Darkish site near Orpington

[RobertM]

I'm thinking of taking my star adventurer out tonight if it stays clear.  Does anyone know a place that's suitable within 10 miles or so ?

Somewhere not too exposed and free of car headlights ideally.

Thanks
Robert

[Kenny]

I would be interested in joining you. Also in Orpington. I use Cudham and Otford as dark sites (with some limitations).

[The Thing]

Big if. According to the Met Office app you have about an hour. However tomorrow night...

[RobertM]

Big if. According to the Met Office app you have about an hour. However tomorrow night...

Ah yes, just looked at the satellite

Tomorrow night might be better

Thanks Kenny, there is a possibility for tomorrow evening.  I'll only be going for an hour or two max - I don't want my nadgers frozen !

Robert

[mickw]

I believe the sports field next to the pub in Cudham (where we had a christmas meal a couple of years ago - can't remember the name - Blacksmiths ?) is pretty dark and is also used by another society.

The carpark is locked but can be accessed by a key held by the pub (also by the same key as high elms)

[RobertM]

Thanks Mick

[Kenny]

Yes, it's the Blacksmith's Arms. That's the Cudham site I use. Parking in the pub carpark is also allowed as long as a) you spend some money in the pub and b) you don't use up all the parking spaces.

[Kenny]

p.s. I just heard there is open public access to Knole Park 24x7 though no car access after dark. But usable if you have portable kit like DSLR and tripod or a small scope and don't mind humping it 1/4 mile.

[Kenny]

I'm probably going out observing / exploring tonight. Appears Doug and Rose may be too. Anyone else near Orpington looking for some dark skies tonight?

[RobertM]

Where and what time ?

I'll most likely only be there for an hour or two and not too late.

Robert

[Kenny]

Depends on your target. I'm flexible. Comet Lovejoy will be due south around 6.30pm (it's highest point), good viewing of Jupiter from 7.30ish, but the Moon won't set until 10-ish.

I also want to walk into Knole Park (no cars allowed) to see what the viewing is like, taking my DSLR, but I could do that afterwards.

[MarkH]

If all else fails I'll be at the Rising sun Twitton ( TN14 5JR ) the garden there is pretty good as are the refreshments. I'll be taking my binos anyway. Kenny can you make a note of the light pollution in knowle while you're  there.

[JohnP]

where is Knole Park? Thks

[MarkH]

where is Knole Park? Thks

Right at the top of Sevenoaks town on the left as you head towards Tonbridge.

[Kenny]

I don't think we've agree venue yet.

Doug / Rose were talking about the Recreation Ground at Otford (where I am right now actually):
Otford Village Memorial Hall
http://goo.gl/maps/RpXgR

Cudham is another dark site. Fewer headlights while the pubs are still open but the pub carpark light is bright.
The Blacksmith's Arms
http://goo.gl/maps/kb5gH

Knole Park is in Sevenoaks but no car access after dark.
Knole House
http://goo.gl/maps/Fi4Q0

Rising Sun (Mark's local)
The Rising Sun
http://goo.gl/maps/k4YfB