Pembrokeshire Astronomer

19h44m BST: My inked words, on the page are barely visible, such is the twilight darkening fast.  Each word now is a guess as I quickly write before the failing of the light. The crescent Moon casts light across the bay, a glittering pathway, a road of Luna sparkle, safely walked only with imagination. The bats fly by, hello - goodbye. 19h45m BST:  No stars as yet, not a single solitary peep, I will have to take a closer look. Sure enough, at 19h48m BST there was Arcturus, out to the west, hanging above St David's head. On the beach before me a group of shadows shaped like sitting people -  Buddhas, pondering no doubt their own cosmic wonders, hopes, dreams and such. 19h51m BST:  My words, finally succumb, I no longer see what I'm writing, but I carry on for a little while with guesswork and memory. The sea waves sting the shoreline with a constant hiss from sand and brine. My tea cup is empty, my mind is empty. Welcome to the night.

Eight years ago this very evening we found ourselves at Mwnt church. Just Helen and I and a collection of philosophical sheep.  All was still, then up came the Moon. The lunar rays were tinged orange, it shone a marvellous hint of warm fireside light across the white walls of little Mwnt church. The sheep commented amongst themselves as to how pretty the night was, and how exceptionally beautiful was the Moonrise. Over to the East, Mars was peeping out of nearby bushes. It was a wonderful night for poets and dreamers. Here's a small verse, and observation I made at the time,  from a recently refound journal:

Last night we slept under a canopy of oak trees.  Periodically acorns would fall from that canopy and crash loudly against the roof of our camping car. It sounded as if someone was hurling ball bearings against the roof. Surprisingly we managed to sleep well through the whole experience. Outside the stars shone brightly. To the North, all seven stars of the Little Bear stood out against a black 11.00pm sky.  To the South Altair could be seen over the tops of some nearby trees. In the near distance, two owls were talking about the weather. It was a night to remember. All was quiet, and astronomer still.

After four days of mist and rain, the Sun and Mr Blue sky return. I love you Sun, I love you Mr Blue. So amazing to wash my face with sunlight again.  To bathe my feet in sunlit pools, and to revitalise my retinas with glaring photons, what a glorious pleasure. Chanced a few solar pictures, this was the best of several shots taken. Judging by what I can see today, from these active regions, it seems there is  plenty of solar activity still in this current cycle. Thank you Sol, and Thank you Mr Blue.

If I listen carefully, I can just about hear the tiny tip tap of rain drops as they hit our camping car roof.  Within the hour is forecast a down pour, though at this moment all is quiet and hushed . A nearby vixen calls, the night is upon us, but sadly no stars. Infact no stars for the last couple of nights, due to high winds and bullying clouds. Autumn is here, and time and thoughts now turn to poetry. This poem No: 494 was written last year whilst we were in France.  It's also that time of year that the paintbrush and canvas usually grab me. With poetry and painting to occupy the mind, I have plenty to keep me going whenever the clouds fill out the night. Not long now and we will be heading off on a bit of a road trip, first stop will be a favourite... Brecon. Amazing sunrises over this wonderful town, and some great dark skies. 

Yesterday started with rain followed by rain and then guess what... yes rain! Not the best start for an eclipse event, though the weather did improve as the day went on. By early evening the Sun was shining, the clouds were making blue gaps, and the rain was having a well deserved rest! The cloud on the horizon blocked out the Moonrise, but no matter we did manage a glimpse of the event.  I was able to  capture a few photos. Had a lovely chat with a couple of fellow stargazers, which made for a great evening of astronomy talk. It was a good evening of lunar viewing, albeit in small peeps. 

Vixen was out chasing the Sun this afternoon.  Considering how wet and windy the day started I was surprised the afternoon behaved so well. A quick solar image revealed several active regions, proof that this current sol cycle still has plenty of life in it. So much light was flooding into the kitchen that the floor and door was positively glowing in a honeyed September light. In a few hours time little Vixen will be set up on top of nearby Plumstone mountain, with the hope of capturing that rising Total Lunar Eclipse.  There's a 25% chance that the clouds and rain will put a spanner in the works, but with luck that red faced Moon will make an appearance. ❤️❤️❤️PENBLWYDD HAPUS JAC❤️❤️❤️ XX🤠👩‍🌾XX

Still no Kemble's Cascade last night, too much cloud. Hopefully Sunday will be clear for the total lunar eclipse.  Today the clouds parted long enough for a quick Sol capture. Some fast moving cloud shortened the observing session.  Thought I would try out the video function on our phone. The clouds filled the sky, and the observing session was cut short. No matter, I managed a few peeps at the various active regions. From some nearby trees several birds were happily singing to each other, and the September breeze was on the back of my neck.  A perfect Autumn day.

The Pleiades are rising in the East, a sure sign of Autumn's return. Those bright Summer skies of the past few months have just started to take on that familiar shade of September blue haze. A breezy September beginning, with old Sol still majestic, and beaming bright. Vixen was out and about this morning, capturing photons and sampling the delights of several sunspot groupings. With camera phone in wobbly hand, I was able to capture a picture of today's Sun. It's a good start to the new month. There is a Total Lunar Eclipse on the 7th, with the Moon rising whilst in totality.  We last witnessed such an event back in 2006.  September 7th 2006 Total Lunar Eclipse  photo Jac Lee. It was amazing to see the already red Moon slowly rise out of the ground from over towards the Preseli Hills.  Also sometime this month there is going to be an occultation of Venus and the Moon; I will have to check, and post the details. For the coming week I hope to capture a decent image of...