W.I. Meeting - 27th February

I was hoping for a few pictures from the night but currently I haven't received any so just a brief (ish) review coming up.

We had agreed to give a talk to the W.I. in Prendergast back in Oct/Nov last year but it seems that the idea generated so much interest that the Prendergast venue would have been too small.

The new venue was the Johnston Institute with the time arranged for 7.00 p.m. on 27/02/2014.
Jim arrived for 6.00 p.m. just as the place was opening and by the time I arrived he was set up and raring to go.

The Institute is well suited for giving lectures - they have a handsome 10 foot wide drop down screen with an overhead projector. They even had a couple of radio microphones which, as it happens, we managed to do without - the voice carried well enough in the main hall that we used.

I counted 60+ in attendance as the meeting commenced, a couple of ladies arrived just as the meeting finished - they thought we were at Prendergast - and by the time they came across it was all but over  - they were not the proverbial "happy bunnies.
We guesstimate 70 to be the true count!!

Jim started with a good PR exercise - looking more at the Preseli Astronomy Group. The location for our meetings, equipment we hold, what we do at meetings.
His Glaswegian accent well down well with the local ladies and much laughter characterized his delivery.

A number of sensible questions followed from the floor which demonstrated just how interested the W.I. was in the subject and also how much thought many members had put into it.

I followed with a broad review of things astronomical.
The sun, planets, comets, constellations, galaxies and even things not strictly astronomical were covered. Earthshine, noctilucent clouds and sun-dogs to name a few.

We were allocated the time until 08.15.p.m. and that time passed very quickly. My part concluded with  more questions from the floor which I like to think we covered adequately.

 Though Jupiter, Sirius and a few of the brighter stars   were visible when we arrived at the conclusion the sky was overcast so any viewing was out of the question.

Jim had brought along his 6" Dobsonian and Tal refractor and I had my 25x100 big binoculars in anticipation but sadly, and to the disappointment of many, they could not be used - though they were a great attraction in the hall.

I also brought along some freebies - constellation maps, astronomy guides, quiz questions (and answers!) and very little had to be taken home.

The audience were "gushing" in their praise of both our attendance and delivery - it was well passed 9.00 p.m. when we left, so many were the expressions of thanks and the personal questions that needed answers.
All in all we were very pleased with the night and we feel that much good was accomplished - how much good time only will tell!!  

February 2014 - Mercury & Venus

It was one of those nights when only the brave (or is it foolish?) ventured out.

15 of us arrived for the meeting - most later than usual due to the battering rain and the nigh on gale force winds.

Though few in numbers we did have 2 new to the group - Joel and Jackie (from Spittal I believe). It was especially good to welcome them when so many of our "regulars" couldn't make it.


We always have plenty of tea and biscuits - Richard lives locally and arrived in good time to get that organised.

Viewing was completely out of the question tonight though Jim gave his "What's Up" presentation of what we could see if only the skies cleared a little.

Here he is looking very professional.

Jim hi-lighted a number of things to look out for with special mention of the current supernova that has been discovered in Ursa Major. Though Jim went to great lengths to pinpoint its whereabouts for us - at magnitude 10.5 it would be tricky and as I write this it is declining further.
This one sadly is not destined to rival the Crab supernova of 1054.
 
Plenty of planets - well 5 - are on offer this month. Jupiter being the most prominent but early in the month Mercury is an evening object  and Venus an early morning object.

Constellations were given a mention - Leo one of the few that has a name that's fitting. Making the star pattern out to that of a lion is quite easy.
Orion is perhaps the most prominent winter constellation and, it was mentioned also that as part of National Astronomy Week in March a star count in Orion is on the agenda.

After tea our main lecture focused on Mercury and Venus.
Jim was amused that Astronomy Now magazine publicized this as being covered by Bob Pritchard!
Mike, in his opening remarks, commented that this was a good  subject for February with both of these planets  visible. Many members had already seen Venus in the morning sky at around 7.00-7.30 but Mercury the evening object is a little more elusive.

Mike spoke of the history of the planets - both were, in ancient times considered to be 2 objects perhaps not unsurpringly in view of their morning and evening apparitions.
Mercury has a very lunar appearance - craters, fault cliffs etc. A real peculiarity is what's called  the 3:2 spin -orbit resonance. Mercury turns on its axis 3 times for every 2 revolutions around the Sun.
Essentially what that means is that any explorer (use imagination please!) would see sunrise just once in 2 Mercurian years.
Venus is a hostile planet with an atmospheric pressure 90 times that of earth, temperatures higher than any in the S.S.(hot enough to melt lead!) and clouds of sulphuric acid gas.
It also has a retrograde motion compared to other planets which means the Sun would rise in the west and set in the east!!
Strange worlds indeed  and we hope to learn more of the planets in months to come.

With the lack of viewing opportunities of late I include "one I took earlier."

Next month - March - our meeting coincides with National Astronomy Week.
http://www.astronomyweek.org.uk/
Jupiter will be the subject of the main talk though we will have other items to interest us including that star count in Orion mentioned earlier.

So do join us - Tuesday 4th March 7.00 p.m. at Letterston Memorial Hall.

We hope the weather will have improved by then and we can experience 1st hand the things from our programme. 

Stargazing Live - 2014

Our event this year was held on Friday 10^th January – a deliberate attempt to avoid overlapping with the BBC television "Stargazing Live" nights of 7^th - 9^th.

There was a little confusion as to the actual timing – some of the earlier printed posters advertised a 7.30 p.m. start though most of us were there for 7.00 p.m.

This was taken early - many 'scopes are being assembled in the background.

Note Brian on the right of this picture - that's what I call a "vicar" pose.

I counted 47 in attendance though another count was higher – with the room and corridors around comfortably filled and people coming and going a positive count was tricky.

Add to that at least 4 that “almost” made it and we had well over 50 there in spirit.

 A good display of images on the wall and more "building" work at the rear.

From the few photographs I managed to take at least one deduction can be made - for now you can think about it, later I will reveal all.

 

      

Even the tea-room was quiet early on - I can make out Phil in this picture and Peter on the left. Who are the other two?

The original plan was to cover the “What’s up in January” feature then get out for some observing.

As it turned out the rain and overcast sky made viewing impossible so Plan B came into force yet again. 

Following the “What’s Up” the inside display of a variety of ‘scopes was to become the main feature along with many excellent astronomical pictures etc.

BBC Stargazing Live also supplied us with some freebies which included 150 calendars. Several members had downloaded this from the website but declined to print it for economical reasons – moi aussi – hence they were gratefully received.

Kim handled the “What’s Up” feature via a PowerPoint presentation.

He mentioned the current planetary situation with the highlight being Jupiter followed by Mars though later in January the elusive planet Mercury is the one to look for in the evening sky.

A nice handout detailed winter constellations to  look out for and Kim mentioned that these also provide a signpost to other night sky features - so they are well worth learning to identify. 

So why are there so few pictures?  Why are there so few people in them?

Answer – they were taken early and then later in the evening. None were taken at peak time.

I suppose that is a good sign really – even I was busy talking to visitors so had little time to take your pictures let alone admire the displays and whatever it was on Andrew’s laptop!!

  In February we are back to our 1^st Tuesday slot – let’s hope for some clear skies and then we can do what we all hope for on such occasions – some decent observing.

March 1^st – 8^th is National Astronomy Week and one of the events on our program includes a star count in the constellation of Orion – look out for that one!!

December - Quiz Night

December already and the last meeting for this year - where the does time go?

A meeting with an added dimension this time.

Brian hand-made this carbon fibre harp - even down to the moulding and here we have Liz, just before the meeting , giving an impromptu demonstration for us.

We had 24 in attendance, several back from fireworks duty last month but still a few of the (normally) faithful could not attend this time for various reasons.

Richard did his usual sterling job of manning the tearoom ably assisted by  Phil who arrived early and did pretty much a one-man job of sorting out the hall.

Both were a great help, particularly to me as I generally struggle to pull all things together before the meeting starts.
This time I was fairly relaxed.

Here we have the tea room where there is always a good gathering.

Mince pies were the added attraction tonight though surprisingly few were eaten.
Last year, I recollect, was much the same - perhaps astronomers are not mince pie people.

Still more for me - I bring 'em in , I take 'em home.
(which, I hasten to add, is quite fair because I paid for them as well!!).


Soon it was time for Jim to give his presentation of "What's Up in the December Sky."
The hi-light would have been Comet ISON but sadly it failed to survive perihelion at the end of November though as Jim reminded us we do still have a number of other comets currently on offer including Encke's and perhaps the brightest of the bunch comet Lovejoy.

Jupiter is the dominant planet on show this month - and indeed for the next few months so we are hoping for some clear skies to spot the dominant features and moons.
Winter constellations are now reminding us of the cold and dark time of year.
Wrap up warm Jim advised - sensible advice.
Other features prominent in December include the Andromeda galaxy M31 and also M33 the Triangulum galaxy which Jim has actually seen naked eye in Freystrop
M33 is arguable the most distant object visible to the naked eye though viewing conditions need to be excellent to see this one at magnitude 5.

Hi-lights over, we were entertained a little more on the harp and enticed by more tea and biscuits.

                                                                                                              

Look carefully - can you spot someone in the picture on the right who has other things on her mind!!




The December quiz last year gave some real problems so this year I attempted to make it somewhat easier - 37 questions that were either multi-choice or that had 1 word answers.

Here's the proof with question 1 - even 10 year old Nathan got this one right as well as many of the other questions.
Some questions or should I say answers proved contentious but then quizzes always do and as I stressed at the beginning - it is just a bit of fun.

Teams were made up of 4/5 members working together so no pressure there.

The best team scored 34 another 33 and yet another 32 so I think I got it about right this time.


Sadly the skies were cloudy with even some rain on our arrival though afterwards a few of us did glimpse Jupiter through the clouds.



A final look at the tea room and yes the guy on the right is still there - well done Jim.



***Will he still be there in January?***

 The BBC is doing "Stargazing Live" again in 2014 so we have moved our meeting day to Friday the 10th January, the same venue - Letterston Memorial Hall at 7.00p.m.
We will be covering the What's Up feature only at this meeting - hopefully allowing more time for viewing the night sky.

The poster below says it all - but note that it is 7.00 p.m. (the final print has been amended). We will be advertising this as a public event so let's hope for a good turn out and some good weather.

November - Stellar Evolution & HR Diagram

Getting things ready - refreshment department.

I had to include this picture as it makes me look - well - slim!

Andrew, on the left, and yours truly setting up the tea and biscuits before the meeting.

 Perhaps because it was fireworks night our numbers were reduced this time – just 22 of the faithful attended.

Apologies were received from Rob976, Nathan, Yoroy, Rob the Secretary and Philt. Richard was back and forth juggling his firework duties at the other end of the village and other regulars – Mike, Liz, Brian, Gladys etc were sadly missed.

We look forward to seeing you all in December for the “Quiz” and mince pies! 

The “What’s Up in November” feature highlighted the fact that 4 comets would be in the early morning sky around the 9th – couple that with a conjunction of Mercury and Saturn on the 26^th and a busy month was promised.

For those who prefer night-time astronomy November is a good time to look for M31 the Andromeda galaxy – the most distant object easily visible with the naked eye at 2.5 million light years (ish).

M33 – the Triangulum Galaxy is another contender for this title being a little further afield ( astronomically speaking) but  is a difficult galaxy to spot as its surface brightness is low and is spread over a large area of sky.

Mike also made mention of another evening constellation - Taurus (the bull) which houses the open clusters Pleiades and Hyades along with M1 the supernova remnant.

Following refreshments we were treated to Kim’s presentation - Stellar Evolution & HR Diagram.

A star’s lifespan & eventual fate are determined by the original mass of the star – bigger stars are doomed to an early death as they rip through nuclear reactions at a reckless rate.

Solar mass stars that Kim dealt with are more modest - they convert hydrogen to helium in the core and live considerably longer in astronomical terms! 

The summary picture reveals that, although 90% of the star’s life is spent on the main sequence, fusion reactions and gravitational contractions change the star to a red giant/supergiant.

Most stars probably change from red giants to pulsating variable stars (Cepheids or RR Lyrae) before they finally die.

Final life stages of a star like our Sun include planetary nebula, white dwarf followed by dead black dwarf.

This is a fascinating subject which gave rise to a number of questions which Kim eloquently answered in conclusion.

It was one of those subjects that we need to hear several times before we can grasp it fully. 

It would be good, once the website is back online, to have the words and pictures for this lecture made available for further viewing.

Our thanks to Kim for the hard work and research he put into making this such a meaningful and enlightening subject.

 

Question time continued after the meeting.

Here we have Kim doing an "Eric Morecombe" impression!!




For December it is “Quiz Night” – I’ll make it easier than last year!!

Hopefully we’ll have some clear skies also - and so add viewing to our agenda.   

    

October Meeting - Comets

A good turnout for the October  meeting with 28 present including a couple from Australia, visiting locally just for a few days before going on to London prior to returning home.
They came  with Gladys arguably our oldest regular member.
I believe that's Gladys with her back to the camera - cameras do that to people I've discovered.

Richard did the sterling job of preparing refreshments for us all both  before and during the meeting.
Thanks for that Richard. :<)
After setting up the projector it was time to make a start with the item - "What's Up in October".

 Jim began by referring to the Summer Triangle - still a prominent feature for several weeks and followed up with mention of clusters that are now beginning to appear in the night sky - M13, Pleiades and the Double Cluster in Perseus.
Not much in the planet line is visible this month - Venus is available early evening though fairly low so a good vantage point is needed..
Jupiter is the "star" in the planetary line-up this month, being a bright object in Taurus rising around midnight and followed some 2 hours later by the much dimmer planet - Mars.
Jim also made mention of some of the October meteor showers - the  Taurids were of particular interest being associated with Comet Encke which is also showing this month.

Our thanks to Jim for drawing these features to our attention.

Following refreshments we moved into the main lecture on comets delivered by "yours truly".

Many comets including Hyakutake  on this opening image have the sobriquet "Great" as a result of their brightness/public awareness.

Mike took us through Comets in the past - on the Bayeux Tapestry for example we have a representation of what we now know to be Halley's comet!
Our present day understanding is that the short-period comets (< 200 years orbital period) emanate from the Kuiper belt beyond Neptune whereas long-period comets come from even further afield - a region called the Oort cloud.
Comets, which by the N.A.S.A definition must contain 85% ice often achieve huge tails - they can extend a distance equal to that of the Sun to the Earth - and we hope that Comet ISON, soon to grace our skies, will be equally impressive.
One little nugget that Mike shared with us was that Halley's Comet has been sighted back to 240 B.C.E.
The 1985 sighting, seen by a number in attendance, was the 30th of an unbroken series of sightings every 75-78 years for over two milleniums.

Before and after there was plenty of time to chat and browse the items on display.
For this meeting Mark brought along a number of his older/duplicate astronomy books for sale - that looks like Roy and Peter perusing them in the lower picture. 

I'm beginning to find that there are a number of faces I cannot put a name to so if you are fairly new-ish help me out - at the next meeting come and say hello.

No viewing of the night sky was possible at this meeting due to the cloud cover - perhaps in November!!

As a  reminder - the 5th November meeting main lecture is on the subject:

Stellar Evolution and the HR diagram - Part 2 and will be covered by my old friend Kim Gowney.
(Note: this covers low mass stars only)  

September - Something of a Bizarre Affair

This was one of the titles suggested for the September meeting.

Confusion reigned as to who was giving the main lecture – the answer was cast in stone months previously and placed on the forum but to quote Jim our Chairman: 

“we muddled through and the evening could, of course, have been a disaster but we have a good bunch of understanding people.”

So the committee extends their thanks and apologies to that “good bunch” for bearing with us in difficult circumstances - including fetching the milk (Peter?) and biscuits (Mike?). (Something we should never be without!)

The one and only picture taken - I've tweaked it to improve the clarity but it's still no "Damien Peach." 
(Why does Brian always look so photogenic?)

The figure I was given was c 25 attended with a couple for the 1^st time and that “good bunch” were – after some wrestling with the laptop/projector – treated to Jim covering the material “What’s Up in September.”

One of the  highlights Jim drew upon was the recent discovery of the nova in the constellation Delphinus – this was a particularly bright nova (magnitude 4.5 was one estimate) and was visible naked eye from a suitably dark sky.

More here:

http://darkskydiary.wordpress.com/2013/08/15/a-bright-nova-appears-in-delphinus/

The good news for the evening was the clear skies and Jim supplied these observations:

“Outside the sky was absolutely clear and as neither Phil or I had brought any instruments other than my 10 x 50 bins but as it happened two members had brought their telescopes which they set up in the car park to give some views of Venus which was readily visible even naked eye from inside the kitchen.

As the light changed to dark the stars started popping into view and eventually we had probably the best viewing session since we started using the memorial hall.

A few of us had brought green laser pointers so we were able to point out many of the sights and constellations to the less experienced members.”

and Kim Gowney (one of the two) supplied this insight:

“After tea, myself, and Bob had scopes so we set up and those members and guests who remained long enough had views of Venus, Albireo, the Ring Nebula, M31, and M13 with a lot of chatter thrown in by motormouth - we stayed until just before 10.”

So it would appear that even without  Sue, Andrew & yours truly, the evening ended well.

Just one reminder that in the confusion was omitted – The FAS asked us to mention the council vacancies that are forthcoming – details are at:

http://fedastro.org.uk/fas/

If anyone would like to be considered for any of these vacancies let us know as soon as possible.