Events around the North West

Border Astronomical Society (Carlisle)

Throughout the week (weather permitting) at the Observatory, Trinity Middle School, Strand Road, Carlisle: Public open observing evenings including viewing through the societies 16 inch telescope.

FEEDBACK: Lucky with the weather which, cleared after nightfall. Although visitor numbers were low to begin with they steadily increased as the week went on. Mars was seen through a members 8" Dobsonian but was obscured from the main observatory telescope (16" Newtonian). However, this was used to view other astronomical features such as the Andromeda Galaxy. "We enjoyed sharing our hobby with all who came along."
 

Cockermouth Astronomical Society (Lake District)

29th August, 7pm-9pm in St Joseph's Church Rooms, Cockermouth: "Mars Night". Including an illustrated talk on the history of Mars exploration. Also enjoy watching computer-simulated "flights" over the surface of Mars and hear about the British Beagle 2 and US Mars Exploration Rover probes. Tickets available for the lecture available from THE NEW BOOKSHOP, Cockermouth from mid-August. This will be followed by a "Mars Watch" from 10.30pm at the playing fields of Cockermouth School (weather permitting), where members of the CAS will gather with their high-powered telescopes. The "Mars Watch" is free, bring warm clothes and binoculars if you have them.
For more information email Stuart Atkinson or phone on 01900 826139

FEEDBACK: "An outstanding success." All 4 lectures went down well and were sold out days in advance. Some 30 ticket-less hopefuls had to be turned away on the night. All members worked really hard. It was raining after the talks but cleared by 10.45pm to reveal "outrageous views of Mars" to a crowd of at least 100. There were 5 big telescopes and several smaller ones trained on Mars, Uranus,  Neptune and many deep space objects, to make the evening one to remember.
 

Furness and South Lakeland Astronomical Society

29th August 7.30pm at the Trinity Church Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow-in-Furness: Free lecture entitled "Fire and Ice-The Changing Face of Mars" by Prof. Lionel Wilson of Lancaster University

Lancaster & Morecambe Astronomical Society

23rd August at the Lancaster City Museum, Market Square, Lancaster: All day event featuring
displays, presentations, competition and discussions

FEEDBACK: A very successful open day. About 50 people turned up to the presentations and there may be 5 or 6 new members as a result.

Liverpool Astronomical Society

 23rd, 24th, 30th & 31st August at Liverpool AS, Pex Hill Observatory, Cronton, Widnes: FREE Solar Observations and learning about the Sun.

Macclesfield Astronomical Society

23rd August: providing telescopes and observing tips at the Jodrell Bank Star Party

30th August at Jodrell Bank: holding an event for local Astronomical Societies (to be arranged).

FEEDBACK: A huge success. The event on the 30th at Jodrell Bank attracted visitors from all over the North West and as far away as Nottingham. "It was a brilliant way to involve amateurs and professionals alike in some practical observing."

Manchester Astronomical Society

30th August 09.30-18.00hrs at Sachas Hotel, central Manchester: Society for the History of Astronomy open session at the MAS Centenary ASTRO day. Morning session (10.30am-12.30pm),introduction by Stuart Williams (FRAS), followed by talks by Roger Jones "The Survey of the Astronomical Geography of the UK", Madeline Cox (FRAS) "Lampoons and Lighthouses:some Nottinghamshire astronomers", Andrew Lound "Lunatik Astronomy". Afternoon session (2pm-3.45pm) opening remarks John Bolton, Kevin Kilburn FRAS "History of the Manchester Astronomical Society", Sir Arnold Wolfendale "The Search for intelligent Life", Dr Allan Chapman (former president of MAS) title to be confirmed.
There will be a meteorite display and usual society displays
 

Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester

Every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday throughout August and every Saturday & Sunday throughout September 11.30am & 2.30pm in the Space Hall at the planetarium: "The Summer Sky" a fascinating view of the stars & planets. Adults £1, Concessions 50p

The Astronomy Centre (Todmorden)

23rd-30th August 2pm-6pm open to visitors 5.30pm -11pm open to visitors including a short elementary talk "The scale of the Universe" at 8pm followed by observing (weather permitting)