Because of the weather forecast, the event on Saturday evening is being brought forward to tonight, Friday, All other details remain more or less the same.
The Geminids peak Sat. & Sun. 13/14 December. To observe these, we have planned an event at the foot of Sketrick Castle, adjacent to the Outdoor Activities Centre. All are welcome, no booking required, details below.
. The meteors are fast (70km/second) and often bright, usually white but occasionally yellow, green, red or blue. In perfect conditions up to 120 per hour can be seen though we might realistically hope to see between 15-30. At least one yellow tabard-clad IAA council member will be there with a laser pointer to point out the constellations and planets and provide more information on the shower.
Daft Eddy’s pub and restaurant have kindly agreed to let us use their car park which is adjacent. Eating and drinking there is not part of the organised evening but if anyone would like to eat there then do book as it’s very busy at this time of year. If any members would like to buy drinks (including non-alcoholic ones for preserving your best eyesight and the ability to drive home!) that would be a nice way to thank them for the car park use. Toilets are available too. Daft Eddy’s restaurant is open until 21:00 and the pub until around midnight.
Parking: Daft Eddy’s at Sketrick Island (veer right then left after crossing the causeway) the park is always open: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aHCZCb1VWz9fvoLi6.
The overflow car park if required is the public park at Whiterock, 400m away at https://maps.app.goo.gl/zGQuNBaH6TMkgjXN8, note that the toilets there will be closed. Bring a torch for the short walk on the unlit road if using this.
Observing: At the foot of Sketrick Castle at the end of the causeway immediately adjacent to Daft Eddy’s https://maps.app.goo.gl/5JRTQLZ52rRuNPuA7.
Time: 20:00-midnight, though it is fine to arrive or depart at any time including before or after the given times. The shower is likely to improve gradually as time goes on until the moon rises.
What to bring
Extremely warm clothes/gloves/hat as it will be pretty Baltic! Snacks/hot drinks. You can warm up at the Daft Eddy’s bar with a drink if needed! Despite it being a dead end with few and slow cars, the observing space is next to a road so brightly coloured or reflective things are strongly recommended. Optionally, a camping or deck chair is recommended for comfortable observing, while a reclining sun lounger with hot water bottle filled from a flask is the deluxe option for gazing skyward! Optionally bring binoculars to look at Jupiter/Andromeda Galaxy/Orion nebula and lots more.
Daft Eddy’s Bar & Restaurant, 1 Sketrick Island, Killinchy, Newtownards, BT23 6QH 54.488009 -5.647926
