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:
National Astronomy Week 2020
It has been brought to my attention, by Gavin, that the Federation of Astronomical Societies is holding a “National Astronomy Week” from the 14th to the 22nd November, 2020.
Despite the coincidence this week has not been arranged to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AAS (8th Nov, 2010) but rather to mark the closest approach of Mars to Earth until 2033.
Further info from the Federation of Astronomical Societies website HERE.
Should AAS consider doing something; for our 10th anniversary and/or the NAW??
November Meetings
Next Meeting is on Monday 25th November. It will be an open “round the table” discussion on a number of various topics. I will put up some suggestions for discussion items on the website in the next week. If anyone has a topic they would like covered just drop me a mail.
A good crowd turned out on the 11th for Dr Annabel Cartwright’s talk on the hypothesis of transfers of life and organisms between Venus & Earth 500 million years ago. She said “watch this space” re investigations on a search for biological markers in the Venusian atmosphere. I await any news with interest!
It’s good to hear of non standard hypotheses, based on the science, that challenge the established view. Whether they prove to be right or wrong they help to advance or knowledge and understanding.
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.
