Well, it’s been a cracking start to the new year with an outing to Royston Lake and a trip to Topsham Rugby Club to enjoy ladies rugby…for my husband Royston’s birthday weekend treats. In all the years I have lived in Honiton, I had not been to the area around Otterhead Lakes let alone seen the name Royston Lake, although to be fair, it was not something on my radar. Nevertheless, it is an unusual name. But not only that, there are two large tumuli next to the road to Taunton which I had not seen either, even though I have driven along there many times. Rugby is not really my ‘thing’ but the game was reasonably fast paced and the team had been coached by Roy’s son so it was good to support him. The chat with friends and the hot chocolate and cake in front of the log fire were much enjoyed, too.
With the lighter evenings gradually returning it is worth wrapping up warmly to enjoy Jupiter at opposition. What does this mean? It means that the massive, bright planet is opposite the setting sun so it’s easy to find in the night sky. I saw it last week through the Lockyer telescope at the Norman Lockyer Observatory in Sidmouth, with the 4 little Galilean moons nearby. Don’t forget the mornings for observing too, if you have time. The sun is still not rising before 8 yet so you have a couple of comfortable viewing hours.
Last but not least, come and listen to me talking about stargazing with copies of my books for sale at Seaton Library on Saturday 17 January at 2pm.
Top of the tumuli
Karen Hedges 