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Fast Radio Bursts

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.

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Weird Worlds: The new science of exoplanets

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.

 

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An Introduction to Radio Astronomy

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.

 

 

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The latest Mercury, Nov / Dec 2019, is now available

The latest Mercury newsletter is now available and members can download the Nov / Dec 2019 issue from the Downloads page.

Highlights of this issue are:

  • Committee meeting minutes
  • The Antiques Road Trip
  • The 8-Year Cycle of Venus and Earth
  • Andromeda
  • History: From Hipparchus to Newton
  • Speaking at Gloucester Cathedral as part of the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing
  • Bepi Columbo
  • Capturing Meteors Easily