In our Solar System we find to kinds of planets: small rocky planets closer to the sun, and ice giants further out. The rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) have only three moons among them, whereas the ice giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Saturn) have around ninety. This month's video article by 'Astronomic' explains...
In the second part of our tour through the winter sky we shall look at some more deep sky celestial treats to tempt you outside.
To begin, locate the constellation of Gemini, the twins, whose two leading stars, Castor and Pollux ride quite high in the South-East sky. The object we are seeking is the Planetary Nebula - NGC 2392 or ‘The Clown face’ nebula, a telescopic object well worth observing. To find -follow the line of stars in Gemini extending away from Pollux... [Read more about A Winter Sky Ramble (Part 2)]
In this month's edition:
Our Christmas meal at the Hare and Hounds once again proved a great success. Even though only seven members made it to the banqueting table on the date chosen (and no we didn’t lose any on the way up) did not detract from the evening. [Read more about Christmas Meal 2016]
Five society members, Andi, Andy, Lee, Mark and John from Westerdale made the journey over to Leeds Astromeet this year. With Andi at the helm, we seemed to make good time, arriving at the venue with almost half an hour to spare before the first lecture... [Read more about Leeds Astromeet 2016]
We have been invited once again to assist with the Schools star night activities. The event is some way off, but the date for the diary is March 22nd – 19:00h. The York planetarium will be present, and hot soup, rolls and cakes will be available. Should be a good evening! [Read more about Eskdale Star Night]
In theory, a moon can have a moon. The region of space around a satellite where a sub-satellite can exist is called a 'Hill sphere'. Outside the hillsphere the sub-satellite would be lost around the satellite, and therefore orbiting the planet or the sun instead of the moon itself... [Read more about Can a Moon Have a Moon?]
In the first of this two-part feature we shall take a look at some of the celestial winter wonders located in or near the asterism sometimes referred to as the Celestial “G”, whether using the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
But first let us familiarise ourselves with the celestial “G”. This large asterism encompasses much of the southern aspect of the winter sky, incorporating the brightest stars visible there, which form a large, slightly tilted in aspect, capital letter ‘G’... [Read more about A Winter Sky Ramble (Part 1)]
In this month's edition:
Nice to be back at the museum for a lecture, well at least Mark was; he was giving the lecture to the Whitby Naturalist Society. Mark had been asked some time ago to give a talk about the night sky, and his chosen subject was the diversity of celestial objects astronomers observe. It was slightly odd giving a talk on a Saturday afternoon... [Read more about Mark at the Museum]
Look high to the northeast where you will locate one of the northern skies more important constellations, the great hero of Greek mythology, Perseus. Legends associated with Perseus exist in various cultures; some may be traced back as far as the 5th century BC.
One tale in particular, his quest to rid the world of the hideous gorgon, Medusa, a creature whose hair was a nest of venomous snakes and glance would literally petrify the unfortunate who looked upon her, is well known, part of which relates to the rescue of the Princess Andromeda. The tale also has a connection with a particular star within the constellation. [Read more about The Demon’s Head and the Glittering Sword]
Andy L, Keith and Mark hosted a star party for a charity function organised by Maggie Keating of Ferndene house, Fylingthorpe. The event was to raise funds for the Brighter Futures charity – helping educate children in parts of Africa... [Read more about Fylingthorpe Event]
In this month's edition:
After discussions at last month’s meeting, it looks like we are bound for the Hare and Hounds once again for this year’s Christmas bash.
It has been provisionally booked for December 9th for 19:30h. 12 places are up for grabs. The menu is with these notes and on the website. If you could let Mark know your choices as soon as possible it would be much appreciated.
Not long now to the 2016 Leeds Astromeet which is on Saturday November 12th, at Leeds University. The date for your diary is Saturday November 12th, usual venue- Leeds University, Clothworkers Hall – Doors are open from 09:00h with lectures starting at 10:00h. [Read more about Leeds Astromeet 2016]
| Sun | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| Actual | 07:50 | 17:43 |
| Civil Twilight | 07:13 | 18:20 |
| Nautical Twilight | 06:31 | 19:01 |
| Astronomical Twilight | 05:50 | 19:43 |
| Moon | Rise | Set |
|---|---|---|
| 12:20 | 20:41 |
