UPIA SKYWATCHES 2

UPIA SKYWATCH REPORT:

28/06/03 ASHURST BEACON, SKELMERSDALE.

12 intrepid individuals from throughout a range of North West UFOlogical and Paranormal organisations, ascended upon the panoramic delights of Ashurst Beacon near Skelmersdale in Lancashire for a re-organised skywatch on Saturday 28th June 2003.

Associates from the UPIA, Para.Science, Merseyside Anomolies Research Association and Aurora, as well as several members of the public gathered to conduct what has become a regular and looked forward to event. Arriving at 1930hrs onwards the participants were treated to a phenomenal view of the area, endless miles of clear sky gave us the ability to see such sights as Blackpool tower, Winter hill, Llandudno’s great Orme and even the mountains of Scotland.

As the black clouds rolled South leaving perfect skywatching conditions, many paragliders spun around the evening sky and Hot air balloons drifted along in the warm June sky.

A wide range of equipment was at hand as the participants attempted to view any astronomical and aerial phenomena in this, one of the North West’s best vantage points. Telescopes, night vision, camcorders and air scanners were just a small collection of gadgets at hand.

As the evening became dusk, the beacon shone against the black southern sky, the lights of the surrounding lowlands twinkled into life, whilst fireworks could be seen towards all four compass points.

At 2225hrs Vega, the nights first star, began to shine, soon followed by hundreds more.

2300hrs Jupiter was witnessed to the west.

2303hrs A conversation was heard over the air scanner between EasyJet 47h and air traffic control at Liverpool. The pilot of the aircraft enquired if any other aircraft were using the same airspace, to which the ATC replied a negative, the conversation between the two ended. This was discussed but only logged, several explanations were mentioned and including the hypothesis that it was probably due to an inversion layer in the atmosphere causing a reflection to be seen, this is a known cause of such sightings and we had already determined that such atmospheric conditions were in the area tonight.

Many of the evening satellites were witnessed including an iridium flare, an iridium satellite in low earth orbit reflecting sunlight, which was gliding across the evening sky. These satellites were named and expected through information obtained from http://www.heavens-above.com

In retrospect to the evenings activities, nothing of an untoward nature took place, the event was primarily for the enjoyment and association of all participants, to introduce each other, and share working practices, for discussion, training and enjoyment. All participants were to able to achieve their desired goals. It is again unfortunate that such an event was deemed unworthy of participation by those claiming an interest in the subject. These events are arranged to bring together the UFOlogical community and seem only to be attended by the same persons. The North West of England has probably the largest population of UFO enthusiasts in the country, people who claim that they are continuously working in the field, but seem not to have the commitment to actually endure what was an enjoyable, worthwhile and informative event.

Please accept my thanks to those attending, Steve Parsons, Helen Parsons, Paul Doran, Stuart Leadbetter, Jackie Heighway, Lisa Kettleband, John Waterworth, Bill and Laura Bimson and the guest of Aurora, also to the several visitors who attended after hearing about the event through Radio Merseyside, to Radio Merseyside, and to those offering there support but unable to attend, Joe McGonnegal, Chris Parr, Russ Kellet and Heather…

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