BRIDGWATER ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: Est’ in 1969

 

Next Meeting : Wed May 14th:  Several short talks: 1) Astrophotography Part 2, digital photo processing .  2)  Gamma Ray Bursters

Next Observing Evening : Friday 16th May @ 8.30pm

 (Last revised 16th Apr 2008)

We meet every 2nd Wed in the month, from Sept until June, in room D10 at Bridgwater College, Bath Road, Bridgwater.  

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

▪  Library.                                              astrosoc/library  

▪  History of the Society                          History

 OBSERVING:   

▪ Observing Evenings.                            Observ

▪ Weather Forecast                                 BBC weather

▪ 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

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

UK asteroid watch organisation     http://www.spaceguarduk.com/

▪ 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 Phoenix mission  launched Aug 2007, due to land on Mars on May 25th 2008. Phoenix is designed to study the history of water and habitability potential in the Martian arctic's ice-rich soil.

▪ 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  

▪   University of Cambridge site   http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/gr/public/cos_home.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

 

150308 The Observing event at Chilton Trinity School was blessed with a clear spot of sky, in between a mass of cloud. This lasted for about three quarters of an hour and allowed the earliest visitors to look at the Moon, Mars, Saturn & the Orion Nebula. Indoor displays were then popular for later visitors greeted by cloudy skies rolling in again. Thanks to all who helped.

 

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 Chile. Horizon is showing a programme about this on BBC2 on Tuesday March 4th @ 9pm. The systems star, gliese581, is 20.5ly distant in Libra. Want more info, go to http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070424_hab_exoplanet.html

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 Chilton Trinity School on March 14th, can look at the latest info and arrangements on the following page. http://dbown100.tripod.com/Sciencefair.htm

 

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 Durham University. Samuel Everitt requests help on a project to do with observing objects in the night sky. To participate, go to  http://www.nakedeyeastronomy.mfbiz.com/  .

2) We have also been contacted about a new project ‘Andalucian Astronomy’, an astronomy retreat near Granada.

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 Parchey Bridge. The first observation evening every held there was on Oct 12th 1977, almost exactly 30yrs ago. They were rewarded however, with clear cloudless skies from 19-15 through to leaving time at 21-40pm. The really big bonus though, was the sight of the bright Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft passing high above at 19-32, followed a minute later by the even brighter(-2.5) International Space Station. The Soyuz spacecraft, carrying three persons, is due to dock with the ISS at 10-52am Friday morning 11/10/07. After that the telescopes were set up, the 150mm Society reflector, and a 100mm reflector brought by our visitor. Objects viewed during the evening were…M13 globular cluster in Hercules, M57 ring nebulae in Lyra, Epsilon Lyra the famous double double star next to Vega, M15 the globular cluster in Pegasus, M31 the Andromeda spiral galaxy,  Albireo the famous coloured double star in Cygnus, and finally the Pleiades. About eight meteors were also seen.

 

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 Bristol, about observing the night sky. He is willing to take 2 others in his car if any one else is interested in going.  Details of the course are at http://www.skyguide.org.uk/courses/courses.htm   Write to Graham at  STRATMUSK@aol.com

 

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, London.  Buzz Aldrin, Edgar Mitchell, Gene Cernan and Alan Bean will all be attending our event on the 13th and 14th of October 2007. In addition we have CMP Al Worden plus some possible other astronaut guests as well, not to mention plenty of stars from stage and screen.

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………..