CADAS

Well, wasn’t that a good one! Many thanks to Sheri Lynn Karl for that hot (and cold) tour of our various solar system effusions. What a dynamic  and varied lot these rocky and icy bodies are. A tale well told too. We were promised a good speaker and that is exactly what we got. Thanks, too, to Bob and Arthur for their presentations and to Bud and Bill for sharing their excellent images. Farming on the moon Bill? I think we’ll need to check out those ‘furrows’ again.

Next month’s topic on sundials promises to be fascinating. Don’t forget to check here nearer the time for what to bring. From solar system vulcanology to sundials; can’t say Bob doesn’t put together a varied programme for us. Thanks Bob.

On May 21st, Bob Mizon will be giving a talk on the Hubble Space Telescope and its images  at the Village Hall, Othery. (This is in conjunction with the Othery Society). It’s Bob Mizon, so a great evening is guaranteed. Refreshments will be provided and the bar will be open.  An evening not to be missed!
Please contact Paul on 01823698156 or e-email him on Skyatnight@hotmail.co.uk for further details.

Bill Reed spotted a brilliant fireball on evening of 8th possibly part of the Eta Aquarid stream . Lucky devil. He was briefly interviewed by Heart Radio this morning.

Anyone going to the May17/18 International Astro Show? If so, could you help Bob Mizon and the Campaign for Dark Skies? The note below from Bob explains how…

…Is anyone going to the Intern’l Astro Show in Leamington Spa on May 17/18? I can’t make it myself and the Campaign for Dark Skies needs some leaflets taken up on Friday (17th) (not a heavy load), and someone to keep an eye on the CfDS table (just info material, not sales) on the Saturday (18th). (For the latter, I could get you in free as an exhibitor)
Bob Mizon

If  you can help, either contact Bob directly if you can or go to  http://www.mizar-astro.freeserve.co.uk Alternatively you can use the information on this site to get in touch with me or use the contact form on this site and we’ll pass the message on.

Thanks

Ron

Gadgets and gizmos galore! What a collection of bits and pieces we make/collect/ acquire. It was really a case of the sublime to the cor blimey last night.  From image stabilized binoculars to bits of cardboard and duct tape  and scrap wood via illuminated shoelaces! What a weird lot us astronomers are.

On other matters, thanks again to Bob Mizon for his sky tour, and information on the possible, maybe, perhaps upcoming Comet ISON show.Hope I’ve qualified it enough Bob.

Next month’s talk by Sheri Lynn Karl on ‘Vulcanology in the Solar System’ is a must! Sheri is a great speaker and it’s good to have her back.

Another excellent Winchester Weekend 5 to 7 April with great presentations. Arthur Davis, John Chuter, Adrian Owen and I had a great time. Even comet Pan STARRS put in an appearance.  Unfortunately none of us won anything on Bob Mizon’s raffle in aid of CfDS though.

Can thoroughly recommend this event.

Ron

April Sky Notes

A warm welcome to our new members from all the ‘regulars’. What a good meeting!

We were once again treated to an excellent talk by James Fradgley, this time on the fascinating life cycle of the sun. What a lot of particle cookery is needed to keep us at just the right temperature. Thanks James, fascinating stuff well put.

Bill Read and I hope that our images of Comet Pan-STARRS will have inspired you to have a look for it when these clouds relent. And what about Bill’s great images of Ceres and Sylvia in the same frame. Another cracker Bill.

Thanks to Marvin Collins who came along to share his lucky observation of an object breaking up spectacularly on entry. Why wasn’t I in the right place at the right time?

Next month is ‘Gadgets and Gizmos’ and we’ll also be having a telescope basics workshop, so do bring along your kit if you would like some help and advice.

Good luck with Pan-STARRS.

Ron