Clear Skies, Tooting Common

It's a hot week with some clear skies, albeit later evening sunsets. Perhaps one of the last chances for some group visual astronomy with stars, planets and more - if you can stay late enough, though hopefully it's easier on a Friday night.

We'll wait around/in the pub for around half an hour (expect it to be busy and outdoor seats limited too) or less if most/everyone arrived earlier; then walk over into the common for a dark enough spot opposite. Got other location ideas in our area? Do let me know.

Beware - even in summer it can be a cool evening if the skies are clear, so do bring another layer to wear (can be a thinner one but expect you might need it there or for the journey home).

If you show up later, we shouldn't be hard to find on the common, once you find out which part we're on (likely directly diagonally opposite the pub, but will consider the cricket court next to the car park on Dr. Johnson Avenue - approx. 10-15 minute walk). We'll help you find us - take note of my phone no. (in event location details/"how to find us" short text) or comment here and I will try to notice Meetup comments/messages but SMS text messages might be the best way to reach the host (John), details alongside the location info.

Targets!

Jupiter and Mars are out and high enough to see (Saturn is hiding for a few months, behind the sun). Besides this lots of other options so am sure we can find several targets to examine and explore.

I (John) will bring my little (but nicely portable) telescope. If you have equipment suitable that you can bring, please do - binoculars count too (I might bring a pair of those too). Don't worry if you don't have anything, we'll share views with you and I can answer many questions beginners often have. Regular torches can ruin our night vision - if you have red-light versions or can filter them (or turn them off as you get nearer), that will make them ok to use while in the group, but you don't need one.

Please update your rsvp and/or comment here or message me if you change your mind about coming; it's polite and avoids delaying the rest of us enjoying the stars/planets or wasting our time. If there's no other RSVPs I'll still probably be stargazing nearby, so its important to use meetup and let me know or RSVP and allow a bit of time for replies if you want to check on us/where we are. My phone no. (use text messages if you can't get me directly) is listed in the location details how to find us for the event.

Need help transporting anything? I can offer to help you get any equipment onto the common from the roads/parking spaces nearby, perhaps others there too, if you're ok with that.