Events around the South & South East
Abingdon Astronomical Society
FEEDBACK: The display about Mars in Abingdon's Market Place on 30th August attracted much interest from shoppers and passers-by.
Robin Scagell's Galaxy picture postcard commemorating NAW was a popular
purchase and the posters were widely taken. However, the biggest
attraction on this sunny day was the solar viewing when queues formed to
observe sunspots with the guidance of experienced solar observers.
Information was also provided for the forthcoming public meeting (see
below)
3rd September: Public observing of Mars at Sunningwell Village
hall.
Andover Astronomical
Society
18th to 30th August in Andover library: Annual exhibition with
particular reference to the proximity of Mars.
Aylesbury Astronomical Society
26th & 27th August:
Holding public viewing
evenings and talks on the solar system and beyond
FEEDBACK: Good public
attendance on both evenings. Mars did reveal itself on the 27th albeit
for only about 15 minutes! Are there plans for NAW 2004?
Bedford Astronomical Society
.
Throughout August at the
Putnoe branch library, Putnoe Street, Bedford: Exhibition including
displays about the close approach of Mars and The Beagle 2 Lander
Mission, plus much more about the society including telescopes,
photographs, posters and books. Society members will be on hand on
August 16th to give advice and offer safe solar observing and live
Webcam demonstrations.
26 & 28th August at 9.30pm on
the Bedford embankment near the suspension bridge and Russell Park:
Footpath astronomy sessions (FREE)
27th August & 3rd
September at Bedford school Observatory and Planetarium, Pemberley
Avenue, accessed via Park Avenue or Kimbolton Road: Regular
society meeting with Mars observing (FREE)
For further information contact Peter
Ashwell on:01234 353777 (daytime); 01234 211532 (Evening)
FEEDBACK:
As the introductory talk and presentations came to an end on the 27th
August, Mars popped over the rooftops, spotted by one of the visitors
(now, along with 6 other visitors, a new member of the society!), to a
round of applause. Although some members of the public attended the
meeting on the 27th August, unfortunately the other observing sessions
planned for the 26th and the 28th were clouded out. The society were
pleased and proud to be able to show off many of the photographs of Mars
that had been taken recently. This included part of a sequence of
web-cam pictures that will later become a full animate sequence of the
enlarging approach and diminishing recession of the planet.
Breckland Astronomical
Society will open their observatory every night of NAW and will host
at least one lecture on Mars.
FEEDBACK: Some fine
views of Mars were obtained through the 20" telescope in the observatory
on most nights. Saturday 30th was "exceptional" with perfectly clear
nights and crowds of people. Two 8" reflecting telescopes were used
outside the dome to cope with the sheer numbers. The visitors were able
to view deep sky objects and were taken through identification of
constellations as well as seeing Mars later in the evenings.
Bournemouth Borough Council
25th August 2-5pm on
the grass near the Land Train Office, Hengistbury Head, Christchurch:
Mars display and sunspot observations
26th August 2-5pm near the Bandstand, Bournemouth Gardens: Mars
display and sunspot
observations
27th August at Hengistbury Head: Mars Night. Please phone 01202
420909 for further details
29th August 2-5pm near the Crazy Golf at Boscombe Gardens,
Bournemouth: Mars display and
sunspot observations
Cambridge Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory
The astrophysics group at the Cavendish Laboratory,
University of Cambridge will be offering tours around the Mullard Radio
Astronomy Observatory (MRAO) at Lord's Bridge on the following dates:
25th August at 4.30pm
27th August at 6pm
29th August at 6pm
Tours will last approximately 2 hours and are free of charge. Booking is
essential. Contact
Kate Gilbert
(Tel:01223 337294)
Crawley Astronomical Society
18th July 7.30-9.30pm at Ifield Community Centre, Ifield Drive,
Crawley, West Sussex: Public open evening with exhibits, observing,
Deep space and children's activities
Eastbourne Astronomical Society
23rd, 24th, 29th and 30th August at 10pm in Helen Gardens, King Edward's
Parade, Eastbourne: Public observing sessions.
FEEDBACK: The first 3 sessions were marred by cloud although some
60 plus visitors were able to view Mars for about 1 hour before the
cloud came in on the 24th. On the 29th the patient dozen or so people
were rewarded with good views as the skies cleared at about 11.15pm. On
the 30th as many as 100 people queued to see Mars and other
celestial objects through several telescopes. "The gasps of amazement
were almost none stop which, goes to exemplify how worth while it is to
give people who might otherwise never look through a telescope the
chance to do so via a well-publicised, well-organised event such as
National Astronomy Week." The societies funds and membership have been
increased by the success of the week.
East Sussex Astronomical Society
will run observing sessions every night of NAW plus solar observing
during the day. There will also be exhibits and astronomical talks.
Farnham Astronomical Society
23 August at
the Maltings Hall, Farnham, Surrey:
Open Day with exhibits, presentations and the chance for the public to
meet members.
Exhibitions will include mirror making demonstration, telescope and
binocular demonstrations, planisphere, moon map, monthly sky guide,
photographs, Mars display and much more!
Foredown Tower (Portslade)
28th August,
10.30am-2.30pm at Foredown Tower, Foredown Road, Portslade: A morning
packed with science, art and mythology of Mars. Not suitable for under 8
years. Family ticket £5 and £10. For further details telephone 01273
292092
FEEDBACK:
The Mars morning attracted a few adults and children to hear a talk
about Mars and the children made a "Mars" by painting a paper plate.
Although a public observing session was not held, a couple of members
did get a good view of Mars around midnight using a 6inch reflector.
Hampshire Astronomical Group
23rd-30th August: After a
short talk on Mars, Clanfield Observatory will be open each night for
observing. Admission by ticket only.
FEEDBACK:
A very successful week with all events fully booked. The demand was so
great that 2 extra nights had to be put on. A record 7 out of 8 nights
were clear and Robin Gorman, vice chairman and founder of NAW plus
member of HAG talked of "memories for all which should last a life
time." The response from visitors was very positive with requests for
more night sky observing sessions over the winter months. "NAW fulfilled
an important role in raising awareness of the night sky among the wider
public."
Hastings and Battle Astronomical Society
30th August at the Observatory Science
Centre, Herstmonceux: All night BBQ and
viewing with guest speaker Royal Observatory and Blue Peter Astronomer
Anton Vamplew (£19, booking essential - contact
Keith Woodcock 01424
443883).
Also assisting the Observatory Science Centre with their events and
viewing evenings throughout the week (see The Observatory Science
Centre entry).
 FEEDBACK:
A fantastic week which, started with a display at the family activity
day (photograph). Saturday 30th was very clear and there were some
great images of Mars and other celestial objects. Over 70 people
turned up to the all night BBQ and stayed until the small hours of the
morning! See the Observatory Science Centre for further details of the
other evening events.
INTECH
(Winchester)
25th August 11am &
2pm at INTECH, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill, Winchester: Lecture "Science
for ALL". Observing Stars and Planets in the night sky by Dr Ruby
Philpott (£1.00 admission)
26th August 11am & 2pm at INTECH, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill,
Winchester: Lecture "Science
for ALL". The Planets of our Solar System by Dr Ruby Philpott (£1.00
admission)
26th August 9.30pm at INTECH, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill,
Winchester: "Discovering Mars" led
by Andover Astronomical Society (Free admission)
27th August 11am & 2pm at INTECH, Telegraph Way, Morn Hill,
Winchester: Workshop "The Great Outdoors". Find out about wildlife on
our own planet with Ian B Dunne (£1.00 admission)
28th & 29th August 11.30am/1.30pm at INTECH, Telegraph Way, Morn
Hill, Winchester: "The Learning Dome". A mobile planetarium will visit
INTECH (£2.00 admission)
La Societe Guernesiaise
(Astronomy section, Guernsey)
26th & 29th August 9pm - 2am the
observatory at Rue du Lorier, St Peters, Guernsey will be open to the
public to view Mars (weather depending). A donation of £1 per adult &
50p per child will be asked for. Also there will be a display in the
building on Mars during August.
FEEDBACK:
The Mars week went pretty well and Guernsey were reasonably lucky with
the weather and enjoyed good views of Mars, polar caps and dark
markings, plus other celestial objects. About 100 visitors attended
each evening and were able to look through various telescopes. The
Mars display proved to be of interest along with the video, computer
programmes and model of the solar system.
Loughton Astronomical Society
24th &
25th August 9pm onwards at the Societies observatory behind Loughton
Hall/Health centre, Rectory Lane, Debden, Essex: Public observing sessions.
28th August 8pm
at the Scout hut, Loughton Lane, Theydon Bois: Public open meeting
29th August to early hours of
August 30th at the Dower House campsite, East Harling, Thetford:
Mars star party. Please book directly with the campsite on 01953 71731
Lowestoft & Great Yarmouth Astronomical Society (In conjunction with
Kirkley High School, Denes High School and Benjamin Britten High School)
27th August at the Kirkley
observatory, Kirkley Run, Lowestoft 7.30pm in the Octagon room (sports
centre) presentation by Jerry Workman "Mars global surveyor" with
viewing afterwards (weather permitting).
Also holding viewing evenings
throughout the week
Luton Astronomical Society
27th & 28th August 8.30pm
until late, at the University of Luton, Putteridge Bury Campus: Open
evenings, where Mars will be observed from the LAS Observatory using
various instruments.
29th August at Putteridge Bury
Campus: Meeting of the LAS. Visitors are welcome to join an open forum
"Observing Mars - Tips and Techniques".
FEEDBACK:
There was good attendance on all 3 nights. On the 27th 120 visitors
turned up in partial cloud, on the 28th, 60 turned out in total cloud
and on the 29th, 60 more turned up in totally clear conditions. Good
views of Mars were had through the societies 0.5 metre telescope.
Visitors were given a brief talk on NAW 03 with hand outs and posters.
"One of the most successful promotions to date. Many thanks for a well
organised promotion"
Mid-Kent Astronomical
Society will hold observing evenings at Canterbury Observatory,
Canterbury High School.
FEEDBACK:
The observing nights went well all week with a lot of interest
generated.
Milton Keynes
Astronomical Society plan multi-media presentations, talks on Mars
and observing the planet during NAW.
27th and
28th August at Dinton Pastures Country Park: Public
observing sessions
30th August
at The Friends Meeting House in Reading: An exhibition, talks,
competition and a planetarium, aimed at both children and adults.
22nd August at the Reepham High School Observatory:
Viewing evening.
23rd August
at the Reepham High School
Observatory: An afternoon session of solar viewing
North Essex Astronomical Society
30th August 8pm
onwards at the society observatory Mount Bures, Essex: Mars observing,
meteor watching and other planetary
and deep sky observations.
23rd August
2pm-4pm
at Seething Observatory,Toad Lane, Thwaite St mary, Norfolk: An
afternoon of astronomy for children, with talks, demonstrations and an
inflatable planetarium.
23rd August
7pm until late at the Observatory: Mars observing and inflatable
planetarium for the general public.
27th, 29th and 30th August 8pm until late at the
Observatory: "A Martian Odyssey" lecture
followed by Mars observing.
FEEDBACK:
A very successful week. There were breaks in the cloud later on in the
evenings so most people got a chance to see Mars from a dark site
through a variety of telescopes. Over the week there were in excess of
350 visitors. The society received publicity through BBC local
television who broadcast a report from the observatory, BBC radio
Norfolk and the local paper.
Safe Solar viewing at Norwich
23rd-30th August:
Week long display and demonstrations at Bromley Central library
28th August 7.30pm
at high Elms Nature
Reserve Centre nr Orpington: Talk by
the Blue Peter Astronomer Anton Vamplew, followed by a public observing session
FEEDBACK:
There was good publicity through the press and radio with considerable
flow of people through the library and the talk on the 28th was
extremely well attended. Unfortunately viewing after the talk was not
possible due to the weather but assurances were given that every
effort would be made to see Mars on the following Saturday. By
mid-afternoon on the 30th a huge amount of interest had been generated
by the display which, included a society member fully dressed in a
Russian cosmonaut spacesuit. All the membership application forms were
taken and there was a great take up on the quiz. Following the
arranged talk on the 30th when a realistic small telescope eye view of
Mars was shown, the skies were clear and onlookers stayed, "almost
welded to the eyepieces." There was lots of excited chat and the
public stayed well into the late evening, looking at Mars and other
celestial objects. "NAW has been good to us and we trust it has been
good to itself."
Reading
Astronomical Society (in conjunction with Newbury Astronomical
Society)
27th and
28th August at Dinton Pastures Country Park: Public
observing sessions
30th August
at The Friends Meeting House in Reading: An exhibition, talks,
competition and a planetarium, aimed at both children and adults.
27th* & 29th
August, 2.30pm in the National Maritime Museum lecture theatre:
Family lecture "Destination Mars", by the Royal Observatory and Blue
Peter astronomer Anton Vamplew. Free admission
26th August, 2.30pm in the National Maritime Museum Lecture
theatre: Lecture "Stellar Evolution - the life and death of stars and
planets" by the Royal Observatory's Senior Astronomer, Robin
Catchpole. Free Admission.
26th, 27th* & 29th August , 3.30pm in the National Maritime
Museum: Tour "Beagle Voyages from Earth to Mars". Join the exhibition
curator Robert Warren for a guided tour of the exhibition.Free
Admission
23rd-30th August, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 3.30pm in the Planetarium at
the Royal Observatory Greenwich:Planetarium Shows. Adults £4.00,
Children/Concessions , £2.00
28th August, 10am-4.15pm in the Discovery Room and Planetarium
at the Royal Observatory:Family Learning Day "Getting Started in
Astronomy" A day of family based workshops and activities lead by
Anton Vamplew. Adults £8.00; Children/Concessions £6.00. Booking
Essential (020 8312 6506). No unaccompanied children.
23rd, 24th & 25th August 10.30am-12.30pm, 26th-29th August
10.30am-12.30pm & 2pm-4pm in the Royal Observatory courtyard:Solar
Observing (weather permitting). Visit over several days and follow the
development of sunspots on its surface.
29th August at the Observatory Science Centre Herstmonceux:
Lecture by the Royal Observatory astronomer Robert Massey, followed by
Mars viewing. £7.50 booking essential. Phone 01323 832731.
30th August at the Observatory Science Centre Herstmonceux:
Lecture by the Royal Observatory astronomer, Anton Vamplew followed by
an all night star BBQ hosted by Hastings and Battle Astronomical
Society.£19. Booking Essential. Phone 01424 443883.
*Signed event
FEEDBACK:
Although relatively low key, nearly 4,000 people took part in the
events programme at the museum. Unfortunately cloudy weather prevented
the solar observing sessions from taking place. There was considerable
media attention with 4 members of staff appearing on local, national
and international television and radio (BBC and independent radio and
television). In addition the events were listed in local and national
press.
24th - 30th August 9.00pm onwards at Toothill
observatory, Southhampton: Public viewing
evenings.
Adults £1.00 minors &
concessions 50p
FEEDBACK:
A great success and the busiest public viewing spell since the solar
eclipse of 1999. There were probably 400-450 visitors over the week
with the busiest night being Wednesday. The weather was about 60-70%
in favour with Friday being the best night giving great views of Mars.
26th - 28th August 6pm: In
conjunction with Southampton Astronomical Society - a series of free
talks and presentations.
22nd August 7.30pm, 25th August 3.30pm, 27th August 3.30pm & 31st
August 3.30pm in the Sir Patrick Moore Building, Kingsham Farm,
Kingsham Road, Chichester, West Sussex: Talk entitled "Destination
Mars".
24th August 3.30pm in the Sir Patrick Moore Building: Talk
entitled "Is there Life on Mars?" by Dr John Mason
Tickets £5 adults £3 Children booked on 07818 297292 or 01243 774400
Also organising observing sessions with their sister organisation the
South Downs Astronomical Society
12th August 8pm at the Monkton Observatory (weather
permitting):
Perseid Meteor watch and
Mars public observing evenings
30th August 8.30pm in the
Walmer Castle car park (weather permitting 01304 614566):Mars public
observing session
6th and 13th
September 8.30pm in the Walmer Castle car park: Mars public observing
evenings (weather permitting).
23rd and 30th August 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm: Safe daytime solar observing.
23rd August 9.30pm-10.30pm at The Castle Point Astronomy Club, Hadleigh
Castle Country Park: An astronomy open night.
27th to 30th August at the museum: Free family space fun and
activities.
23rd and 27th to 30th August :Special planetarium programmes
with talks suitable for age 7 plus.
30th August 2.30pm at the museum: A talk entitled
"Mysterious Mars"
Stour Astronomical Society
2nd September,
7.30pm in the Jubilee
Room, Cavendish Memorial Hall, Cavendish, Suffolk: A talk by Dr Kevin
Marshall "Mars and its proximity to Earth". For more information
contact
Geoff Burling
FEEDBACK:
The usual member numbers were doubled by the public as almost 40
people squeezed into the memorial hall. Unfortunately the gremlins
struck and the Powerpoint presentation failed to open. However, the
audience were spellbound by the unrehearsed lecture by Dr Kevin
Marshall who improvised with excellent images supplied by the SPA. It
was a superb evening.
The Observatory Science
Centre (Herstmonceux)
will be open to the public as usual from
10am to 6pm throughout the week. The Observatory Science Centre is in
Herstmonceux, Hailsham, East Sussex. Tel 01323 832731
26th August : Family
activity day with emphasis on NAW.
26th August 6.30pm until late: Video presentations, viewing through
the Centre's newly refurbished telescopes (home of the Royal Greenwich
Observatory) and access to all the centre's exhibits (£7.50).
27th August 10.15am-4pm: A
science experience day for 5-8 year olds - "Space & Astronomy"
(£19.50, booking essential)
27th August 6.30pm until late: An evening of Mars entertainment,
viewing and access to the exhibits (£7.50).
28th August 10.15am-4pm: A
science experience day for 9-14 year olds - "Space & Astronomy"
(£19.50, booking essential)
28th August 6.30pm until late: A Space and Astronomy quiz evening,
viewing and access to the exhibits (£7.50).
29th August 10.15am-4pm: Children's Mars day for 9-14 year olds
(£19.50, booking essential).
29th
August 6.30pm until late: An evening of lectures, viewing and access to
the exhibits. Guest speakers will include Robert Massey of the ROG
(£7.50, booking essential)
30th
August 7pm onwards: Hastings and
Battle Astronomical Society will be holding an all night BBQ and viewing evening
with guest speaker Royal Observatory and Blue Peter Astronomer Anton
Vamplew
(£19, booking through HABAS 01424 443883).
 FEEDBACK:
A fantastic week which, started with a very busy family activity day!
The night of closest approach was the busiest with over 200 people, BBC
television and radio broadcasting live plus Meridian television
broadcasting live. Out of the 5 evenings, it was possible to view in
very clear skies (clearing at about 11pm) on 4 nights. Three of the
large Royal Observatory telescopes picked up good images of Mars showing
the south polar cap and the dark surface markings. HABAS provided a
range of smaller telescopes which also had good views of Mars and other
celestial objects. On Saturday HABAS had the clearest evening when over
70 people turned up to the all night BBQ and lecture night. A great
night was had by all and the public still remained until after 3.30am!
The week exceeded all expectations.
Thurrock Astronomical Society
30th August 8pm-10.30pm at
Coalhouse Fort, East Tilbury, Essex: public viewing evening using
several telescopes. For further details contact
Roy Hookway
FEEDBACK:
A really successful event. Over 70 members of the public went along to
have a look at Mars. The skies were clear and as well as Mars a tour of
the constellations was also possible.
Vectis Astronomical
Society
(Isle of Wight)
23rd-30th August: The
observatory will be open every day with slide shows, talks and
exhibitions.
Also planning a star party at the
Botanic Gardens, with solar a telescope.
Welwyn Garden City Library
A privately organised exhibition for
the public by Jerry Stone, "The Urban Spaceman".
23rd August - 13th September
at the Library, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City,
Hertfordshire: A public exhibition on Astronomy with 2 multimedia
presentations during this time (see below).
23rd August, 2pm: The opening of and introduction to the
exhibition.
30th August, 2pm : Multimedia presentation "A tour of the
Universe"
FEEDBACK:
NAW was an incredibly busy time. Some very good footage of Mars was
obtained and there was a lot of interest in the NAW posters. The
exhibition will still run until the 13th September (see below).
13th September, 2pm: Multimedia presentation "The Amateur
Astronomer"
Free tickets for the opening and the main presentations can be obtained
from the Library (01438 737333). For further details contact:
Jerry Stone or the
Library.
West of London Astronomical Society
24th-29th August
8-11.00pm:Providing telescopes at Ruislip Lido off Reservoir
Road,Ruislip Middlesex, for public viewing. A guided train ride
("Starlight Express") through a model solar system will take you to a
presentation on Astronomy in the Railway room at Woody Bay Station.
FEEDBACK:
A week to remember! The events were a great success. Over 1240
visitors turned up of which, 842 travelled on the starlight express
train. Out of the 6 viewing evenings only one was completely shrouded
in cloud when viewing was not possible. There was a wonderful
atmosphere and everything ran smoothly. There were about 9 telescopes
available each evening and the feedback from impressed visitors made
it all worth while. A great team effort. Sky news television broadcast
throughout he evening of the 27th when the skies were clear and
visitors viewed until late into the evening.
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