Cotswold Astronomical Society

The latest Mercury newsletter is now available, and members can download the July / August 2020 issue from the Digital media | Mercury page.

In this issue:

• Coordinators Report
• The Romans’ pre-Julian calendar
• Dates for your diary
• Noctilucent Cloud Season Arrives!
• Members Photos
• Mount Tufley Observatory
  
  

The latest Mercury newsletter is now available and members can download the May / Jun 2020 issue from the Downloads page.

As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic we have had to curtail the speaker calendar for the foreseeable future, which has led to our events organiser, Mark, putting together a webcast that was broadcast to society members on the 11th April in lieu of the AGM. 

Many members enjoyed the broadcast and a few have asked if a recording could be made available. This has now been done, so if you missed it you can view the presentation via the link in the members area.

The latest Mercury newsletter is now available and members can download the Mar / Apr 2020 issue from the Downloads page.

Highlights of this issue are:

• The Liverpool Telescope
• How Stars Burn
• The search for Gravity, Part 3

 

M E E T I N G   C A N C E L L E D

 

As a precautionary measure against the coronavirus the meeting on the 14th March has been cancelled. We hope to rearrange for Chris Lintott to deliver his talk later in the year.

 

 

Astronomers have got very good at finding planets around other stars. 
 From planets with twin Suns to evaporating Jupiters, and from lava 
worlds to giant diamonds, the variety of planets we now know about 
would put any science fiction series to shame. This talk, from Chris 
Lintott reviews the latest discoveries, and explains what these 
thousands of strange and unusual worlds change how we think about the 
Universe.

 

On the 10th October this year Norman Pomfret will be delivering his talk to us.

Synopsis   

An introduction to Radio Astronomy begins by contrasting this modern day science with the classics, then discovery of Radio Waves and the personalities involved are acknowledged. This is followed by the accidental discovery of a new science that is now referred to as Radio Astronomy.   To set the scene for later topics several several examples of modern day physics are considered then, a few very important discoveries are introduced.  One of those is at the fore front of modern day medical science.

Biog

Now retired from project engineering of electronic systems, he has focused his widespread interests in Astronomy, Earth Science and Radio Communication under the umbrella of Radio Astronomy.  He is a Trustee of the UK Radio Astronomy Association.  Currently he is developing with friends a Schumann Resonance Sensor for the amateur observer.

This presentation supports the outreach aims of the UK Radio Astronomy Association.

 

 

(With sound)

 

On Monday 11th November there is a Transit of Mercury.  This begins at about 12.35 pm and is still in progress at Sunset.

Neil Havard is planning to observe this from the playing fields off Sappercombe Lane and would welcome any members and their friends who would like to come along to view the event – weather permitting. Sappercombe Lane is a narrow lane (just before Beeches Rd) off Little Herberts Rd that runs up from the church in Charlton Kings.  There is parking at the end of this short lane.  More telescopes would be welcomed of course, but ensure the correct filter is in place.