Hampshire Astronomical Group

Astronomical Events for May 2013

Comets

1 May - Comet C/2011 L4 PANSTARRS can be found passing between Cassiopeia and Cepheus and should be 7^th mag if predictions are right.  It should be possible to see the comet using binoculars.

13 May - Comet C/2011 L4 PANSTARRS will be passing mag. +3.2 Errai (Gamma) which is in the House asterism.

27 May - Comet C/2011 L4 PANSTARRS can be found about 5° from the north celestial pole.

Miscellaneous

4 May - 23:30 BST - M3, a globular cluster, can be found due south at an altitude of about 65°.  Look for it midway between Cor Caroli Canum Venaticorum (Canes Venatici) and Arcturus (Boötes).

Planets

11 May - Venus, Jupiter and a waxing crescent Moon can be found near one another.  Look for them low in the west-northwest in the evening.

18 May - just after sunset - Mercury, Venus and Jupiter appear in a row.  Look for them in the low west-northwest.  Jupiter is at the upper left end and Mercury the lower right end.

23 May - 23:00 BST - Saturn can be found due south, Spica will be to the right of Saturn and Arcturus directly above the planet.  Saturn, Spica and Arcuturus will be forming a large right-angled triangle.

24 May - just after sunset - Mercury, Venus and Jupiter form a right-angled triangle.  Look for them low in the northwest.

26 May - Mercury, Venus and Jupiter form an equilateral triangle tonight.  They can be viewed just after sunset, low in the northwest horizon.

28 May - Venus, Jupiter and Mercury can be found just after sunset.  Venus and Jupiter are 1° apart.

31 May - Saturn can be found 1.25° from Kappa Virginis.

Moon

12 May - just after sunset - A waxing crescent Moon can be found about 4° to the east of Jupiter, with Venus close to the northwest horizon, although Venus may be difficult to see.

17 May - 00:00 BST onwards - A waxing crescent Moon can be found to the south of M67, an open cluster.

Meteor Showers

6 May - Peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower with a ZHR of 55 meteors an hour.  Best time to observe this meteor shower is in the early morning.

Comet Image Credit: Graham Bryant
Saturn Image Credit: NASA, ESA, J. Clarke (Boston University), and Z. Levay (STScI)

Announcement posted by : Website Team

Events in the South of England

12th June - From a Simple Time-Ball to the Biggest Telescope in the World: 180 years of Astronomy in the South Africa.

Prof Malcolm Coe (University of Southampton)

This lecture will be presented twice, at 4:30pm and then again at 6:30pm.

Lecture: The first professional telescopes from the UK arrived in Cape Town with the formation of the Royal Observatory in 1820. Despite battling with snakes, leopards and assorted diseases the new observatory had half the universe waiting to explore. Though some astronomers didn't last very long, those that did discovered a rich vein of new astronomical objects to explore. Vital for navigation with the increasing number of ships heading towards or from the East, the Observatory provided both a functional role as well as an exciting scientific one. This pioneering history has been reclaimed in the last decade with the construction of the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) - the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere - and the very recent decision to build the major part of the colossal Square Kilometre Array (SKA) in southern Africa. Both of these will bring cutting-edge astronomical research to Africa and will allow it to establish itself, once more, at the scientific front line.

Prof Malcolm Coe obtained his PhD in astrophysics from Imperial College, London before going off to work for NASA at the Goddard Space Flight Center for several years. Subsequently he moved to Southampton University where he has been since. He has given over 200 talks to non- specialist audiences of all ages and is a Trustee of INTECH Science Centre.These events often sell out so pre-book or call to check on (01962) 863791

These events often sell out so pre-book or call to check on (01962) 863791

Announcement posted by : Steve Knight

Sun Live Event at the Clanfield Observatory

Sun Live Event

Clanfield Observatory offer a rare chance to see the Sun in Real time using special Sun Filters.
Depending on the weather conditions and the activity on the Sun this is a chance to see Prominences and Sun Spots using Hydrogen Alpha and other special Filters.
Should the weather prevent views of the Sun we will give a tour of the observatory and an illustrated talk about the Sun.

Entrance is exclusively by pre purchased tickets priced at £5:00 Adults £3 for 16 and under each.

There are two visits per day on Sundays. The first visit will start at 11and finish at 12.30pm, the second will start at 1.30pm and finish at 3pm.
 
Please select a time and date you wish to do your observing.

Sunday May 19th -- 11am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 3pm
Sunday June 16th -- 11am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 3pm
Sunday July 14th -- 11am to 12.30pm or 1.30pm to 3pm

For tickets please fill in a booking form on the Sun Live page of the web site.

http://www.hantsastro.org.uk/solardays/index.php 

Images credit: Phil Reed

Announcement posted by : Website Team

Southdowns Planetarium

The South Downs Planetarium is a registered educational charity, which is run by a small team of experienced and dedicated volunteers.
The Planetarium operates throughout the year, but is not open every day.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the Planetarium at the show times listed on this website.

Public Shows and Dates

Friday 17th May 7.30pm - Southern Stars, Nearby Galaxies

Sunday 19th May 3.30pm - Springtime Stars and Galaxies

Monday 27th May 3.30pm - Seven Wonders of the Solar System

Wednesday 29th May 3.30pm - Springtime Stars and Galaxies

Friday 31st May 7.30pm - Violent Sun, Space Weather

As seats sell out fast, it is essential to book your seat.

Admission Prices: £6.00 for adults, or £4.00 for children 6 to 16yrs. Cash or Cheque Only

The South Downs Planetarium Trust is a Registered Educational Charity No. 1096869.

For further information about all South Downs Planetarium activities, contact: 

The South Downs Planetarium and Science Centre
Sir Patrick Moore Building
Kingsham Farm
Kingsham Road
Chichester
West Sussex PO19 8RP

For Sat Nav Users:-

Enter PO19 8AE

Tel: 01243 774400 Ticket hotline: 07818 297292

e-mail: sdownsplanet@btconnect.com

http://www.southdowns.org.uk/

Announcement posted by : Website Team

Astronomy for Beginners Course

Astronomy is the oldest science and throughout the ages mankind has had a fascination for the night sky. This twenty-week course for adults over two terms, on Monday evenings from 7.15pm to 9.00pm at Clanfield Observatory, starting on Monday, 16th September 2013, is intended to introduce a basic understanding of astronomy with an emphasis on activities carried out by amateurs.

The course will include observations through some of the telescopes we have, when weather conditions permit.

As there is currently a surge of interest in astronomy, the course quickly fills up, so early enrolment is strongly recommended. A minimum deposit of £10 reserves your place on a first come basis.

For more details check out our Courses for All page: 
http://www.hantsastro.org.uk/education/courses.php

Or to book your place on the course please contact Robin Gorman by email: robin.gorman@hantsastro.org.uk

Announcement posted by : Website Team