On Friday 28th September the Sue Ryder charity organised a ‘starlight hike’ as a charity fund-raiser. The event started at 10:30pm, with the hike commencing at 12 midnight, setting off from Cheltenham Racecourse, with around 500 people taking part.
Members from Cotswold AS went along to show the hikers the Moon and Stars up-close and personal before they went on their way.
Although the day had been pleasant with clear skies as evening approached it deteriorated somewhat, with even a little rain as we made our way to the racecourse for 9:30.
Our observing spot was not ideal, as the area had to be well-lit for the hikers, and so we set up to one side – near enough so that people could see we were there, but far enough so the floodlights were not completely blinding.
But the rain stayed away, and there were sufficient gaps in the cloud for the Moon to show through, and many of the hikers came along for the view.
Things improved after the hikers departed, and Jupiter honed into view, and although most had gone, the St. Johns Ambulance and Star FM Radio folk were stunned with the view of Jupiter, its bands, and the Galilean satellites.
