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.

May
24
Wed
NLC Season
May 24 – Aug 8 all-day

Between  Tuesday the 24th of May until approx Tuesday the 8th of August

Noctilucent Cloud (NLC) could start to appear in the NW sky 90-120 minuets after sunset

or 90-120 minuets before sunrise in the NE sky

these dates may vary a little dependent on current solar activity

 NLC have a typical colour range of electric blue to silver

and are normally at an altitude of 250,000-280,000 feet

Jun
13
Tue
M44 & Venus
Jun 13 @ 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm

On the night of Tuesday the 13th of June from approx 22.00 hrs until approx 23.30 hrs

above the W – NW horizon Venus will be to the Nth of the beehive cluster (M44)

if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions

 

Jun
17
Sat
The earliest Sunrise of the year
Jun 17 @ 4:30 am – 5:30 am

In the early hours of Saturday the 17th of June

the Sun will rise at 04.38 Hrs BST 03.38 hrs UTC

this will be the earliest Sunrise of 2023

if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions

Jun
21
Wed
Summer Solstice
Jun 21 @ 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

At 15.58 BST (14.58) UTC on Wednesday the 21st of January

the northern hemisphere’s summer solstice will occur

as the Sun will reach it’s northern most point in the sky

 

Jun
22
Thu
Mars the Moon & Venus
Jun 22 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

From approx 09.00 hrs on the morning of Thursday the 22nd of June along the NE -S horizon

a 16% illuminated waxing crescent Moon will rise above the horizon

with Mars 3.4° to the South West & Venus 4.2° to the North West of the Moon

as the Sun will already be in the sky this event may prove difficult to see

The Sun will be present as this event takes place So 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

Jun
30
Fri
Mars & Venus
Jun 30 @ 9:30 pm – 10:45 pm

After sunset on the evening of Friday the 30th of June above the western horizon

the mag +1.7 planet Mars will be 3.6° from the mag -4.8 planet Venus (above & to the left)

the prevailing twilight will obscure Mars until approx 22.00 hrs when this event would be best viewed

unfortunately both bodies will set below the western horizon at approx 22.30 hrs

if you plan to observe / image this event remember to dress for the conditions