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.

Dec
6
Fri
Saturnian Moon Shadow Transit
Dec 6 @ 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

Through the early evening into the night of Friday the 6th of December

above the S – SW horizon from approx 18.30 hrs to 22.30 hrs

the shadow of Saturn’s Moon Titan will transit across the planets disc

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

Dec
7
Sat
Jupiter Reaches Opposition
Dec 7 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

At approx 21.00 hrs on Saturday the 7th of December

above the SE horizon the planet Jupiter reaches opposition

(opposition) when the planet will be directly opposite the Sun

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

The Moon & Saturn
Dec 7 @ 8:45 pm – 11:00 pm

On the night of Saturday the 7th of December

as a 41% illuminated Moon starts to set below the SW horizon at approx 22.30 hrs

the planet Saturn will be approx 6.8° above & to the left of the Moon

both bodies may not be visible depending on your local horizon

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

 

 

 

Dec
8
Sun
The Moon & Saturn
Dec 8 @ 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm

As skies darken on Sunday the 8th of December above the S – SW horizon

at approx 20.00 hrs a first quarter Moon will be 5°  above & to the left of the planet Saturn

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

Dec
10
Tue
A Clair Obscur Effect
Dec 10 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm

As the skies darken from 17.00 hrs above the SE – SW horizon

 on the evening of Tuesday the 10th of December

 The Jewelled handle a Clair Obscur Effect will be  visible along the Moon’s terminator

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

Dec
13
Fri
The moon & M45
Dec 13 @ 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

As skies darken from approx 17.00 hrs on the evening of Friday the 13th of December

above the E – SE horizon the a 96% illuminated Moon will be below the southern part of the Pleiades

this would possibly be best seen at approx 19.00 hrs

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

 

Dec
14
Sat
Jupiter & The Moon
Dec 14 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

From approx 17.00 hrs as the sky darkens on Saturday the 14th of December

above the NE – SE horizon the Moon will be 4.6° above & to the right of the planet Jupiter

if you can observe this event at approx 18.00 hrs Jupiter’s Moons Europa & Io will be to the right of the planet

with Europa appearing to be above Io

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

 

The Geminid Meteor Shower Peak
Dec 14 @ 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

As darkness falls on the night of Saturday the 14th of December

the Geminid meteor shower will reach its peak with a predicted ZHR of 120

unfortunately the 99.6 illuminated Moon will be above the E – SE horizon

so some of the dimmer meteors may not be visible

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

 

Dec
18
Wed
Lunar Occultation of Mars
Dec 18 @ 8:45 am – 10:30 am

During the morning of Wednesday the 18th of December

from approx 09.20 hrs to 10.20 hrs above the W – NW horizon

the planet Mars will be occulted by an 89% illuminated waning gibbous Moon

as the Sun will be above the horizon

if you plan to observe / image 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

and remember to dress for the conditions

 

Dec
21
Sat
The Winter Solstice
Dec 21 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

During the morning of Saturday the 21st of December

at approx 09.19 hrs the Sun will reach it’s most southerly declination 

this is known as the Winter Solstice

if you plan to observe / image 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

and remember to dress for the conditions

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