7:30pm; Upstairs in the Hen & Chicks, Abergavenny

This month we will have a number of different, short topics.

First, as we haven’t had an AGM for 3 years it is felt that we should have one now.  Not much has happened since COVID so it shouldn’t be long and it does give the opportunity for attendees to ask questions and make suggestions.  Shouldn’t take more than 30 mins (hopefully)

After that Tony Parton-Frost will give a talk on the amateur astronomer Patrick Moore CBE, celebrating 100 years since his birth.

Next we can explore the ESA and NASA missions to Jupiter’s moons, the Juice mission was launched on the 14^th April.  We can discuss what the objectives are and why Jupiter’s moons.

Lastly, if we have time, Nick will outline the sky in May and what we might see at this time of year.

Anyone interested is welcome so come along and have your input or just listen.  We are not even charging at the moment!

Back in January Quanta Magazine (LINK) had an article entitled

“Astronomers Say They Have Spotted the Universe’s First Stars”

We will explore the evidence for this claim and also look at: what are the first stars – known as Population III stars, why are they different, when did they form, are there any around now, what’s the difference between them and our Population I Star.

Come along and contribute your thoughts and questions.  Usual time and place:-

7:30pm, Monday 24^th April, upstairs in the Hen & Chickens, Flannel St, Abergavenny NP7 5EG

A reminder that next Saturday we will be hosting the Usk Planetarium in St Michael’s Centre, Pen-y-pound, Abergavenny, from 1pm to 5pm.
If you haven’t had the chance to see the new and improved Usk Planetarium then this is your chance –  it’s well worth it.
Entrance to the hall is free but there is a small charge of £1 for the Planetarium show, tickets can be obtained on Eventbrite .  
LINK  – http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/looking-up-star-gazing-in-abergavenny-15th-april-tickets-585829571017
As well as the show it is intended to have some meteorites on show, an opportunity to ask about buying or using a telescope/binoculars and, if the weather permits, a chance to look at the sun through a solar telescope.

Further details on the 14^th March AAS website post  http://abergavennyas.org.uk/?p=4070

The Abergavenny Astronomy Society is hosting an open day on the 15th April at the St Michael’s Centre, Pen y Pound NP7 5UD. Opening time 1:00pm to 5:00pm. The event is open to all.
As well as displays etc we will have a state of the art pop-up Planetarium for 4 x 40 min shows. Planetarium content is suitable for ages 5 and up
Entrance is free, with a charge of £1/head for the Planetarium show. Pre-booking tickets for shows in the planetarium is suggested from Eventbrite at – LINK

Details of event

Curious about how the Universe started and where our star and planet came from? Then come along and have a chat.

How about the Milky Way, the Zodiac, other stars, exo-planets, ESA & NASA space missions, or any other space or cosmos related questions – come and have a chat. Our enthusiastic members will attempt to give answers (if possible).

Free Entrance, but small charge of £1 for the Planetarium show.

Suitable for the 5 to 105 age range.

Help on hand to answer your telescope/binocular related questions.

View our own star through a solar telescope (weather permitting of course!).

Fly through the Universe in our state of the art Planetarium show (40mins). Shows scheduled to start at 1:00pm; 2:00pm; 3:00pm and 4:00pm. We suggest you bring a small cushion or similar as best viewed when sitting on the floor.

Ever seen a shooting star? Wondered what it was? Come along and hold a piece in your own hand that’s as old as the Solar System and learn a bit about where they came from. Maybe even buy your own billions of years old piece of space rock.

Organised by the Abergavenny and the Usk Astronomy groups.

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.