Retrospective report – September 2025

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British Deaf Astronomical Association
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Autumn Equinox Star Party in North Norfolk
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Monday 15th – Monday 22nd September 2025
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North Norfolk’s dark skies and coastal serenity make it an ideal
setting for stargazing and deaf community connection.
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  • Since 2004, our deaf astronomers community has gathered under the stars – 21 years of shared wonder, learning, and connection.
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  • Thank you to everyone who returns year after year, making this journey so meaningful at North Norfolk.
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  • Some of them arrived here from Midlothian (Edinburgshire, Scotland), West Country (Bristol), Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Great Manchester, Derbyshire, West Midlands, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.
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  • Three ladies from Norfolk visited us for the first time to explore our group. We warmly welcomed them, and they found the experience enjoyable – they already look forward to returning next year.
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  • Additionally, two others from Lincolnshire visited us again to cheer us on and show their support.

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On the First day of Monday 15th September 2025

  • Setting up telescopes during the first day on Monday 15th is a smart move – it gives everyone a relaxed window to check alignment, adjust focus, and troubleshoot any gear issues before the nightfall.
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  • This way, when the clear skies arrive, the community can dive straight into observing without delay or technical hiccups.
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Workshop

  • Hosting a workshop on the ZWO SeeStar smart telescope is a brilliant way to introduce cutting-edge tech.
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  • Especially with its all-in-one design and app-based control, which can be a game-changer for both beginners and seasoned observers.
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signWOW iPads

  • Continue leveraging donated devices for real-time Talakoglu Seestars S30 access apps, and photo sharing.

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  • Gathered for a hands-on workshop exploring the ZWO SeeStar S30 & S50 – a compact, smart telescope that combines imaging, tracking, and control in one sleek unit.

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Browsing the North Norfolk

  • Seeking tranquil nature, historical grandeur, or playful exploration, North Norfolk has something beautiful for every kind of outing.
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  • Step back in time at the 1940s – rolling back the clock for their spectacular 1940s themed weekend filled with charm, finest vintage clothes.

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Broad Daylight

  • Creating an encouraging infographic to uplift deaf people guided by my work into something clear, inspiring, and visually accessible – see below (Lunar Occultation of Venus) from a concept for the infographic content:- Your guide to the Night Sky this month.
  • Spotted the Lunar occultation by the binoculars.
  • Everyone joined to observe them.
  • Click above for enlarge imagined of Lunar Occultation by Robin Lowe.
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  • What an extraordinary event for everyone to witness – Venus being occulted by the Moon in broad daylight is a spectacular reminder of how the cosmos can surprise us even when the Sun is shining bright.
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  • It must have been thrilling for some to discover that such celestial wonders are visible in daylight, challenging common expectations about what we can observe.

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On the clear skies

  • Using a 20-inch telescope to explore deep sky objects offers incredible views of galaxies, gas nebulas, and star clusters that many only dream of seeing in such details.
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  • Meanwhile, capturing astrophotography during clear skies is a beautiful way to preserve those moments of cosmic wonder – see below.
  • The IC 1318 region near the star Sadr is nicknamed the “Butterfly Nebula” because its glowing gas and dark dust lanes resemble the wings of a butterfly.
  • Above NGC 7000 (The North America Nebula) is another visual delight. Its shape is uncannily reminiscent of the continent, with the “Gulf of Mexico” and “Florida” regions clearly outlined in emission nebula contours.
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ooVeil Nebula by Brenda Jones
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  • The Veil Nebula is quite famous—especially among astronomers and astrophotographers—for its stunning beauty and scientific significance.
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  • The Veil Nebula is a supernova remnant located in the constellation Cygnus, formed from a massive star that exploded between 5,000 and 20,000 years ago.
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  • Roughly six times the diameter of the full Moon and includes intricate filaments and wisps of glowing gas that resemble lace or smoke.

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Astrophotography by Smart telescope
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  • The Seestar S30/S50 and Dwarf 3 are both beginner-friendly smart telescopes that offer wide-field imaging, live stacking, auto alignment, and the ability to capture both the night sky and daytime scenes.
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  • The UK’s Best Selling Smart Telescope!
    – The SeeStar is the UK’s No.1 bestselling Smart telescope – beginner-friendly smart telescopes!
    – The ZWO Seestar and Dwarf 3 are a remarkable product that integrates a telescope, electric focuser, astronomical camera, ASIAIR intelligent controller, altazimuth mount, and filter-switching device into a single unit! With a body weight of only 3 kg!
    – Interesting to buy or more information about Seestar.

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Here some astrophotography was taken by smart telescope

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On the main day

  • Traditional on the main day, we were gathered at the stand band for raffles & socialising.
  • Richard claimed his raffle prize which he got the Altair digital camera monochrome.
  • After the raffles concluded, we gathered for a hearty hot dinner at the restaurant – sharing stories, laughter, and well-earned comfort.
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  • Once satisfied and recharged, we returned outdoors just in time to catch the clear skies.

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A message from Derek
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  • Fantastic gift from Richard & Dannica!
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  • I feel extraordinarily fantastic and deeply appreciated,
    thank you, Richard & Dannica all for their thoughtfulness.

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Thank you….

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  • Thank you to everyone who joined and helped make it a success!
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    Derek Rowley
    British Deaf Astronomical Association
    Co-Ordinator Events

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