Association  irishastro.org/

Of course we're in lockdown at the moment, but in the normal course of events we have a full lecture programme at Queens' University, Belfast, observing nights at Delamont Country Park, a lively outreach programme, a quarterly magazine and over 220 members with a full range of knowledge that you can tap into.

Good Luck and Clear Skies!

Hi Raymond

If you are in East Belfast, then the closest place would be somewhere along the North Down coast, Seapark or Cultra maybe

Failing that, you could head for the Antrim coast road, there are a few dark spots beyond the Ballygally Castle hotel

Or, head for the north coast for the best view, Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy, Dunseverick or the car park at the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge

Good luck