There is a solar eclipse on the evening of the 12th August this year that is easily visible from South Wales. Although in some parts of Europe, for example Northern Spain, the eclipse is total from the UK is a creditable 93% or so.

It is the intention to set up some special telescopes, designed and professionally built for observing the Sun safely, in Belgrave Park in Abergavenny. This park has been chosen for its very open aspect to the west. By the time the eclipse is over the Sun will be only just above the horizon so a clear unobstructed view to the west is essential.

Under no circumstances should anyone ever look at the Sun with the naked eye or any optical instrument that is not built for the purpose. Makeshift filters and welders masks etc. should not be used as they are very dangerous. Even when 93% obscured the Sun is bright enough to cause serious irreversible damage.

Arrangements

The eclipse starts at around 6:15 pm, the maximum coverage is at around 7:13 pm when the Sun is around 12 degrees above the horizon. The eclipse ends at around 8:07 and the Sun sets at 8:42pm. The telescopes will be set up at around 5:30 pm.

This is a totally informal viewing session. The team are very experienced with solar observing. There is no charge, just turn up and have a look through the telescopes and ask any questions you may have of the astronomers present.

Location

The location is Belgrave Park in Abergavenny. The postcode for Belgrave Park in Abergavenny is NP7 7AD. The recreation area has pedestrian access points connected via Belgrave Road and Cresta.

You can also find it with “What Three Words” application. Belgrave Road entrance is ///aquatic.culling.broker and Cresta Road entrance is ///sleep.chairing.nails

Apologies!!!!!!!
It would seem that I made a mistake counting Mondays in June. Fortunately my error has been pointed out by a number of people.
Philip has contacted the Hen & Chicks and changed the booking date to the 29th.
So, to confirm:-

The next meeting will be on : “MONDAY 29TH JUNE AT 7:30PM”

Hopefully that will not cause to much disruption.

A week earlier than usual, due to the Bank Holiday, this Monday Bob will introduce the subject entitled:-
“The Risk to Low Earth Orbit from Satellite Mega-constellations”,

Usual time & place:-7:30pm, upper room in the Hen & Chicks, Abergavenny

I look forward to meeting up.
See you Monday evening – ALL ARE WELCOME!

The next meeting will be at the usual time and place, 7:30pm upstairs in the Hen & Chicks, Abergavenny

Tony P-F will be giving the 2^nd part of his talk about astrophotography entitled:-
“Easy Astrophotography using a DSLR and clockwork tracker”. 
(The picture below is just an illustration I got from the WEB – NOT Tony’s equipment!)

The first part of Tony’s talk in December was describing his experience with his Seestar S50 smart telescope.  That talk raised a lot of interest in this developing technology and a number of members have since had a go.
It would be interesting if members who have used smart scopes, or cameras of course, were to share their experiences and thoughts on astrophotography at the meeting.  I’m sure others would also find the exchange of views of interest.
If you have any photos you think illustrate aspects of astrophotography please send them to me (webmaster@abergavennyas.org.uk) and I will show them on screen at the H&C on Monday.  I look forward to the evening.

As always all are welcome, all you need is a curiosity about the skies.

This Thursday, 26^th March, there is a show which tells the stories of the stars to an electro-acoustic soundtrack 

Created by Daniel Morden, Hugh Lupton and Sarah Lianne Lewis it is described as:

“A majestic, intimate and hypnotic re-imagining of Greek myths and legends weaving ancient stories, cosmic projections and a spine-tingling electro-acoustic soundscape. Be transported into the night sky on the breath of stories that have lit up the darkness for thousands of years.”

Short notice I know but for more information and tickets check
https://boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk/shows/stars-and-their-consolations/

The next meeting will be at the usual time and place, 7:30pm upstairs in the Hen & Chicks, Abergavenny

The presentation will be on screen at the Hen & Chicks via Zoom.  Dr Jenner will talk about CERN and astroparticle physics.  This field grew out of the discovery of high energy cosmic rays from space in the early 20^th Century.  You can read a bit more information about what this field is investigating, according to Wiki, LINK HERE

I’m sure that it will be an interesting talk, so I look forward to meeting up.  All are invited newcomers and regulars, all you need is curiosity.