On Monday evening there was a minor error in one of the numbers I quoted for the development of life on Earth.
I suggested a time scale for the emergence of multi-cellular life on Earth that was, if I had looked at it for more than 5 seconds (which I clearly didn’t) would have realised was a few orders of magnitude out!  This error was rapidly pointed out to me by the attentive and observant audience.

The correct time scales for the start of multi-cellular life was between 1 and 2 billion years ago, 2/3 billion years after the formation of the Earth, depending on what theory you subscribe to.  It then wandered out of the ocean and up the beach some 600 Million years ago.

So apologies, but then what’s a few zeros between friends? (E&OE)

A quick reminder. We will be discussing what happens as the Sun ages.

Come along and share your thoughts and ideas, or just listen, and maybe we will all learn something.

Don’t worry, no knowledge is necessary, all are welcome. Upstairs in the Hen & Chicks, Abergavenny, at 7:30pm.

The next AAS meeting will be on the Monday the 27^th of Feb.  Usual time & place:-

7:30pm  :  upstairs in the Hen & Chicks, Flannel St., Abergavenny NP7 5EG

The topic is likely to be an exploration of what happens as our sun ages towards its red star phase.  In particular – how will the earth fare – will it survive – how long have we got (spoiler-  plenty of time for us!)

Hi all, Nick has updated the message on the website:-

This meeting rescheduled for Monday 30^th January

Time and venue remain the same, i.e. 7:30pm at the Hen & Chicks.
Apologies for the change but hope to see you there.  Nick will be giving a talk entitled “Big bang to diamond rings” which is a look at how the elements in our Universe were formed and their long and tortuous journey to being found on the surface of the Earth. This will be a talk in the back-to basics series and aimed at all levels but particularly beginners.

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is currently visiting the inner solar system.
It is estimated to have last been here 50,000 years ago, ie at the time when the Neanderthals were roaming the land.  So, this is the first time that Homo Sapiens will have seen it.
Some have speculated that this comet originated in the Oort Cloud, the theoretical sphere of debris some 50,000 to 100,000 AU from the sun, 1-2 light years.
It is likely to be at its brightest at the end of January, beginning of Feb and is predicted to be easily seen with binoculars, and maybe also the naked eye. 
No doubt the observers in our membership will be able to advise how best to sight it but a screen shot from the video on space.com (LINK) shows where it will be during January.  There are also many other sites on the web were you can read up about C/2022 E3 (ZTF)

Interesting Dark Matter session on Monday.  Lots of questions but no conclusions of substance!
For those who may be interested I have loaded the presentation used up on to the “Downloads” page LINK
Next meeting will be on Monday the 23^rd January.

Have a Good Christmas and New Year

Nadolig Llawen  –  Blwyddyn Newydd Dda