[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.7.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.7.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.7.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.7.7" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"]

Our society currently supports the Dartford Grammar School Astronomy Club, and on the 25th January 2021 we held a virtual observing evening using Simon's observatory.

The students really enjoyed the evening

'The boys from last night have been on the google classroom leaving you rave reviews'

'Last night blew their minds! They loved it.'

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Moon-2021-01-25-1926 Image by Simon Dawes & Dartford Grammar School Astronomical Society[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="384"] Mars-2021-01-25-1935. Image by Simon Dawes & Dartford Grammar School Astronomical Society[/caption][caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="630"] M42-100s-integrationt Image by Simon Dawes & Dartford Grammar School Astronomical Society[/caption]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Star gazing at Hall Place

9th November 2019

| No Comments

| Webmaster

| 8:14 am

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="text" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

It was horizon - horizon cloud last Wednesday for the sold out star gazing event at Hall Place, however we were prepared for this and along with comet making, we held sessions on drawing objects in the night sky and a variety of talks about astronomy. We had brilliant support from our members - thanks to all - who bought a variety of telescopes, cameras, meteorites and other displays, overall the visitors went away happy despite not being able to view the heavens.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure="1_2,1_2" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="image" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

2019-OctStarGazingLiveatHallPlace4

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="image" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

2019-OctStarGazingLiveatHallPlace2

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="image" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

2019-OctStarGazingLiveatHallPlace3

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="image" _builder_version="4.0.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

2019-OctStarGazingLiveatHallPlace1

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

“Fun Palace” event at Bexleyheath Library

8th October 2019

| No Comments

| Webmaster

| 11:54 am

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.29.3" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.29.3" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.29.3" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" _builder_version="3.29.3" global_colors_info="{}"]

As part of our public outreach, a few of us represented the Society at a "Fun Palace" event at Bexleyheath Library on Saturday. These relatively low-key events are intended to showcase small, local interest groups such as arts & crafts, therapies, lizard / snake keeping and in our case, all things Astronomy!

We had a prominent and large display which meant good foot-fall and a lot of interest from the public. Former members from the 1960's and 1970's came by to say hello - these gents were quite elderly as you can appreciate but knew Dick Chambers, Dr Wilkins and John Wall.

Our telescope Olivia drew in visitors as did the planet game. It was encouraging to watch young children complete the planet game with little or no help. (Ask us about the 5-year-old and 3-year-olds completing it!)

We had Saturn sketched by one of the youngsters and also imaged a planet mounted at the far end of the Fiction section!

All in all, a very positive event - we received feedback from the Library team to say that we were a hit with their customers. Likely we will pick up some future visitors or even members, so watch this space.

I want to thank the team who helped on the day - Steve, Terry, Andy and Rita - really appreciate you giving up your time. We presented the Society in a very positive light.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text content_tablet="" content_phone="" content_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="3.29.3" global_colors_info="{}"]

FunPalaces1 FunPalaces2

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Solar Observing at Hall Place Summer 2019

19th August 2019

| No Comments

| Webmaster

| 8:51 pm

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" z_index_tablet="500" global_colors_info="{}"]

A big thanks to everyone who supported both of the recent Hall Place Solar Observing events which were an exciting mixture of hide and seek as far as the sun was concerned, but both in their own way very successful.

We had sideways rain at 1100 yesterday (18th August 2019), so we set displays up indoors for about half an hour, after which we relocated outside and never looked back.

Even the sun cream got an airing!

It was very encouraging to meet a couple of extremely bright 8 year olds asking / answering some great questions - future members I'm sure.

These things don't happen by accident so for anyone who supported the two events with equipment, transport, setting up or engaging with the public, a huge thank you.

We will be back in the Winter for the pre- and post- Christmas Stargazing events and should consider any suggestions / fresh ideas to make these as engaging and informative as possible.

Once again, your support is greatly appreciated.

John (Chair)

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Images" _builder_version="3.27.4" z_index_tablet="500" global_colors_info="{}"]

2019-08-18SolarObserving_at_HallPlace1

2019-08-18SolarObserving_at_HallPlace2

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Back to Basics Workshop

6th October 2018

| No Comments

| WebEdit

| 10:09 am

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" admin_label="section" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row admin_label="row" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.17.3" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0" global_colors_info="{}" sticky_enabled="0"]

We hosted The 2018 British Astronomical Association Back to Basics workshop on 6th October.

These workshops are great for beginners just starting out in astronomy and wanting to learn how to use their telescopes or get started in Astronomy and over 50 people turned up - well done and thank you to all the Crayford Members who helped out.

The slideshow below is of photos taken of the day by member Jim Burchell - Thank you Jim.

[ngg src="galleries" ids="63" display="basic_slideshow"]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Astronomy Fun Day at the Priory Centre Dartford

27th August 2018

| No Comments

| Webmaster

| 4:05 pm

The Society took part in an Astronomy Fun Day on Saturday 25th August 2018 at the Priory Shopping Centre to promote Astronomy, and encourage locals to visit the shopping centre, the day was well attended and along with CMHASD was an inflatable planetarium. During the day we were promoting the BAA Back to basics workshop we are supporting in October.

[ngg_images source="tags" container_ids="SLIDESHOW_PRIORY_CENTRE_2018" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_basic_slideshow" gallery_width="600" gallery_height="400" cycle_effect="fade" cycle_interval="10" show_thumbnail_link="1" thumbnail_link_text="[Show thumbnails]" order_by="imagedate" order_direction="DESC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Solar Observing at Hall Place – August 2018

20th August 2018

| No Comments

| Webmaster

| 8:35 am

The Society were at Hall Place on Sunday 19 August 2018 showing members of the public the Sun using safe observing techniques and talking to people about Astronomy in general. Whilst there was a fair amount of cloud about and the Sun was playing 'hide-and-seek' the day was a massive success.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

The Society were at Hall Place on Sunday showing members of the public the Sun using safe observing techniques and talking to people about Astronomy in general. Whilst there was a fair amount of cloud about and the Sun was playing 'hide-and-seek' the day was a massive success.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.14.7" _module_preset="default" column_structure="1_3,1_3,1_3"][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.14.7" _module_preset="default" type="1_3"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.14.7" _module_preset="default" type="1_3"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}" admin_label="Text"]

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version="4.14.7" _module_preset="default" type="1_3"][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="3.27.4" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Braeburn Open Day 2016

21st July 2016

| No Comments

| WebMistress

| 2:30 pm

Braeburn Park Nature Reserve Open Day

On Sunday 10th July 2016, CMHASD members Honor Wheeler, Rita Whiting, Diane Clarke and Andy Barber attended the Open Day at Braeburn Park on behalf of the Society.

It was a busy day for members as there was lots of interest about what we do as a society and members had set their solar scopes allowing many visitors the chance to observe the sun when the clouds allowed, which pleased many.

Below are a few photos of the day taken by member Diane Clarke & Honor Wheeler and a link to an article written by Bexley Wildlife about the day too, enjoy :-)

http://www.bexleywildlife.org/

[ngg src="galleries" ids="53" display="basic_slideshow"]

The Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford – July 2016

18th July 2016

| No Comments

| WebMistress

| 3:34 pm

Saturday 16th July & Sunday 17th July 2016.

It turned out to be one hot weekend!!!

Plus top it off, the Sun had a superb selection of sunspots on both days so plenty of solar observing was done with the public :-)

This years festival was the first time that the Society had attended by purchasing its own stall space, instead of being set-up in the exhibition marquee which was not provided this year. This actually turned out to be to our advantage as we were able to spread ourselves out more and put our equipment, display and telescopes exactly where we wanted :-)

Saturday was the hottest day, with plenty of clear blue sky to observe the Sun which we did for most of the day. Sunday started out cloudy but sultry, and it was nice to have a breeze through our marquee which had openings to both sides to allow the public to walk through.

The Sunday Crew......

Members helping were all kept busy showing the Sun to the public through 4 Hydrogen-alpha telescopes and 1 Newtonian with a white light filter fitted. Activities were provided for the public to interact with in the marquee and many took part in the Planet Game with some of the youngest participants beating the older ones.

A BIG THANK YOU must go to members Honor Wheeler, James Burchell, Andy Barber, Rita Whiting, Diane Clarke, Rob Wilson, Simon Dawes, Debra Holton and Mike Rushton for their assistance at this years Dartford Festival and to others for their support.

Also a big Thank you to Colin Wheeler (Honor's Dad) for providing the marquee free of charge and also for allowing us the use of his van for transporting it and the display and equipment.

Below are a few photos of the weekend, taken by Honor Wheeler, Diane Clarke, Jim Burchell and Rob Wilson. Thank you for sharing them with us :-)

[ngg src="galleries" ids="48" display="basic_slideshow"]

Dartford Steam Festival 2015

11th May 2015

| No Comments

| WebMistress

| 10:34 pm

Dartford Annual Steam & Classic Vehicle Festival - Saturday 9th May 2015

What a great day! Once again, CHMASD were at the Dartford Annual Steam & Classic Vehicle Festival in commemoration of the life and work of Richard Trevithick, steam pioneer, inventor, engineer and one time resident of Dartford. It was a fun & very busy day for CMHASD members - with lots of people visiting our stand including the Mayor of Dartford Avtar Sanhu MBE.

Members Honor, Rita, Diane, Debra, Martin, Jim & Andy were kept particularly busy that day - as the Sun came out several times and provided the opportunity for members to do some Solar Observing with many members of the public to their delight & surprise. The public were shown how to observe the sun safely using the telescopes that were on display fitted with the required Sun filters. Many members of the public were unaware that you could use use a telescope to observe the Sun safely!!!!!!!!

Never view/look at the sun directly! - please see our Sun safety viewing guidelines.

The Sun was not the only object in the sky the public got to view that day - members Andy & Jim managed to find the planet Venus late afternoon and so quite a few members of the public were able to view Venus too through Jim's telescope - to their astonishmentt!

Below are a selection of photos of that brilliant day - Thank you to Jim, Martin & Diane for taking the photos.

[ngg src="galleries" ids="51" display="basic_slideshow"]

Category: Public Outreach

Dartford Grammar School Astronomy Club – Virtual Observing Session

Star gazing at Hall Place

“Fun Palace” event at Bexleyheath Library

Solar Observing at Hall Place Summer 2019

Even the sun cream got an airing!

Back to Basics Workshop

Astronomy Fun Day at the Priory Centre Dartford

Solar Observing at Hall Place – August 2018

Braeburn Open Day 2016

Braeburn Park Nature Reserve Open Day

The Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford – July 2016

Saturday 16th July & Sunday 17th July 2016.

Dartford Steam Festival 2015

Dartford Annual Steam & Classic Vehicle Festival - Saturday 9th May 2015