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.
Tonight via zoom
Mr James Fradgley FRAS
will be talking to us about –
Astronomical Causes of Climate Change
the usual joining procedure applies for those members unable to attend in person
On the morning of Sunday the 2nd of August above the E – NE horizon
the planet Mercury will be 19.5° from the Sun
and will rise approx 100 minuets before sunrise @ 05.25 hrs
as the Sun will be rising above the horizon
please remember your solar safety :-
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN
WITHOUT THE CORRECT SOLAR FILTER FITTED TO YOUR EQUIPMENT
OR SOLAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR YOUR EYES
if you do plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
On Sunday the 2nd of August from 11.00-15.00 hrs
Members of the Society will be at Hall Place & Gardens
for the 1st of 2 Solar Observing Events
with our second being on Sunday the 23rd of August
to offer safe views of our nearest visible star the Sun
details can be found at –
https://www.hallplace.org.uk/event/solar-observing/2026-08-23/
Please note this event is weather dependent
In the early hours of Tuesday the 4th of August above the E – SE horizon
@ approx 01.45 hrs a 72% illuminated waning gibbous Moon will be 5.6° above & to the left of the planet Saturn
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
Through the day of Wednesday the 5th of August
above the E – W horizon due to a favourable lunar libration
the Mare Orientale will be visible
as the Sun will be above the horizon until sunset
please remember your solar safety :-
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN
WITHOUT THE CORRECT SOLAR FILTER FITTED TO YOUR EQUIPMENT
OR SOLAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR YOUR EYES
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
In the early hours of Friday the 7th of august above the NE – SE horizon
@ approx 03.00 hrs
a 38% illuminated Moon will be 2° to the west of the Pleiades (M45)
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
@ approx 03.00 hrs on Sunday the 9th of August above the NE – E horizon
the planet Mars will be below a 17% illuminated waning crescent Moon
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
During the early evening of Wednesday the 12th of August there will be a solar eclipse
this should be visible above the W – NW horizon
with 1st contact @ approx 18.15 hrs and last contact @ approx 20.15 hrs
with maximum contact @ approx 19.10 hrs when the Moon will obscure approx 91.5% of the Sun’s surface
if you plan to observe / image any or all of this event
please remember your solar safety :-
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN
WITHOUT THE CORRECT SOLAR FILTER FITTED TO YOUR EQUIPMENT
OR SOLAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR YOUR EYES
The Perseids are active from the 17th of July to the 24th of August
with the peak occurring on Thursday the 13th of August
with a predicted ZHR of 60 -100
as the Moon will be below the horizon
it is hoped this will be a good display
if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions
On the evening of Sunday the 16th of August @ approx 20.00 hrs above the SW – W horizon
a 19% illuminated waxing crescent Moon will be 6.6° below & to the left of the planet Venus
as the Sun will be above the horizon
please remember your solar safety :-
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN
WITHOUT THE CORRECT SOLAR FILTER FITTED TO YOUR EQUIPMENT
OR SOLAR SAFETY GLASSES FOR YOUR EYES
if you do plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions