Come to Green Witch on Tuesday 31st October if you can and join us for our annual Hallowe'en Star Party. There will be talks, refreshments and a chance to see what's new in telescopes, binoculars and accessories. The party is free and runs from 7 pm to 10 pm; if the weather cooperates we'll have several telescopes outside for you to use. All are welcome.

Transit of Mercury - 8th November 2006

It doesn't seem long since the last transit of Mercury but we've had a transit of Venus since then and Mercury will soon pass through the line of sight from the Earth to the Sun once again. Unfortunately, most of us won't see it as it happens during our night. Observers on the west coast of America or in most of the Pacific Ocean will see the whole transit. Observers in eastern Asia and most of the Americas will see part of the transit, either at sunrise or sunset respectively.

It should be visible from my house in the Arizona Sky Village, but having just returned from a visit I can't justify going out again so soon. This is a pity as I would like to try imaging the silhouette against a solar flare in hydrogen-alpha light.

Update on the Arizona Sky Village (ASV)

My trip to the ASV lasted almost a fortnight and was thoroughly enjoyable. I went out to check the house and carry out a few jobs on the observatory. At the end of my last visit two Canadian astronomers moved in and set to work building a wind screen around the concrete pad I'd had laid for them. They've christened it 'Rattlesnake Alley Observatory' although they admit that they never saw a snake.

It makes a good place to set up one or more telescopes and David Sung was using his 14-inch Meade there. My 12-inch Intelliscope, which is available for visitors, can be used there as well.

I'm pleased to report that the house is still in excellent condition and the desert was beautiful following the summer monsoon. I found plenty of time for play as well as work. Besides astronomy and bird-watching I went trail riding twice and met John McAfee, the anti-virus man, who has a fleet of flex-wing light aircraft at Rodeo. He arranged for one of his staff to take me up for a trial flight. They're opening a flight school so you can try out this inexpensive but fun way of taking to the air for yourself.

I used the Cape 8-inch Newise telescope whilst I was there and plan to install the 16-inch when time allows. Gil Clark is helping to get it ready and will use it as part of his 'Telescopes in Education' or TIE programme.

I find something new and interesting each time I visit the ASV. The skies always seem better than I remember and I love the feel of the desert, especially at night.

Latest Course Dates

• Astronomy for Absolute Beginners - Saturday 25th November 2006
• Meade Deep Sky Imager (DSI) - Saturday 2nd December 2006
• Getting the Best from your ETX and LX90 - Saturday 13th January 2006

Please see our web site for more details and to book online.

Autumn Bargains

If you've visited our web site recently you'll have seen that we've had a sort out and are offering quite a few bargains to clear some space. Not all of them are listed on the web site so why not call in when you're passing and take a look.

Wild Bird Food

The bird feeders, bird food and nest boxes I mentioned in the last newsletter are proving popular with our customers. If you are getting ready to encourage birds into your garden this winter and spring we recommend taking a look at our range which is good for the birds and good value for money.

For people who have problems with squirrels we have feeders that offer different levels of protection depending on how serious your problem is. We also have feeders especially for squirrels if you really want to feed them.

Cressing Temple Barns Star Party

Green Witch was invited to take a trade stand to the second star party organised by North Essex Astronomical Society at Cressing Temple Barns just south of Braintree. Like me, you may not have heard of the barns before but they are magnificant structures dating back to the 1100s and apparently are the first property owned in Britain by the Knights Templar. They make an excellent venue for a star party and are worth a visit in their own right. Google them for more information.

The star party was well-organised and well-attended and I recommend anyone in the area attending the next one. We hope to be there too.

Stop Press - Half-metre Telescope Arrives at Green Witch

Peter Wise delivered a 20-inch Newise optical tube assembly on Sunday and we carried out a trial fit to the Paramount ME. Over the next few days we'll be carrying out more tests and getting the telescope ready for installation in Nottingham. You are welcome to take a  look at it whilst it is here

And Finally...

If you like the simplicity of a Dobsonian mount but want to use a small refractor then take a look at the three new alt-az mounts we have to offer from Vixen, Bresser and William Optics. They're all on display in our showroom and offer a sturdier mounting than a camera tripod. Coupled with a modern short-tube refractor they make a great combination for browing the night sky, and are suitable for terrestrial use as well.

Clear Skies and Best Wishes

Neil