BRIDGWATER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: Est’ in 1969
Next Meeting : Aug 12th Annual Barbi
& Perseid watch
(Last revised 15th
June 2009)
We meet every 2nd Wed in the
month, from Sept until June, in room D10 at
Meetings start at 7-30 pm with the reading of the previous minutes,
general business, and distribution of observational notes. The main talk or
subject of the evening then starts at around 8pm (Programme), and finishes
at 8-45pm to allow members to have 15mins of informal chat about astronomical
matters before closing at 9pm prompt.
Members have a wide range of interest and
level of knowledge, from beginner to experienced observer, using equipment
ranging from just small binoculars to quite large telescopes. Regular monthly observing sessions are held (Observing), where members can bring along their own
telescopes and learn how to set them up and use them,
and look through other member’s binoculars & telescopes. The Society also
has an 6” reflecting telescope, that is brought to all
observation evenings and which is available for loan to members wanting to try
out a telescope before purchasing one of their own. Get more info from bwastrosoc@hotmail.com
New members of all ages and
abilities are most welcome with no obligations on regular attendance.
Subscription: £2 annually, then £1 per
meeting. ( £1
& £0.50 per meeting for juniors.)
USE THE LINKS BELOW TO FIND YOUR WAY AROUND OUR WEB SITE
There are four sections
below; General, Observing, Space Exploration & Cosmology.
GENERAL:
▪ Programme of
Meetings Prog
▪ News items News
▪ Contact Details Contact
▪ Sites
of interest Links
▪ Pictures of the night sky Photos Bwastro Members
Photo Album
▪ Library. astrosoc/library
▪ History of the Society History
OBSERVING:
▪
Observing Evenings. Observ
▪ Weather Forecast bbc weather metcheck
▪
New to Astronomy? Go here first Beginners
▪ Setting up a basic telescope. Setting
▪ Photography Basics Photography
▪
Viewing the Night sky: This
is a large section below.
Sky & Telescope:
skytonight ataglance For anyone planning
to do some observing this site gives a reminder of what is on view, night by
night for the week ahead.
Heavens
Above. skychart This site shows a very useful night sky chart with planets & the moon. You can also change the date and time
to suit your needs
Sky Diary from the Society for Popular
Astronomy…. skydiary
NEW CalSKY http://www.calsky.com/ Give it a try. Customise with your own location, then
generate your own sky diary, and do lots of other interesting things.
BBC Science night sky page…. bbc.co.uk/sciencenightsky
Astronomy Now Internet site of the well known magazine…….astronomynow.com
Space.com…… space.com/spacewatch
▪ ISS International Space Station ▪ Iridium Flares
▪ Sun:
BAA Solar page
▪ Moon:
Moon Map BAA Lunar page. Virtual Atlas: http://www.astrosurf.com/avl/UK_index.html
http://www.lunar-occultations.com/iota/iotandx.htm
▪ Planets skyandtelescope.com/observing/planets Various info on planetary observing.
▪ Asteroids(minor planets) http://homepage.ntlworld.com/roger.dymock/index.htm
▪ Comets:
Skyhound comet page http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/
▪ Meteors: http://www.theastronomer.org/meteors.html
▪ Deep Sky: BAA Dss page
▪ Radio Astronomy: Jodrell Bank http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/
SPACE EXPLORATION:
▪ SPACEFLIGHT
NOW: http://spaceflightnow.com/ Shows all the latest goings on
in space
▪ NASA : jpl.nasa A definitive list of and details of all
missions that are still ‘live’.
▪ MARS: Marsrovers There are 2 Mars Rovers still operating on
Mars.
phoenix NASA’s
▪ SATURN: Cassini
Various close fly by’s of Titan, other moons, & Saturn itself.
▪ OTHERS dawn Launched Oct 2007, Dawn
will visit the Minor Planets Vesta (Aug2011) &
Ceres (Feb2015)
COSMOLOGY NEW
▪ Nasa
site on Cosmology http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_uni.html
▪
▪ New Scientist Space http://space.newscientist.com/channel/space-tech/cosmology
■ POP UP STOPPER Go here to get a free download to stop
annoying Pop up windows
Download the programme called ‘Pop up Stopper Free Edition’
BAS News: If members have other items of news to include,
write to bwastrosoc@hotmail.com
100609
The AGM was
attended by some 12 members
including the originator of our Society, Mr Duncan Bee. Mr Bee was able to give
an interesting insight into how the Society came into being 40 years ago.
Matters: All previous officers were re elected and a programme of events
for 2009/10 was formulated. Mr Fradgley to be asked
to guest speak again in March 2010.
300409
NASA's Swift satellite and an international
team of astronomers have found a gamma-ray burst from a star that died when the
universe was only 630 million years old, or less than five percent of its
present age, which corresponds to a distance of 13 billion light years. Article
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0904/28grb/
110209 Three brightish comets
visible at the moment; C/2007 N3 (Lulin) around mag 6.4
currently in the morning sky moving into the evening sky by month end; C/2006 W3
(Christensen) mag 8.4 high in western sky
in Lacerta; 144P/Kushida mag 8.4 or feinter, high up in Taurus. Go to http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/
for details.
140109 The
January Meeting, Moonrocks and Meteors up close, was a spectacular
success enjoyed by all. It was a privilege to have been able to see actual Moon
dust and rocks. This was all loaned to us for the evening, subject to the items
being locked in the College safe, by the Science and Technology Facilities
Council, based in
If you missed it, or if you want to see again what you were looking at,
go to
http://cid-0c4da7e0d06dcff5.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/Moon%20Samples?view=thumbs
Click on each photo you want to look at, then
click it again when it appears, to get a supersized close up image.
191208 Observing
Evening. Totally clear at 7-25pm so cycled down to Parchey. Observed 3 quite bright sporadic meteors
then left again at 8pm. No cloud, no other observers! DB
081208 New
comet 2007 N3 Lulin. A morning comet, mag 6 or 7, visible in Scorpius
later this month. For details go to http://cometchasing.skyhound.com/
081208 Digital
photos: Many members now have digital cameras, and
may be getting a new one for Christmas. If you have attempted some
astrophotography and have a favourite photo why not display it on our New Astro Picture site on MS Skydrive
at skydrive.live.com .
I’ve put a picture on there to get the ball rolling. It’s a good way of showing
others what you are doing. Send your picture to me at dbown100@hotmail.com and I will upload it. We
have 25GB of space, but please keep the pictures to a reasonable size or I will
be all day receiving and then uploading. DB
021208
151108 Be wary of some of the pictures accompanying the
story about the first pictures of a multi planetary
system around the star HR8799, in Pegasus. The picture shown in the
Telegraph, for example, was an artist’s impression. For the true story, and the
actual photo, go to http://www.astronomynow.com/081114Planetfamilyphotographedaroundnormalstar.html
101108 A few items for observers, in case like me you
didn’t notice them coming up……
Nov 13th : occultation of the Pleiades star cluster by the Moon,
the star Electra (mag 2.1) (D)Disappears at 18-28hrs,
Merope (4.1) D 18-45hrs, Alcyone
(mag 2.7) D 19-12 hrs………..
Dec 1st :
occultation of the planet Venus by
the Moon, disappears at 15-47, re
appears at 17-17hrs . DB
071108
Time to decide what subject we want the
visiting speaker to talk about, assuming he will be available for our April
meeting. We will take a vote at the Nov meeting. Choose from the following:
'Life in the
Universe' - what is the likelihood of there being complex life out there'.
'The Origin of
Life & Panspermia' - the biochemistry of getting
life started, and what does it take to cross space.
'Variable Stars - What makes them Tick' - a discussion
of some of the major types of variable star and what makes them vary
'Orbital Oddities - Strange
Goings-on with 3 or more Bodies' – Various curiosities, Lagrange points,
resonances etc, with simulations.
'The Origin of the Solar System' - How different sorts
of planet and other bodies come to be where they are
081008
The Observation evening went very well with
excellent weather for a change.
071008
Barriers were erected today at
This is the bridge on the A39 where there is a junction with a road leading
to Puriton Hill and the M5 motorway J23. The car park
is approx 100m on the left as you turn off the A39 and head for Puriton Hill. Weather forecast still looks good.
Any queries ring 01278 424072 for directions.
041008
120908 Observation evening. The skies kept fairly clear for
about an hour from 8 till 9, long enough for good views of the Moon &
Jupiter through Riks 8” goto
scope and the society 6” Alt Az Newtonian.
100908
News from the monthly meeting: Sophie Horsman was welcomed to the meeting; The December meeting
will not be in our usual D10 room; The October meeting is an observation
evening at
020908
For
Tel 01278 421771, ask for Chris. SOLD in
October
120808
The annual barbi
& meteor watch, due last evening, was unfortunately cancelled at the last
minute due to the forecast weather conditions. The forecast of 100% cloud cover
turned out to be spot on, and rain followed during the night.
150308
The Observing event at
290208 Gliese 581c. This is the name of the Earth like planet discovered last year by
astronomers using the radial velocity or wobble technique, with the 3.6M ESO
telescope in
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/04/25/nearth25.xml
250208 21st June normally marks the longest day/shortest night. This year there is a
new link to 21st June. We have been invited to be involved in a non
astronomical project at Wells Cathedral
which requires the use of a telescope or telescopes to view the statues on the
west front of the cathedral. During the afternoon, as part of Somerset Arts Week, a number of artists will each be
sketching a portion of the west front and may require a view through a
telescope from time to time, as may members of the public. Anyway, it will be a grand opportunity to
meet people, and to advertise our Society. I have volunteered myself and the
Society telescope for the afternoon. If anyone else would like to attend,
please let me know. DB
Combe Sydenham Hall claim to have a 100lb meteorite/
cannon ball that came down near Stogumber church in
1585, and can be seen in the great hall at the house. The connections with Sir
Francis Drake and Elizabeth Sydenham make an interesting story, but it seems
after investigation that the object in question is probably not a meteorite
after all. What a pity. It would have made a nice place for a group visit.
Added a new link under Asteroids to Space
Guard UK
200208
Anyone noticed the new Cosmology links?
150208
Observation Evening: Five members enjoyed good views of the Moon, Mars and Saturn.
130208 Several members were interested to know that the Moons phases could be a strong influence on gardening practises. June I (JI) gave an interesting
talk about this a while ago.
Go to http://dbown100.tripod.com/jimoontalk.htm to read it again.
And just a
reminder that anyone who has offered their services for the Observation/Science
Evening at
070208 Excellent news. Contractors appeared to be spreading hardcore over the Parchey bridge car park today, so no more big puddles when
observing in the dark down there!
170108. The Society’s telescope, a 6” reflector on Alt/Az
mount, is now available for loan to any member who would like to have the use
of it for a while. The telescope is very simple to use, fairly portable, and
very effective as a learner scope before you decide to buy one of your own. A
short demonstration on how to use it can be given to get you going. Contact the
chairman on 01278 424072 for details and availability.
Messenger spacecraft skims past Mercury http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116174044.htm
110108
09-30 Observation evening cancelled due
to heavy overnight rain which has badly affected the car park, making it
impossible to use for observing.
030108
1) We have received a request
for help from a person studying for a Masters degree in Physics at
2) We have also
been contacted about a new project ‘Andalucian
Astronomy’, an astronomy retreat near
For details go
to http://www.subrosa.eu.com/
271207 Asteroid may hit Mars Jan 30th 2008 ?
http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0712/24marsasteroid/
151207 You may recall that there is an 18” telescope in a dome at Charterhouse.
Here is a report about the centre.
SCC Portfolio
Holder Report about the Charterhouse centre, July 2007:
5.1 Charterhouse
broke even financially in the year 2006-07. This was achieved with nearly 5,000
persons visiting the Centre; and with booking indications for 2007-08 showing
this trend likely to continue, two full time instructors were taken on in
February 2007 for the first time in the Centre's 40 year history. School groups
continue to book residentials earlier in the year and
adult and community organisations are booking well into the autumn, so
effectively extending the 'season' from February to November.
5.2 The Head of
Centre, John Baker, left in October 2006, leaving Heather Wilcox (Centre
Administrator) and Andrew Chamberlain (Senior Instructor) to lead in the
running of Charterhouse until a new Head of Centre, Julian Ellis, took up post
in May 2007.
061207 Science Fair date confirmed as Friday 14th March for us to
provide an observing Evening and supporting events indoors at Chilton Trinity School. More
info to follow. Volunteers still reqd. Please contact the chairman.
281107 Comet Holmes is still an easy object in Perseus,
just above right of Alpha Perseus.
cometholmes281107.JPG A 15sec exposure with a fixed camera on a
tripod.
231107 19-45hrs Took a quick look at comet Holmes in very bright moonlight through 7x50 binocs. Now very big and getting quite
feint, but still worth a look just above Alpha Persei.
121107 Take a look at a new Telescope supplier web page at http://www.uk-telescopes.co.uk/index.htm UK Telescopes emailed us recently to alert
us to their new site. There is a very useful ‘Beginners Guide to Telescopes’ page as
well as all the normal adverts for telescopes.
101107 Our Society has been invited to participate in a Science Festival during National Science and Engineering Week, 7th
– 13th March 2008. This would take place at Chilton Trinity School, Bridgwater, and
would involve us in providing telescopes for viewing one evening, and also
indoor facilities and displays which might include the use of the schools
computers to show night sky programmes or interesting Internet sites. I have
indicated that we are willing to participate and I am now looking for
volunteers to help me. If you are interested in helping, please email me, or
make contact at the next meeting on Nov 14th. Chairman DB.
071107 Comet Holmes, still there and getting ever
bigger. The gaseous shell is becoming more
transparent, and it is easier to see stars shining through it.
021107
Comet Holmes. It’s size is increasing, it’s shape changing, and it’s still
bright in Perseus. Go take a look tonight if it’s
still clear. For a finder chart http://www.cometchasing.skyhound.com/index.html
301007
Comet Holmes as spectacular as ever. If you haven’t got out to look at it yet, you
must go out tonight while it’s still clear.
Here is a
picture taken earlier this evening. It’s an improved setup from last night. The
camera is now securely fixed to the eyepiece holder, and the whole telescope is
motor driven. This has allowed a longer exposure of 15 secs
which now shows the nucleus of the comet quite well. http://dbown100.tripod.com/cometholmes301007_250mm.JPG
If you need any
tips on how to photograph the comet with whatever equipment you have, give me a
ring on 01278424072 and I will try to help. Chairman DB.
291007 Comet Holmes easily visible again tonight. Here’s a picture taken around
6-15pm this evening. It’s through a 250mm F4.3 Reflector. The digital camera,
supported on a tripod, was pointed into the 40mm eyepiece for 6secs.
http://dbown100.tripod.com/cometholmes291007_250mm.JPG
281007 Another new comet bursts onto the scene in Perseus
estimated at mag 2.8 today! Comet
17P/Holmes, discovered in 1892, suddenly brightened on Oct 24th.
Check it out at http://www.cometchasing.skyhound.com/index.html
Here are a
couple of pics taken with a fixed camera on a tripod
at 8-15pm.
http://dbown100.tripod.com/cometholmes.JPG
http://dbown100.tripod.com/cometholmes2.JPG
The first is on
wide angle with the comet the brightest object in the centre.
The second is
zoomed in which is why the stars trailed during the 15sec exposure.
DB
201007 If you have a good Western horizon try looking for Comet C/2007 F1 Loneos,
quite faint around 8.1 just below Arcturus. You will
need big binoculars or a small telescope. I could just glimpse it through 11x80
binocs at 7-15pm this evening. Good Luck. Ps go to
the comet link to get details on where to find it. DB
101007
Only 4 members and a visitor managed to turnout for the 30yr Anniversary Annual Observation Evening held
at
This is probably
a good point at which to remind members, for future observation evenings, that
they should telephone the number shown at the Observing Evenings section, if
there are any doubts about the weather, before leaving home. The telephone
number is clearly displayed there. Make a note of it NOW. The weather at the
observing site will nearly always be different to your local weather
conditions.
091007 Exchanged several emails with Jeremy Rundle, a friend of Sir Patrick Moore. He tells us about a
music cd and Moon Map to be released on behalf of
Patrick. He says….
A few weeks ago I write to you via email from Patricks home in Selsey, to inform
you that Patrick Moore had just released a NEW music CD called “Music by
Patrick Moore. The Cds are available to order direct
at a cost of £9.99 plus £1.50 post and packing. There will be a track from the
CD on an issue of the Sky at Nigh Magazine. Also I told you that Patricks
original Moon Map which was drawn in 1969 was to be re issued as a SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE. Orders
are now being taken for this. Patrick is going to personally autograph a limited number of 200 to be supplied with a certificate for this issue,
along with a photograph of him signing the map. They
will be the original Black with Green shading for the “seas” and on 230gsm
satin paper/card, ready for framing and supplied in a postal tube. ORDERS are
now being taken for this in advance, if anyone wants one of these limiter
edition prints then please contact the above number. They are £45.00 including
postage by registered post.
They will be
featured in the Sky at Night
Magazine. This magazine also has an online version at http://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/ so suggest anyone who is interested looks on
there. Alternatively, write to me at bwastrosoc@hotmail.com
for
Jeremy’s email address and you can email him direct for further information. DB
011007 NASA’s Dawn spacecraft blasted off
on its mission to Vesta
& Ceres on Sept 27th.
It will rendezvous with Vesta in 2012,
and Ceres in 2015. Its 3 Ion thrusters will very gradually accelerate it
towards a sling slot around Mars in Feb2009. http://spaceflightnow.com/delta/d327/
180907 Check out the stunning images of Saturn’s
moon Iapetus, taken by NASA’s Cassini
spacecraft in a 1000mile close pass of the unusual featured moon on Sept
10th…….. http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n0709/12iapetus/
160907 Added a couple of new links to take you to see member’s photos of the
night sky. Click on ‘Photos’ on the main menu, General section.
150907 Excellent clear night last night for the observation evening. Viewed
Jupiter and a number of Messier objects including M31, M13, M11, M87…….
060907 A timely visit to BAS life member Walter
Buckland today uncovered the fact that his impending move to Paignton would actually be taking place tomorrow, Friday 7th
September. As a result of help he had received in sorting through all his
belongings in readiness for the move, some very important documents have
surfaced relating to our Society. Several hand written early meeting minutes
from late 1969 and early 1970 were passed over to me for safe keeping. As a
result of this I have been able to add some more details to our society’s early
history. Look at the ‘History of the Society’ link and you will see some
interesting facts about the Society during Nov 1969 and Jan & Feb 1970. I
have a forwarding address for Walter in Paignton, if
anyone would like to write to him. Bear in mind that he will be 83 in December,
and is now a fairly fragile elderly gentleman. DB.
210807
1: Graham D has
told us about an interesting course he and his wife are attending in
2: The Society
has been sent an interesting email for all of those interested in the Apollo Moon landings. A Mr D Phillips
writes….. allow me to tell you a little about our next event, which is being held
at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel at Heathrow,
You
can find details of this at www.autographica.co.uk
120807 23-50hrs Just got back from the
meteor watch. Mostly clear skies, no moon, the group of about 20 saw 101 Perseids from
9-20 to 11-30pm(45/hr approx), also the International Space Station with Space
Shuttle attached passed over at 10-03pm. DB
310707 Hope to get the following article into the Bridgwater Mercury shortly,
probably the 7th Aug edition………..
The Bridgwater Astronomical Society holds its Annual Barbeque and
Meteor watch on Sunday 12th August. That is the night when the Perseid meteor shower should give its best display in the
night sky. This year should be particularly good as the moon will not interfere
with our ability to see these shooting stars, some of which can be
spectacularly bright and long-lasting. For more details of this event, go to
the website listed at the end of this article.
Monthly meetings resume again on Wed Sept
12th, with ‘An Introduction to Astronomy and our Society’. This will
cover Star charts, what to look for in the night sky and where to look, night
sky programmes for your home computer, Internet resources, and a look at some
pictures of astronomical objects. If you are a beginner then this is the place
to come to begin learning about the night sky. Meetings are held in room D10 at
Walter
Buckland, a member since the Society started in 1969, and now in his 80’s,
will be moving out of the area in the near future to be looked after by
friends. Many people might remember him from his many years as a lecturer at
In the night sky during August two planets
are easily visible. As darkness descends the giant gas planet Jupiter,
appearing bright yellowish, can be seen low in the South in the constellation
of Scorpius. Just below it, and much fainter, can be
seen the red super giant star called Antares, the
main star of that constellation. By mid month, and much later in the evening
towards midnight, the red planet Mars can be found coming up in the East. Now
seen as a small red disk in a telescope, Mars is slowly making its approach
towards us again, and so will become brighter each month until at its closest to us in late December. Rising
just ahead of Mars you should be able to make out the close grouping of stars
known as the Pleiades. Looking like a mini version of ‘The Plough’, this
cluster is also known as ‘The seven sisters’ because most people can see seven
stars with the naked eye. Look with binoculars and you will see many more stars
make up this grouping. Just below Mars is the bright red star called Aldebaran in the vee shaped
Hyades star cluster.
The
Astronomical Society has some Web pages on the Internet at www.bwastrosoc.org.uk . You can also email us
at bwastrosoc@hotmail.com
You will find lots of information and links on these web pages. Of
particular interest is the Sky & Telescope link, under the Observing
heading, which gives a night by night reminder of things to look for in the
night sky.
220707 Check out a few new links on the
front page….. History of the Society, Sky Diary from the Society for Popular
Astronomy.
170607
Astronomical
Causes of Climate Change. Talk by
visiting speaker JF in April 08. Now confirmed
140607 The AGM was held last night,
and all committee members were re elected, and a new programme of monthly
meetings established. Other points of interest:
a) Due to the rather poor
success rate of late, caused by the weather, it has been proposed that if the
Friday observing evening, following the
monthly meeting, is cancelled due to the weather, the next Friday will become
the observing evening. That way we get 2 chances each month at getting some
observing done. Everyone please note. Thank you DD for that suggestion.
b) Walter
Buckland, who was a member of our Society from 1969 to 2006, now 83,
is moving to Paignton in the near future to live with
friends. We all wish Walter well in his move to a new life on the south coast.
c) Look for the
close conjunction of Venus & Saturn,
just over ½ degree apart, low on the western horizon, on June 30th /
1st July.
d) We hope to
have a guest speaker from another
society visiting us to give a talk in April next year.
e) Some telescope user snippets…..
The society’s
telescope has been in use by a member since Oct 2006, who reports that he has
found it very useful, but that he would now like to move away from its alt/az mount and get a telescope with an equatorial mount.
Another
telescope user reported that they had considerable success with their computer
controlled telescope, by switching the computer off and manually finding some
objects!
Yet another user
has reported the age old problem of finder scopes. He has given up with his,
and is contemplating using a riflescope type finding device.
130407 Library prog now on line. See the link under ‘General’
or go here astrosoc/library
170307 Here’s a link to Terry’s March 12th talk on selecting a telescope…..
http://www.axzz87.dsl.pipex.com/telescope%20talk/Buying%20a%20Telescope.htm
160307 Observation evening clouded out after being sunny during the day.
030307 Missed the Eclipse of the Moon?
Look at these pics……
mooneclipse0303072300.jpg Telephoto view at 23-00hrs
mooneclipse0303072303.jpg Wide angle view at 23-03hrs
160207 Upcoming observing highlights: Feb19th Venus near the Moon, Feb 25th Pleiades occulted by the Moon, March 2nd Grazing
Oct of Saturn, March 3rd Total Lunar
Eclipse. Check out Jan’s monthly notes at www.dennathorne-designs.com/astrosoc
200107 Start
looking for Mercury, gradually climbing up from the horizon towards Venus in
the WSW.
Saturn reaches opposition in early Feb. Look for its moon Titan, 4 ring
lengths to its west on Jan 23rd. Spot the bright star Regulus from Leo, just below Saturn.
On the 21st the Moon, Venus & Mercury almost form a line
from left to right, heading down to the horizon.
110107 Comet Mc Naught still
visible very bright. Seen this evening very low on horizon at 16-45hrs. Very bright with short vertical tail. Should be visible for
a few more days but is moving towards the southern skies. May be worth looking immediately
after sunset as the comet is so bright.
How to find it. After
sunset, locate the planet Venus low on the horizon in the SW, then move along
to the right to find the comet. Sun sets by 16-26 on 12th and 16-28
on 13th. Venus is in Capricorn almost exactly due SW. On the 12th
the comet will have an altitude of only 8deg at sunset(16-26),
reducing to 3deg by 16-45hrs. The comet falls to the horizon almost directly
above the sun so Take Extreme Care if
viewing with binoculars, not to catch the sun in the field of vision. Better to wait until the sun has completely set.
060107 Start looking for Venus
in the evening sky as darkness falls on the SW horizon. Watch for news of comet 2006P1(Mc
Naught) which may be a bright object, visible for no more than a week or so.
Check the comet link.
Go below for a small selection of pictures to
give you some ideas for your own attempts.
Some technical information
is given with each picture. Some pics are taken using
‘old’ methods with film, whilst others are taken with digital. Whatever
equipment you have, you will be able to do something. For the basic techniques go to Photography
Look at the following
section….. Comets Stars Moon
To look at pictures taken
by some of our members……..
Go to Terry's page Jan's
page Matt’s page DB's Pics
New: BWASTRO Members photo Album
Is located on Microsoft Skydrive
at
http://cid-0c4da7e0d06dcff5.skydrive.live.com/browse.aspx/New%20album?view=thumbs
It’s your album so if you
want a photo displayed here, send it to dbown100@hotmail.com
Comet
Hale Bopp
29/03/97
: 3mins with 50mm f1.8, Nikon camera guided by
10"scope.Colour corrected to remove light pollution causing a yellowish
cast caused by the town of
Comet Hale Bopp 12/04/97 20secs at f4.3(prime focus) through
250mm Aperture reflector on HP5 film uprated to
1600ASA. Photo by DB.
STARS
Orion Nebula & Horsehead.
10min @ f2.8 using 135mm telephoto on a camera,
mounted piggyback on a guided telescope. As well as M42,
the Orion Nebula, you can just make out the dark shape of the Horsehead
just below the faint star below the left hand belt star .
The Horsehead, difficult visually, but
relatively easy to photograph.
Jupiter
in Leo.(11/06/04) A 15sec unguided digital shot. ISO set at 400, exposure time
, f No, & focusing manually
set. Noise reduction set at ON. Camera used Olympus C765, set on tripod with
self timer to take the photo. Photo by DB.
031208 The Moon, Venus & Jupiter, from left to
right, seen across
For the technically
minded, digital photo, 1 sec at F2.8, ISO 400
MOON
‘Shoot the Moon’
A simple photo that anyone might try! Digital
camera pointed into the eyepiece of
11 x 80 binoculars aimed at the moon. Or
use an SLR set at 1/125sec, with the lens wide open set to infinity.
This is a digital shot at 45x through a
10”Newtonian with the camera
held
up to the eyepiece.
Same as previously but now
at around 70x
And then
some more magnification (but a different part of the moon)
Photos
by DB.
Bridgwater Astronomical Society :
Programme for 2009/10:
Monthly Meetings are
always on the 2nd Wednesday in the month usually in Room D10.
2009 Aug 12th Annual Barbi
& Perseid watch. Barbi
fuel supplied, but bring own food & drink.
Barbi at Great Wood Picnic
site, from 7-30pm- 8-45pm.
Perseid watch at Deadwomans Ditch from 9pm till late.
Note: Meet 19:00 Barclay St car park, off
or 19:30 Great Wood Picnic Site. Drive to far end of site up
around hill past toilet block.
2009 Sept 9th Introducing the Night Sky:
What can you see, where to look, and what to use.
2009
Oct 14th Observing Evening. At the
2009 Nov11th Galaxies.
2009
Dec 9th Astro Quiz. Bring along some questions, and answers if you have them.
2010 Jan 13th Processing Astronomical
Images. A ‘How to do it’ talk.
2010
Feb 10th 10 Minute Talks. Your chance to
have a go at giving a short informal talk.
2010 March 10th Subject TBA
2010 April 14th Observing the Moon.
Often cursed due to it’s brightness, nevertheless it
has many interesting features well worth looking at through a telescope.
2010 May 12th 10 Minute Answers.
2010 June 9th 41st AGM
CONTACT: For further information write to bwastrosoc@hotmail.com
Telephone : 01278 424072
OBSERVING EVENINGS Next one: See List below kindly provided by Terry.
These dates are normally
the Friday after the monthly meeting. They are normally held at
Google map of the Parchey site http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?oe=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl&q=51.13552,-2.92759
If the weather looks
uncertain, ring the chairman on 01278 424072, to find out if the observing
evening is going ahead. Total cloud cover will certainly curtail the
evening, but partial cover means that some observing is usually possible. Don’t
forget, that just because its cloudy where you are, doesn’t mean it will be
cloudy at the observing site, so make that phone call.
We usually aim to look at any planets that
are visible, and then a selection of other interesting objects such as
galaxies, nebulae, double stars etc. If the Moon is around we will also take a
look at that.
You can use some of the
links from the Observing section above, to plan your viewing, such as ataglance
to check what is happening from night to night, and skychart to look at a current star chart of the night
sky.
For other information such
as Directions to the observing
site, Weather prospects, and
Monthly Observing notes go to www.dennathorne-designs.com/astrosoc
Friday
Observing Evenings 2009 - 10
2009 August 12th Nautical Twilight Ends 22:06 (BST)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
23:04
Moon Rises 22:25 Last
Quarter
Jupiter Rises 20:42
2009 September 11th Nautical Twilight Ends 20:50 (BST)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
21:33
Moon Rises 22:20 Last
Quarter
Jupiter Transits 23:36
2009 October 16th Nautical Twilight Ends 19:30
(BST)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
20:08
No Moon
Jupiter Transits 20:51
2009 November 13th Nautical Twilight Ends 17:44 (GMT)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
18:23
No Moon
Jupiter Transits 18:07
Sets 22:47
2009 December 11th Nautical Twilight Ends 17:28 (GMT)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
18:08
No Moon
Jupiter Sets 21:19
Mars Rises 20:43
2010 January 15th Nautical Twilight Ends 17:55 (GMT)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
18:34
No Moon
Mars Rises 17:55
Jupiter Sets 19:40
2010 February 12th Nautical Twilight Ends 18:37
(GMT)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
19:15
No Moon
Mars Transits 23:14
Saturn Rises 20:53
2010 March 12th Nautical Twilight Ends 19:24 (GMT)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
20:04
No Moon
Venus Sets 19:29
Mars Transits 21:05
Saturn Rises 18:52
2010 April 16th Nautical Twilight Ends 21:30 (BST)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
22:19
Mars Transits 20:15
Mercury Sets 21:52
Venus Sets 22:21
Moon Sets 23:08 Thin crescent
Saturn Transits 23:35
2010 May 14th Nautical Twilight Ends 22:31 (BST)
Astronomical Twilight Ends
23:50
Mars Transits 19:10
Saturn Transits 21:40
Moon Sets 22:04 Very Very Thin Crescent
Venus Sets 22:21
Links to sites of interest to the Astronomer
If you have some favourite
links why not share them with others. Please email to bwastrosoc
at above address.
Pages for
Observers:
This weeks night sky http://www.skypub.com/sights/sights.shtml
Comet Pages
http://www.skypub.com/sights/comets/comets.shtml
Comet Observation Pages http://encke.jpl.nasa.gov/
Satellite Observing http://www.skypub.com/sights/satellites/satellites.shtml
Heavens above http://www.heavens-above.com/
The Astronomer
http://www.theastronomer.org/index.html
BBC Science & Nature : Space http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/space/myspace/
Astronomy Now
magazine http://www.astronomynow.com/
Sky at Night Mag
http://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/
The
Society for Popular Astronomy http://www.popastro.com/home.htm
Telescopes &
telescope making:
UK Telescopes
http://www.uk-telescopes.co.uk/index.htm
Broadhurst Clarkson & Fuller
Ltd http://www.telescopehouse.co.uk
David Hinds
http://www.dhinds.co.uk/
AWR Technology
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/awr.tech/
MC2scopes (Frome)
www.mc2scopes.com
Sherwoods
http://www.sherwoods-photo.com/homepage.htm
Skies Unlimited http://www.skiesunlimited.co.uk/
http://www.telescopes.uk.com/Manufacturers.htm
http://www.obm.co.uk/catalog/31.html
Skys the limit
http://www.skysthelimit.org.uk/
Societies
& Groups:
British Astronomical
Assoc
http://www.britastro.org/main/
Bristol Astronomical
Society
http://www.bristolastrosoc.org.uk/
Crewkerne Astro
Soc http://www.cadas.net/
South Som
Astro Soc
http://ssas.fateback.com/home.htm
Charterhouse Centre
http://www.charterhousecentre.org.uk/
The North Devon Astronomical
Society http://www.ndastros.org/
Misc.
Hubble Heritage Gallery of
Images http://heritage.stsci.edu/public/gallery/galindex.html
Hubble Space Telescope Public
Pictures http://oposite.stsci.edu/pubinfo/pictures.html
ESO Online Digitized Sky
Survey
http://arch-http.hq.eso.org/dss/dss
Cassini Huygens Mission to
Saturn/Titan http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/index.cfm
JPL Nasa home page http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/
Nasa home page
http://www.nasa.gov/
ESA
http://www.esrin.esa.it/export/esaCP/index.html
Setting
up and using your telescope.
(Please note that these are brief notes relevant to
simple telescopes without electronic drives etc.)
The two most common questions we get asked from someone
new to astronomy are usually these
1. " I've just bought a new telescope but I can't
find anything with it"
2. "I've just bought a new telescope but I don't
understand how to set it up. How do I set it up so that I can find something ?"
The first question is usually associated with actually
pointing the telescope at an object, and is usually to do with the finder scope
not being properly aligned with the main telescope tube. In daylight, point the
telescope at a distant object such as a tree or building and then without
moving the main telescope, adjust the finder so that the centre of the cross
hairs points at the same object that you lined the telescope up on. If you can't understand how
to do this, then forget about the finder scope and at night time try looking up
along the length of the main telescope tube to line it up on the object that
you want to view. Make sure that the telescope is first set up with the lowest
power of eyepiece( focal length of 20mm or more).
The second question is more complicated and is to do
with lining the telescope mount up with the sky. If your telescope has an
'Equatorial mount' the polar axis should be pointing towards the Pole star
Polaris. To do this look at your mounting and identify the 2 movements that it
has. Each movement is around a shaft or spindle. One of these, the polar axis
can usually be tilted up or down at an angle to point at the pole star. If
there is a scale then it should be set at your latitude(approx
+52degrees for Bridgwater). Now when you take your telescope
outside, position it so that polar axis points up at the pole star, or if you
can't see or identify the pole star, set that axis pointing northwards using a
compass. This should be good enough for simple observing.
Remember:
a) Always start off with the lowest magnification
eyepiece in the telescope. This will be the one with the longest focal length
such as 20mm or 25mm
b) Check frequently that the small finder telescope is
still lined up with the main telescope.
c) Commence viewing on a bright object so that you can
get the eyepiece in focus to start with. It will then be easier when you move
on to fainter objects.
d) If you have an equatorial mount, line the polar
axis up with the North Star, Polaris, as best you can.
If you are still stuck with something then send us an
email bwastrosoc@hotmail.com
For pictures of the moon you can just hold almost any type of camera to the
eyepiece of your telescope and try pressing the shutter. The lens of the camera
must be looking into the telescope eyepiece.
Focus the moon in the eyepiece before you take
your picture, and only use a low magnification
eyepiece.
If there are settings
on your camera that you can adjust, set focus to infinity
or max distance, lens ‘F’ no to lowest such as f2.8, and shutter speed to about 1/125th. Otherwise if your
camera is automatic, let the camera do the work.
Other objects will
not normally be possible unless your camera shutter can be left opened for more
than several seconds, and then the camera must be securely fixed to something
on the telescope, and the telescope needs to have a motor drive running so that
it keeps pace with the star movements. With this method it is possible to take
pictures of the planets, or close ups of the moon.
If you have a tripod
you may be able to have a go at photographing the stars
in the night sky using just your camera lens and a time exposure to collect
their light.
First aim your camera in the required direction. As before, set focus to infinity or max distance, lens ‘F’ no to lowest such as f2.8, and shutter speed to 10 seconds or more. If automatic, make sure
the camera is set for a time exposure of at least 10 seconds if possible.
Shorter times will do but you will only capture the brighter stars in your
photo.
Now comes the tricky
bit. If there is a self timer button
use this to fire the shutter after you have pressed the button. That way you
will not shake the camera during the time the lens is open. If not you will
have to try and do it manually.
Depending on your
camera and specifications you should be able to photograph all stars that can
be seen with the naked eye, and possibly some fainter ones. Have a go at the planets
among the stars, minor planets, comets, etc. Good Luck.
For a detailed
article on processing webcam images of the planets go to http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/astrophotography/How_to_Process_Planetary_Images.html
http://www.threebuttes.com/RegistaxTutorial.htm
http://www.davesastro.co.uk/techniques/registax_tutorial/index.html
Q: Do
I need to buy a telescope?
A: No not at
all. In fact until you decide what it is that interests you in the night sky it
is difficult to choose which telescope will suit you best .
So to start with, use your eyes, or perhaps a pair of
binoculars if you have some, or can borrow a pair, or borrow the Society’s
150mm reflector if you feel confident of having a go.
Q: OK
so what can I see with just my eyes?
A: Well a whole night
sky covered with stars, constellation patterns including the constellation
signs of the zodiac (Aries, Taurus, etc)
the moon and planets including, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and
Saturn, but you will need to know where to look ( Click on the Heavens Above
link in ‘Viewing the Night
sky’ to get a star chart that includes planet positions).
Then there are shooting stars (or meteor showers as
they are known to astronomers), orbiting earth satellites such as The
International Space Station Int' Space Station(ISS),
Eclipses of the Sun & Moon, Transits(events where objects pass in front of
other objects such as the sun or planets), comets…..
Q: And what can I see with binoculars?
A; Much, much more.
Fainter stars (The bigger the binoculars or telescope lens, the fainter are the
stars that you can see), lots of details on the moon (such as its Mares or
Sea’s and the many craters that pockmark its surface), Jupiter’s 4 brightest
moons (but you will probably need to steady your binoculars on a post or a
wall), Saturn’s rings (You can just about make out the elliptical shape of the
rings in 7 x 50 binoculars), star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, minor
planets(asteroids), fainter comets, 2
more planets of the Solar System Uranus
and Neptune….
Q: And what are those funny numbers they
always show when advertising binoculars?
A: Well the
numbers are usually something like .. 7 x 35, or 10 x 50. The first number, such as 7 or 10, is the
magnification, or how much closer an object will look compared to the eye. The
second number, such as 35 or 50, is the size of the lens in millimetres (mm).
Remember the answer in the question above… The bigger the binoculars or
telescope lens, the fainter are the stars that you can see.
Q: All very well, but do I really need
binoculars or a telescope?
A: No not at all. Some people are quite content
reading about all aspects of astronomy, others like to follow what’s happening
regarding space travel and space probes, some like to carry out calculations to
prove or disprove theories, and there are many other things that can be done
without optical equipment. Take a look at some of the Links listed on this
page for ideas.
A brief History of the Society.
1969 Spring/ Summer,
Formation of the Bridgwater Astronomical Society. Five Members present.
1969 3rd Nov. There were
seven members present, plus a new member Mr Buckland. This brought the total
membership of the Society to 11. Mr Charles Key was the chairman, Mr K Combes the Vice Chairman, Mr Duncan Bee was the secretary
and Mr Gentile was the Treasurer.
1969 Dec.
The Society has 15 members.
1970 6th Jan. There were seven members present. Additional
officers elected were Mr Stone as Press Officer and Mr Livingstone as
Librarian. It was also agreed that members should pay 6d a week to cover the
cost of the clubroom.
1970 4th Feb. A secretary’s report exists. It mentions that
‘the club has now been in existence for just over 6 months and has added 14
members to the original 5.’ ‘The last 6 months have seen a change of meeting
place from the Bridgwater Squib to the Fountain Inn’
1971 June WL Buckland becomes the secretary.
1972 Sept Mr G Jarvis makes his first appearance.
1973 Sept Mr D Bown makes his first appearance.
1973 Oct Ken Coles had been nominated as the
Society’s representative to be trained in the use of the Charterhouse
telescope.
1977: Oct 12th The first Observational Evening at
1980: June 11th Mr G Jarvis becomes Treasurer after Mr
Coles relinquishes the position.
1982: June 9th Mr D Bown replaces Mr W Earp as Deputy
Chairman.
1984: June 13th Mr D Bown succeeds Mr K Coombs as
chairman.
1984: Sept 12th First meeting in room D10 at
1985: Nov 18th Mr Bown, the chairman and provider of
monthly notes, presents notes stating that Halley's comet will be near the
Pleiades in a few days time.
1987: Jan 21st Mr Earp tells of a letter received from
Mr Dowling in
1987: Oct 7th Patrick Moore gives a lecture at the BCL
Social Centre.
1998: 10th June Walter Buckland retires as secretary
after 27 years, Gordon Mackenzie takes over the role.
1999: Aug 11th Members travel to various places to
view the Total Eclipse of the Sun.