Northern Yorke Peninsula Regional Branch

The local NYP branch of the Society is known as the NYPpers. A few of us began to get together in 1996 as a result of Comet Hyakutake, which was an amazing sight in our relatively dark skies. Slowly our numbers grew and our observing sessions became more regular. We became a recognised branch within the ASSA and have continued to enjoy some great observing together. At present there are about 13 members who attend the monthly observing sessions, along with family, visiting members, interested locals and others.

Our first Group coordinator was Mike Mattiazzo. His combination of knowledge of the sky and enthusiasm, backed up by years of practical observing experience, have lead to improved skills for all of us. He is an avid comet hunter and observer and an accomplished photographer. Mike moved from the local area due to work commitments, but has maintained close contact with the group. Our current coordinator is local enthusiast Will Godward.

We use our own telescopes and binoculars, as well as the unaided eye to observe the sun, the moon, planets, stars, comets, galaxies, nebulae, meteor showers, eclipses, occultations, auroras and more. Some of the instruments we use include a home built 315mm reflector, two home built 250mm reflectors, a 100mm reflector, a Celestron GPS 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain, 60mm and 106mm Takahashi refractors, and assorted binoculars including Mike's big 25 X 100's.

Activities

The NYPpers meet at Sharples Road, on the eastern outskirts of Wallaroo for most of these observing nights. The sessions are very informal and relaxed and include a variety of targets ranging from really easy to nearly ridiculous! We sometimes travel as a group to other astronomical sites and events, such as visiting other astronomers and observatories, or viewing the Total Solar Eclipse from Roxby Downs in December 2002.

We have been to local schools for viewing nights, as well as in public, at events such as Encounter 2002 where we set up at the start of the Wallaroo jetty and showed the brighter objects to people walking past. Anyone with an interest in astronomy or just the plain curious are more than welcome to attend our meetings. So if you want to have a look at what our local skies have to offer, or learn how to use that dusty old telescope, please contact us and find out more.

We can also arrange visits for, or to, schools, local clubs and groups who may be looking for a unique night out.

Reports

• 2005 NYP Report
• Cornish astronomy at the Kernewek Lowender