Astronomy report

This is for all my astronomical friends from Kielder forest star camp and of course Flodge and Julian.

Surprisingly there has only been one standout clear night since we set off. There is a lot of light pollution whilst coastal sailing. I suppose it's a worldwide problem. In harbours and marinas it's work and party time which means lots of flashing lights. Look at the hotel above, they really don't like astronomy types around here. You'd think out at sea would be better but the fishing boat working lights can be seen for miles and destroy night vision. Also there are marker buoys and lighthouses which of course can be seen for miles as well. Even in a quiet dark anchorages the bobbing around of masthead anchor lights on sailing boats can really spoil a clear night sky.

The one standout clear night, the seeing was amazing, the stars and milky way went right down to the horizon, so many stars so low down. It was like a planetarium, didn't look real. This was in the middle of the bay of Biscay with crazy wind and waves and I wasn't really in an astronomical mood as it was so rough. And absolutely no way could I have caught it on camera, I don't think they do a bay of Biscay gimble.

Even with the light pollution the stars are still amazing when you are travelling on a sailing boat. For example doing an overnight passage. You see the sunset, the stars slowly appearing, maybe a moon rise, moon set, the break of dawn (Always a relief after a long night) and then a sunrise. I saw one moonrise at 3 in the morning, I was very tired, and I thought it was a giant ghostly square rigged schooner heading towards us. I can now see why sailors of old saw mermaids and sea monsters. Your imagination runs wild. 

Another interesting effect is seeing the change in the constellations as we get further south. I have done most of my astronomy in the uk, 53ish degrees latitude, and we are currently 37ish degrees. Only 20 degree difference but much different to what I have been used to for 50 years.

Orion is noticeably higher in the sky. Usually, in the uk, when it is this high I can see my breathe and it is freezing. I took the below shot in shorts and a T shirt at midnight.

And the pole star is noticeably lower. But the most notable change is the moon. Firstly it gets a lot higher. A full moon can very nearly reach the zenith here in the Algarve. That is also another source of light pollution. It's great for sailing at night but it is above the horizon for a lot longer and therefore more light pollution. Another noticeable effect is the setting crescent moon is on it's side. It looks like, as my Mum says, a smiley face.

On another note, I have heard the aurora has been blasting the uk skies recently. That's usual for me, I have never seen it. In Kielder it was always "You should have been here last night...amazing display" It's going to have to be some solar storm to be visible down here. Oh well I'll just stick to chasing the moon's shadow.

Sorry there are not a lot of photos. Any suggestions for a super gimble would be appreciated. Also please let me know if there is anything happening in the sky.

Clear skies.