Post by Danny57 on Nov 8, 2019 16:16:16 GMT
Hi all,
Subject to confirmation of other sites, some of us are intending to observe the Transit of Mercury on Monday next from the NT Barn Cafe carpark, Divis Road, Belfast, and all visitors are welcome to join us. Directions to the site are as follow:
Coming from the M1, Belfast, come off at junction 1, Kennedy Way roundabout, and follow Kennedy Way through two roundabouts until you reach the very top of the Monagh by-pass. Take the left-hand turn there onto the Upper Springfield Road, after 1.7km turn right onto Divis Road at the "Standing Stones Lodge" sign, and follow that for 800m until you come to a carpark on the left. The gateway and drive up to the cafe is opposite the carpark, on the right. The driveway is 600m long, and care is needed as it is only just wide enough for one vehicle, and is often used by walkers, insted of the perallel footpath. There would be space for approx 30 cars at the cafe, and another 40-50 at the carpark on Divis Road.
The Upper Springfield Road is also accessed by taking the B154 south-east from Dundrod crosswords, if you're coming form the north.
Barn Cafe carpark Lat and Long: N54°36'5.17", W6°1'54.45"
First contact is at ~12.35pm, last contact ~6.04pm, but we won't see that as local sunset is around 4.27pm, local geography allowing.
The Barn Cafe itself is open until 3pm sharp, and supplies tea/coffee/soft drinks, and cakes/scones/biscuits. If you'd like something more substantial, the Standing Stones Lodge is 300m further along Divis Road, and has a reasonable-looking bar and restaurant. Otherwise bring your own refreshments.
The site is fairly exposed, at 295m elevation, and can turn wet, windy and cold at the literal drop of a hat, so bring warm clothing. Something waterproof to throw over your equipment would also be advisable.
Obviously looking anywhere near the sun is dangerous, so do not do so without using appropriate solar filters on telescopes or binoculars. Don't forget to filter or remove any finderscopes, and don't leave any equipment unattended. Solar eclipse glasses won't be any use, as Mercury is really too small to be seen without magnification. There should be enough scopes/binos for all visitors to have a good luck at this rare event. The next one won't occur untill 2032 (and I don't mean half-past eight! )
All we need now is fair weather; good luck for wherever you are observing from!
Danny
Subject to confirmation of other sites, some of us are intending to observe the Transit of Mercury on Monday next from the NT Barn Cafe carpark, Divis Road, Belfast, and all visitors are welcome to join us. Directions to the site are as follow:
Coming from the M1, Belfast, come off at junction 1, Kennedy Way roundabout, and follow Kennedy Way through two roundabouts until you reach the very top of the Monagh by-pass. Take the left-hand turn there onto the Upper Springfield Road, after 1.7km turn right onto Divis Road at the "Standing Stones Lodge" sign, and follow that for 800m until you come to a carpark on the left. The gateway and drive up to the cafe is opposite the carpark, on the right. The driveway is 600m long, and care is needed as it is only just wide enough for one vehicle, and is often used by walkers, insted of the perallel footpath. There would be space for approx 30 cars at the cafe, and another 40-50 at the carpark on Divis Road.
The Upper Springfield Road is also accessed by taking the B154 south-east from Dundrod crosswords, if you're coming form the north.
Barn Cafe carpark Lat and Long: N54°36'5.17", W6°1'54.45"
First contact is at ~12.35pm, last contact ~6.04pm, but we won't see that as local sunset is around 4.27pm, local geography allowing.
The Barn Cafe itself is open until 3pm sharp, and supplies tea/coffee/soft drinks, and cakes/scones/biscuits. If you'd like something more substantial, the Standing Stones Lodge is 300m further along Divis Road, and has a reasonable-looking bar and restaurant. Otherwise bring your own refreshments.
The site is fairly exposed, at 295m elevation, and can turn wet, windy and cold at the literal drop of a hat, so bring warm clothing. Something waterproof to throw over your equipment would also be advisable.
Obviously looking anywhere near the sun is dangerous, so do not do so without using appropriate solar filters on telescopes or binoculars. Don't forget to filter or remove any finderscopes, and don't leave any equipment unattended. Solar eclipse glasses won't be any use, as Mercury is really too small to be seen without magnification. There should be enough scopes/binos for all visitors to have a good luck at this rare event. The next one won't occur untill 2032 (and I don't mean half-past eight! )
All we need now is fair weather; good luck for wherever you are observing from!
Danny