Tag: event

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NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.

Below is a fantastic collection of images and timelapse vidoes of the partial solar eclipse taken by CMHASD members on the 12th August 2026.

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Kevin Langford

Images taken using a Canon EOS 750D with standard lens set to 55mm white light filter fixed on the mount. Fixed to standard tripod.

One picture taken every 5mins until the sun went behind that house.

The final picture was made up of the sun images merged with a picture of the house taken later. Affinity Photo was used to create the picture.

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Honor Wheeler

Three images taken using a Canon M6II with x2 Barlow,
Coronado PST and EQ3 PRO Mount.

Exposure: ISO200,1/6s
Processed in Snapseed

Plus a timelapse video taken using a Dwarf3 smart scope. All taken at the pavilion.

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George Buckberry

A time lapse video and a collage of images taken using a Dwarf3 Smart scope at the pavilion.

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Tina Bishop

Timelapse video of the eclipse.

Taken using a Dwarf3 smart scope at the pavilion.

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Guy Roberts     

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Jim Burchell     The 12 images below were taken at the pavilion using a Pentax KP DSLR Body attached to a 102mm F11 refactor with Baader solar film attached.  No colour correction has been applied.

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Dan Stevens        The three images below were taken using a Seestar s30 at the pavilion.

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Leigh Slomer     

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NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.

Article written by CMHASD Chairperson Mr Gary Hunt.

CMHASD Partial Solar Eclipse Public Outreach Event — A Resounding Success

On 12 August 2026, the Crayford Manor House Astronomical Society Dartford (CMHASD) opened its doors — and its telescopes — to the public for a special outreach event to observe the Partial Solar eclipse.  And what a day it turned out to be!

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We estimate that at least 83 visitors joined us during the event, eager to see the Moon take a bite out of the Sun.

The excitement among visitors was genuinely infectious. Children and adults alike were “wowed” and awed by what they saw, while CMHASD members were equally excited to share the experience. There is something rather special about seeing the expression on someone's face when they look through a telescope and suddenly realise that they are seeing the Sun in extraordinary detail — and not merely a bright blob in the sky.

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Solar observing — safely, of course!

CMHASD provided multiple solar-safe observing telescopes, including two specialist hydrogen-alpha solar telescopes, one of which belongs to the Society. These gave visitors spectacular views of our nearest star, including features that ordinary white-light observing simply cannot reveal.

We also distributed free safe solar-observing spectacles to visitors. This was particularly appreciated given the national shortage of suitable solar glasses in the run-up to the eclipse.

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Our members were particularly pleased to help children experience the eclipse safely. The enthusiasm of our younger visitors was wonderful to see, and several CMHASD members excelled themselves in explaining what was happening in ways that made sense to inquisitive young minds — without requiring anyone to sit an astronomy examination beforehand!

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The weather behaved itself!  We were blessed with excellent observing weather, providing first-rate visual conditions throughout the event. The eclipse was clearly visible and the views through the solar telescopes were spectacular.

The only celestial object apparently determined to make its presence felt rather too enthusiastically was the Sun itself, with temperatures becoming distinctly warm!

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CMHASD therefore did what any responsible astronomical society should do: alongside telescopes, solar filters and astronomical expertise, we provided shade and natural comforts for visitors when required. After all, there is little point in observing the heavens if the observer has melted before reaching the eyepiece!

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Bringing astronomy to our local community.  CMHASD was particularly proud that this was the only officially organised public eclipse event serving the Boroughs of Bexley and Dartford.

The event demonstrated exactly why public outreach is such an important part of the Society's work. We were able to bring astronomy directly to our local community, provide safe access to specialist equipment, answer questions, encourage curiosity and, most importantly, allow people to experience a remarkable astronomical event for themselves.

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Meanwhile, several CMHASD members had travelled all the way to Spain to observe the total solar eclipse, experiencing the extraordinary spectacle of totality. Those of us remaining in Kent had to be content with a partial eclipse, although, judging by the expressions of our visitors, we weren't doing too badly!

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A tremendous team effort.  As Chairperson of CMHASD, I am immensely pleased with the success of the event. Seeing so many members of the public, and particularly children, becoming excited about astronomy and experiencing the eclipse for themselves made all the preparation and hard work thoroughly worthwhile.

I would like to give my sincere thanks to Sonia, Diane, Tina and our Society Secretary, Mike, together with the many other CMHASD members who helped organise, prepare and run the event. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, patience and willingness to help the public throughout the day were exceptional.

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I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Sutton-at-Hone Parish Council for its support of the event.

The success of the day was a wonderful demonstration of what CMHASD can achieve when its members come together with a shared passion for astronomy and a desire to inspire others.

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If you want to know more about astronomy (day or night), then please do contact CMHASD, and we will do our best to answer your queries, maybe even inspire you to join us.

And perhaps the best measure of our success was not the number of telescopes, solar filters or pairs of eclipse spectacles we handed out, but the number of people who walked away saying, in one form or another:

“Wow!”

For an astronomical society, that's a pretty good day's work.

I would also like to say thank you to those members who shared their photos of the event too.  They really show the spirit of the day.

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On the 11th July 2026 CMHASD held its annual BBQ and what a super BBQ it was too – glorious sunny weather, expertly cooked food, cake, music, games galore and fantastic company all made for a great event.

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A team consisting of Steve Floodgate, Tina Bishop, Diane Clarke, Steve Goldson, Jim Burchell, Gary Hunt, John Howarth and Mike Rushton set up from 11.30am, with assembly of three gazebos (one for the chefs and two for members to sit in the shade), the outdoor games and the telescopes for solar observing.

Steve, Jo and Tina set up their respective barbecues and very soon all was ready.

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After a fantastic lunch cooked by our 3 brilliant chefs: Steve Floodgate, Jo Southgate and Tina Bishop… it was time for games.

One of the games which was introduced by Steve Goldson, was a Finnish skittle game called ‘Mölkky’ and is pronounced “milkay”. The competition amongst members was fierce, with many finding unique ways of tossing the baton and getting the points!

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Croquet was played by several members too and just like Mölkky, competition between players was fierce.

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THANK YOU To all the wonderful members who worked so hard to give us an amazingly enjoyable day AND, thank you to all those who attended and made the BBQ so much fun… Let’s all hope there is another BBQ in 2027?

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The Society would also like to thank those members who shared their photos of the day and those members & family who helped pack away at the end. Thank you.

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CMHASD members David Grist and Steve Floodgate pulled out all the stops to provide a night of head scratching, puzzlement and fun.  Thank you Dave & Steve for all your hard work & effort creating the quiz.  It was a great night and we are all looking forward to the next one!

Chairman Gary Hunt wrote: 'Title: Quizmas, Klingons & Missing Trophies at Crayford Manor House!

On Thursday evening, 11th December 2025, CMHASD Pavilion, once again echoed to the sounds of festive cheer, competitive groaning, and the unmistakable hum of suspicious transporter activity, as the Astronomical Society’s Christmas Quiz warped off in fine style.

The evening was masterfully created and run by Dave Grist and Steve Floodgate, affectionately (and accurately) known as Eric’n’Ern, channelling Morecambe and Wise with added astronomy and fewer dancing routines. Their efforts ensured chaos, laughter, and confusion were course delivered in precisely the right orbital trajectory.

Four teams boldly went where quizzes have gone before:
The Vulcans
The Klingons
The Andorians
The Borg Collective

After multiple rounds — including space-themed LP album covers, astronomical knowledge, and a paper based round of astro celebrity images that proved some stars age better than others — it became increasingly clear that the Klingons were on a despicable, bloodthirsty mission. A significant score (best not questioned too closely) propelled them well into the lead.
Festive snacks flowed freely, fuelling brains and banter alike, while the annual Christmas Jumper Competition was convincingly won by ‘comet maker’, Debra, whose ROG creation dazzled judges and competitors alike without causing a mass extinction event.

Victory was ultimately declared: the Klingon Team triumphed (a resounding Qapla’! echoed through the hall), and the traditional annual prize of Goats’ Cheese was duly awarded. Sadly, the actual trophy was nowhere to be found, having apparently been “beamed up” by Scotty, allegedly on the orders of the Vulcans. A Star Fleet inquiry may follow. Or not…
Post-quiz celebrations involved the liberal quaffing of Klingon Blood Wine (or something suspiciously similar), cementing the evening as both educational and mildly hazardous.

For those unable to attend in person, Eric’n’Ern and Mike thoughtfully recorded a special version of the quiz, allowing members to play — or replay — the fun at home, free from time pressure, judgement, or missing trophies.
All in all, the evening was a resounding success: festive, funny, and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Same time next year — assuming the trophy rematerialises.

Live long, and prosper, set phasers to stun, and pass the cheese.'

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