We make every effort to keep the programme up-to-date and accurate. However changes can happen at short notice and updates rely on the kind donation of time by Society members. If you see an error please let us know.
Basic members are welcome to attend lectures but will be charged a small fee.
Today’s full Moon will be at apogee when it reaches it’s furthest point from earth
there will also be a right ascension conjunction of the star Aldebaran & the planet Mars
the full Moon @ apogee will be at 16.23 hrs & the conjunction will be @ 22.00 hrs
although full Moon is at 16.23 hrs it will not rise above the NE-E horizon until approx 20.00 hrs
& the conjunction will be above the SW-W horizon
if you plan to observe / image either or both of these events
remember to dress for the conditions
Tonight sky conditions permitting will be an observing evening
If sky conditions are unfavourable the evening will revert to an informal evening
Members are welcome to bring their own “kit” along
If members are observing Red torches / lights would be preferable
We would also ask that the use of white light be kept to an absolute minimum
As the sky darkens from approx 18.00 hrs on the evening of Saturday the 11th of February
above the SW – W horizon the Mag +6 comet C/2022 E3 ZTF will be near the planet Mars
and should be viable with a pair of binoculars
please note the given brightness is for the entire comet including the tail
so the actual comet core may well be a little dimmer than listed
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
As the Moon rises above the SE – S horizon @ approx 06.00 hrs
on the morning of Thursday the 16th of February
there is a favourable lunar libration that will offer
the chance to see such features as the mare Orientale
the Moon will be low in the sky and will set below the S – SW horizon @ approx 10.00 hrs
with sunrise from 07.00 hrs the event may be difficult to see
if you do plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
Tonight sky conditions permitting will be an observing evening
If sky conditions are unfavourable the evening will revert to an informal evening
Members are welcome to bring their own “kit” along
If members are observing Red torches / lights would be preferable
We would also ask that the use of white light be kept to an absolute minimum
After sunset @ approx 17.30 hrs above the SW – W horizon
on the evening of Wednesday the 22nd of February
Jupiter will be above an 8% illuminated waxing crescent Moon with Venus below & to the right
this event would be best viewed as the sky begins to darken from 18.15 hrs
until starting to set below the horizon from approx 19.30 hrs
Tonight sky conditions permitting will be an observing evening
If sky conditions are unfavourable the evening will revert to an informal evening
Members are welcome to bring their own “kit” along
If members are observing Red torches / lights would be preferable
We would also ask that the use of white light be kept to an absolute minimum
After sunset @ 17.30 hrs on Sunday the 26th of February above the SW – W horizon
a 44% lit waxing crescent Moon will be 2.7° to the left of the Pleiades (M45)
this event will be best viewed as the sky darkens from approx 19.00 hrs
if you plan to observe /image this event remember to dress for the conditions
After sunset on Monday the 27th of February along the SW – W horizon
the planets Jupiter & Venus will be moving closer together
in advance of a close conjunction between the pair in March
this event would be best viewed from 18.00 hrs until it sets below the horizon from 19.00 hrs
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
From approx 00.00 hrs – 02.30 hrs
on Tuesday the 28th of February above the W – NW horizon
the planet Mars will be approx 2° above & to the left of a 56% illuminated waxing gibbous Moon
as the pair start to set below the horizon from 02.30 they will eventually be 1.1° apart
at approx 05.00 Hrs when Mars will be below & to the right of the Moon
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions