group2

A scene from the Feb 1997 observing meeting held in Craven Arms. 15 Members observed visually (M31, M81, M97, M1, M45, M42 amongst others) through some 20x75 binoculars and an 8" F4.5 reflector (the grey sewing box was used by some younger members to stand on when looking through the eyepiece) prior to a demonstration of CCD imaging. Images and dark frames were taken while everyone watched and then a preliminary reduction undertaken. Examples of the images obtained that night (Spiral Galaxy M61 and Planetary Nebula M97) can be seen on the deep sky page.

The night was clear and cold, providing a good excuse for lots of breaks for coffee, tea and biscuits. People left from 10pm onward. The meeting finally ended at 3am when thin cloud stopped play for the diehards.