Pie in the Sky

Forums General Discussion Pie in the Sky

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  • #616562
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    Following British Pie Week (4th-10th March), a list of Britain’s ‘Most Famous Regional Pies’ placed Stargazy Pie in fourth place. It seems to be a speciality in Cornwall, though I must confess that I had never heard of it.
    Does anyone know of what Stargazy Pie consists and what connection, if any it has with stargazing?
    Alan

    #616563
    Roy Hughes
    Participant

    The main characteristic of Stargazy Pie is the whole Mackerel fish placed in the pie with their heads sticking out of the top “Gazing at the Stars”.
    The BBC has a recipe.
    Roy.

    #616644
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    Thanks Roy. That sounds rather unappetising! I think I’ll stick to chicken and mushroom.
    Alan

    #616645
    James Lancashire
    Participant

    I think this originates from Mousehole after Tom Bawcock’s heroic solo fishing trip to feed the whole village.

    #616837
    Steve Holmes
    Participant

    Anyone who saw this week’s edition of the BBC series ‘Inside the Factory’ will have gained a little more insight into StarGazy Pie. For those who wish to educate themselves via iPlayer, the relevant section of the programme starts at the 17 minute mark. It would seem that, although the story about Tom Bawcock is almost certainly apochryphal, the Pie itself could well date back several centuries. Still doesn’t make it any more appetising though.

    SteveH

    #616853
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    It looks as though the association between Stargazy (or StarGazy) Pie and astronomy is rather tenuous (and a little distasteful). Is there an alternative pie (real or imagined) that could convincingly be said to be the astronomer’s favourite late-night snack?

    #616854
    Alex Pratt
    Participant

    As a youngster I liked a Mars bar, a Galaxy or a Milky Way…

    Alex.

    #616857
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    Ah yes . . . but these are not methinks what would commonly be recognised as ‘pies’. I think the pie would include JUICE and possibly MEAT (Massive Earthbound Astronomical Telescope). Hmm…
    Alan

    #616858
    Alex Pratt
    Participant

    I never eat anything as substantial as a pie during a night’s observing, perhaps just a hot chocolate drink to warm me up. I’ll go get a slice of humble pie…

    Alex.

    #616879
    Roy Hughes
    Participant

    At the risk of disappearing completely down the rabbit hole.
    Might I suggest Apple Pie in memory of the apple that inspired Isaac Newton.
    Possibly served with a scoop of ISS-CREAM.
    Maybe not that practical in the dead of night, but could work.
    A more apt choice may be a Moon Cake, which is in fact sort of pie of Chinese origin.
    Though even this might be depreciated by deep sky observers.
    Roy.

    #616897
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    Excellent suggestions, Roy. Perhaps a Deep-filled Black Bottom Pie would appeal to the DSO fraternity?
    Alan

    #616899
    Dr Paul Leyland
    Participant

    Pi Cephei is was double star of the month according to https://www.webbdeepsky.com/double-stars/object/pi%20Cep

    Pi Gruis is, by all accounts a fine double, but too far south at -46 Dec for UK-based telescopes. I may give it a try when I return to La Palma.

    Pi Sco is visible from most of the world. The primary is a spectroscopic binary and the secondary is rather difficult (though well separated) at mag 12.2. The primary does show eclispes, but with a depth of only 30mmag it likely presents a worthy challenge to photometrists willing to stretch themselves. The period is 1.57 days. Anyone up to it this summer?

    #616901
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    Of course! All those pis in the sky. Unfortunately some astronomers don’t care for them one iota! (Not me obviously)
    Alan

    #616902
    Dr Paul Leyland
    Participant

    Now you mention it, iota Cancri is my favourite double star. Similar to Albireo but rather prettier IMAO.

    #617043
    Alan Thomas
    Participant

    I notice that the pie-rating website (yes, there is one), Pierate, lists the Half Moon Cafe in West London (presumably the one on Fulham Palace Road) as serving a selection of three pies: chicken and mushroom, steak and kidney and beef and onion. Unfortunately, the pies are described as “not astronomical”. Nonetheless, possibly an opportunity for some field research by members in the vicinity. The results will obviously be displayed in a pie-chart.
    Alan

    • This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by Alan Thomas.
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