Some members may have seen a string of satellites over South Wales last night at around 9:22 BST. it was of course the satellite train of Starlink. It should be clear tonight and there is another opportunity to see it at 9:58 this evening (20th April 2020). It will last for 6 minutes, the train traveling from west to east. There is another opportunity tomorrow evening at 10:34 pm and on the 22nd at 9:34pm. The satellite are controversial as many astronomers feel that they will interfere with observing. They certainly will interfere with astrophotography, as existing satellites and aircraft do. It remains to be seen how much of a problem they present.
Author: aberobs
Starting stargazing
We have recently had a patch of dry sunny weather with clear skies, let’s hope it continues. If you want to do a bit of stargazing but really do not quite know where to start you may find the following document helpful. It is not for the experienced observer but for those that feel like having a quick go from the back garden and to give them a start. So now you have no excuses, loads of spare time and simple instructions, no equipment needed (binoculars are a bonus) – so what are you waiting for? Happy stargazing and stay safe and healthy by not going out (other than the back garden!)
[Download not found]Globe at Night, measuring light pollution
Light pollution is the scourge of amateur astronomers and lovers of a beautiful starry sky alike. Now you can take part in a global survey where no experience or special equipment is required. Simply click on the link below to find out more details about the survey and how you can get involved and the link below that to get to the online app to help you easily classify your local sky.
The app is able to determine your location, you simply click on the picture that most closely resembles your sky condition and that is it – you have made an observation (weather permitting of course!).
Are we living in the Matrix? CANCELLED
Unfortunately this event has been cancelled owing to concerns over the Corona virus.
This is the intriguing topic of a lecture by Professor David Tong from the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University. The lecture is at 3:00 pm on Friday 20th March 202 in the Taliesin Arts Centre in Swansea University. No booking is required and the auditorium can hold 350, all are welcome.
Further details can be found by following the link below:
Transit of Mercury seen from Abergavenny
The weather in South Wales held out today to show the transit of Mercury for most of the afternoon, starting from about 12:35. Mercury was still in transit as the Sun set. The first picture below shows Mercury 10 minutes into the transit. The 2nd picture shows the full Sun to demonstrate just how small Mercury is by comparison. These pictures were taken from Abergavenny; for the technically minded both were taken in white light with an 80mm ED refractor and a Herschel wedge.
Stargazing at Tretower Court
On Friday 6th September Usk Astronomical Society in association with CADW, the Brecon Beacons National Park and Visit Wales will be hosting a stargazing event at Tretower Court, near Crickhowell. More detail can be found at this link including admission prices and how to buy tickets.
Hopefully the weather will be kind and Jupiter and Saturn will be on show, but even if the weather does not cooperate there will still be plenty to do. There will be a pop-up planetarium, talks and a bat walk.
The event starts at around 17:30 but viewing the night sky of course will not begin until twilight when Jupiter hopefully will emerge.