Out & About July 2017

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Stars in
their eyes
It may be a little chilly as winter draws
to a close, but it is still worth venturing
outside late at night or in the early
hours of the morning and gazing up
at the skies to see what is shining
brightly in our solar system. Nic Fleet
from Newbury Astronomical Society
says there’s plenty to see if you’re out
for a romantic evening stroll this month
and points out some of February’s
highlights.
Newbury Astronomical Society
was founded in 1981 by four local
women who had taken a GCSE
in astronomy through evening classes
at Newbury College. The society is
a registered charity, and one of its
main aims is to promote science and
astronomy to the public, especially
young people.
Members often give talks to local
organisations, particularly schools and
youth groups, and they are happy to
answer any astronomical queries by
email or online.
The society currently has a membership
of about 80 people of all ages and levels
of knowledge, together with a lively
Twitter account and Facebook page.
They meet twice a month, between
September and June, with the main
meetings on the first Friday of the month
at the Mencap Centre, just off Enborne
Road, Newbury, from 7.30pm. They
usually have a guest speaker at these
meetings, and short contributions from
members after a break for tea or coffee.
Their beginners meetings are held on
the third Wednesday of the month at St
Mary’s Church Hall, Greenham starting
at 7pm. These are more informal, with
several short talks and a chance to look
through telescopes if it is clear.
An annual subscription covers entry
to both meetings. Non-members are
welcome to come along to any meeting
and there is a small visitor’s fee, which
covers refreshments.
The society also holds occasional
observing evenings, telescope
workshops and outings to places
of astronomical interest. Details are
published on its website.
For more information visit
follow us on Twitter, @newburyastro
or message them at Newbury Astronomical Society on Facebook
Pictures: Stellarium, Wikipedia,
Newbury Astronomical Society members Steve Knight, Richard Fleet