Monday 19th to Sunday 25th September 2022
It's a quiet week on the astronomy front. Of course the stars will all be there to see, along with the usual favourite planets Jupiter and Saturn and a thin Crescent Moon. So in the absence of anything more unusual to report, I'm going to take the opportunity to advertise two astronomy lectures and star parties that I have scheduled in partnership with Radio Ninesprings at the Ham Hill Visitor Centre. The dates for your diary are Friday 21st October and Friday 18th November from 7 to 9pm.
On both evenings, there will be a talk on general astronomy and observing tips, lasting about an hour and then after some refreshments, we will be heading outside to conduct our own little adventure into space. The Moon will not be visible, so that gives us an un-polluted view of the Andromeda Galaxy 2.5 million light years away and the planets Jupiter and Saturn. Towards the end of the viewing session, Mars and the Pleiades cluster of stars will be appearing over the horizon, followed by the Great Orion Nebula.
Our “special guest” for the evening will be a large piece of the Campo del Cielo meteorite that crashed into Argentina over 4000 years ago!
The events are suitable for all the family and the cost is £7 per adult, with a reduced rate of £3.50 for children under 18 years of age. Booking is essential as places are limited. Bookings can be made online via the www.visitsouthsomerset.com website under the Ham Hill tab, but to make it easier, I have also included a link at www.starsoversomerset.com
The actual use of the telescopes will be dependent on there being clear skies each evening, but don't worry as I have a "Plan B" if the weather isn't co-operating!
Copyright Adrian Dening and Radio Ninesprings 2022