BAA Winchester Weekend – 11th to 13th April 2025
The CMHASD crew 2025
Member Diane Clarke wrote ”Over the weekend of 11 – 13 April 2025 several members of the CMHASD attended the BAA Winchester weekend at Sparsholt College. The event was well attended with approximately 120 members of the BAA. The weekend started with a talk about the BepiColumbo mission from Professor David Rothery and ended with a presentation of “The Winchester Report” by Crayford’s very own ‘Men in Brown Coats’.
The Alfred Curtis memorial lecture “We are made of star stuff” was given by Professor Dame Joycelyn Bell Burnell. The Professor’s presentation included same exam answers from American students such as – “H20 is hot water” & “CO2 is cold water” as well as – “Water is composed of two gins Oxygin & Hydrogin” Oxygin is pure gin, “Hydrogin is water & gin”
After the lecture She took some questions, and is seen here answering a two-part question from member John Archer, the first part of John’s question – “How does one address Dame Jocelyn” to which the reply was “Jocelyn”.
Before Joycelin gave the lecture the BAA president Ms Janice McClean read from the late Storm Dunlop’s appreciation of the life of Alfred Curtis 1901 -1976 to give the attendees an illustration of who he was.
Alfred “Alf” Curtis lived in Winchester, he was a fellow of the RAS and started the BAA “Winchester Weekend” which was originally held at King Alfreds College now known as The University of Winchester. The first weekend taking place in 1967 with 56 attendees. The weekends proved so popular that by 1976 the number had risen to 242, so the BAA relocated from King Alfreds to Sparsholt Collage in 2007.
There were also presentations from:
Professor Tony Freeth talking about the Antikythera Device.
Prof Mike Edwards delivered a lecture on the chemical makeup of other worlds.
Prof Boris Gänicke spoke about how Worlds will end including the end of the Earth when the Sun swells to become a red giant.
There was also a talk about the current range of “Smart Telescopes” given by Mr Steve Knight.
Professor Lucie Green gave a presentation about observing solar eclipses from space with the ESA PROBA 3 pair of satellite’s that were launched on the 05.12.24 and is currently going through various test phases before first light is received.
During the members session on Sunday afternoon, there were several contributions including:
Mark Radice’s presentation about stargazing in Namibia.
Nicky Fleet asking when is a Shower “not a Shower” related as to how the popular press promote meteor events such as the Perseid’s
“The Winchester Report” given by CMHASD members David Grist, Steve Floodgate & Gary Hunt.
All in all, a very varied and packed Winchester weekend.”
Below is a slideshow of photos and images members took of the weekend.
The Moon – April 2025
Below are a super selection of images by CMHASD members of our Moon between the 2nd and 8th April 2025.
The Moon – April 8th 2025 by Neil Webster
Waxing Gibbous at 82% illuminated.
Check out Neil’s flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/
The Moon – 6th April 2025 by Neil Webster
Waxing Gibbous at 64% illuminated.
Check out Neil’s flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/
The Moon – 5th April 2025 by Diane Clarke
First Quarter at 54% illuminated.
Diane took her image using a Seestar S50 smartscope
The Moon – 2nd April 2025 by Simon Dawes
Waxing Crescent at 22% illuminated.
Details of how Simon took his images are on the photos.
Our Sun – by Jim Burchell
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A superb collage of images showing our active Sun over a 4 day period (31st March to 3rd April) taken by CMHASD member Jim Burchell.
The latest Exoplanet Transits by Simon Dawes
Below are the latest Exoplanet Transit observations carried out by CMHASD member and trustee Simon Dawes for the ExoClock project.
TOI-1259 A b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a K-type star. Its mass is 0.441 Jupiters, it takes 3.5 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.0407 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2021. Ref: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/toi-1259-a-b/
HAT-P-56 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits an F-type star. Its mass is 2.31 Jupiters, it takes 2.8 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.0423 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2015. Ref:https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/hat-p-56-b/
Qatar-9 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a K-type star. Its mass is 1.19 Jupiters, it takes 1.5 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.0234 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2019. Ref:https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/qatar-9-b/
Qatar-8 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. Its mass is 0.371 Jupiters, it takes 3.7 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.0474 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2019. Ref:https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/qatar-8-b/
WASP-92 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits an F-type star. Its mass is 0.805 Jupiters, it takes 2.2 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.0348 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2016. Ref: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/wasp-92-b/
The Sun – 21st March 2025 by Jim Burchell
Total Lunar Eclipse from Arizona, USA – 14th March 2025
Member Richard Bohner who lives in Arizona, USA took these two lovely photos of the Total Lunar Eclipse on the 14th March 2025.
Partial Lunar Eclipse – 14th March 2025
On March 14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse, visible as a partial eclipse in the UK occurred during the early morning hours. Below are a selection of images that members took of the event from the UK.
By Jim Burchell
By Jo Southgate using an iPhone
And by CMHASD trustee Keith Rickard using a camera phone
Sunspots by Simon Dawes – 16th March 2025
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A splendid selection of Sunspot images taken by CMHASD trustee Simon Dawes on the 16th March 2025. Details of how Simon took his images are on the photos.
An Active Sun – 16th March 2025 by Jim Burchell
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
Two superb images of the Sun today taken by member Jim Burchell. As you can see the Sun is very active with lots of sunspots.
Jim’s 1st image below, a single shot; was taken using a 102 MM refactor with a Pentax KP body attached set at F11, 320 sec and iso 100 plus a solar filter.
Jim’s 2nd image, which is just a single shot; was taken using a SeeStar S50 smartscope.
Below is an image taken from Spaceweather.com showing all the sunspots with their labels. As you can see there are lots!!!!!
Moon Craters by Simon Dawes – 9th March 2025
Three fab images of the Moon’s craters taken by CMHASD trustee Simon Dawes on the 9th March 2025 from Bexley, Kent. Details of how Simon took the images are on each photo.
Soul Nebula (IC1848) by Kevin Langford
A superb image of the Soul Nebula (IC1848) in Cassiopeia taken by member Kevin Langford from Bexley, Kent.
This image was captured over three nights from the 2nd to the 4th March 2025.
Number of images taken = 130 x 180sec
Kevin took this image using an ES102ED APO with 0.7x focal reducer corrector, Pegasus NYX-101 mount, ZWO asi071, Orion NMAG and a L-enhance filter.
The image is a total of 6.5hrs of exposures.
Software used:
Nina to capture data.
Sirilic to stack images.
Siril to processes image.
Affinity Photo 2 to finish.
Check out Kevin’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/77708720@N08/54380781459/ .
Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter by Honor Wheeler – 1st March 2025
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A superb selection of astro images taken by member Honor Wheeler on the 1st March 2025 of the Sun, Moon and the planetary parade.
Details of how Honor took her images are written above each image.
Venus phase – Canon M6II with Tamron 18-400mm lens, ISO400, f6.3, 1/16000sec.
Even when Venus is a fine crescent, the albedo of Venus is still high.
Sunset Sunspots – Canon M6II with Tamron 18-400mm lens. ISO100, f29, 1/16000sec.
Sunset – Canon M6II with Tamron 18-400mm lens. ISO200, f10, 1/800sec
Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Moon and Mercury – Canon M6II with Tamron 18-400mm lens. ISO500, 1/2sec taken using Samyang 8mm fish-eye lens.
Venus, Earthshine and Mercury – Canon M6II with Tamron 18-400mm lens. ISO640, f5.0, 1/3sec.
Earthshine – Canon M6II with Tamron 18-400mm lens. ISO640, f6.3, 1″1/3sec
Venus & Mercury – Arizona – By Richard Bohner
Venus and Mercury taken at 7:03 pm MST Arizona on the 3rd March 2025 by CMHASD member Richard Bohner.
Mercury is just above trees in center.
Richard took the image using a Canon 6D, 105mm f5.0 lens, 1/100 sec exposure, at ISO 10K.
The Rosette Nebula by Neil Webster
A stunning image of the Rosette Nebula (also known as Caldwell 49) in the constellation Monoceros by CMHASD member Neil Webster taken on the 2nd March 2025.
Neil acquired his image using a WO GT71 Apo, EQ6 R, ZWO ASI 294MC Pro, Astro Essentials 50mm guide scope, ZWO ASI 290MM guide camera and an Optolong L Enhance filter.
Processed using APT, PHD, Nebulosity, Gradient Xterminator, Star Xterminator, and PS (Camera Raw)
52 x 240s Subs, 12 x Darks, 45 x Flats/ Bias.
Check out Neil’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/ to see more of his brilliant images.
Latest ExoClock transit observations by Simon Dawes
These are the latest Exoplanet transit observations for the ExoClock project that CMHASD are involved in.
Our Sun by Simon Dawes
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A selection of fantastic images of our Sun taken on the 4th March 2025 by CMHASD trustee Simon Dawes from Bexley. Details of how Simon took his images are on the photos.
Daytime Moon by Diane Clarke – 6th March 2025
A lovely image of the Moon taken by CMHASD member Diane Clarke on the 6th March 2025 in the afternoon. Diane used her Seestar S50 smartscope to take the image.
The Moon by Neil Webster – 4th March 2025
Another stunning image of the Moon taken by CMHASD member Neil Webster on Tuesday evening; 4th March 2025.
The Waxing Crescent Moon was 30.0% illuminated and 4.84 days old.
Neil acquired the image using an AA 115mm Apo, EQ6 R, ZWO ASI 290MM, and a Astronomik R/IR filter. 3 frames stitched in Microsoft ICE. Each 90s x 33fps (20% selected)
Processed using Firecapture, AutoStakkert, and PhotoShop.
Plane transit of Orion by George Buckberry – 27th Feb 2025
CMHASD member George Buckberry caught this plane transit across the sky below Orion on Thursday 27th February from Dartford. George used a Canon EOS 760D and Samyang 14mm wide Angle lens at F4. The camera was set to ISO 3200 and Bulb with Intervalometer set at 10 Sec exposure.
Sun, Moon, Mercury & Venus by Jim Burchell – 1st, 2nd and 3rd March 2025
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A lovely selection of images taken by member Jim Burchell. Details of how Jim took the images are on most of the photos.
1st March 2025
2nd March 2025
Crescent Venus below….
3rd March 2025
Moon & Mercury – 1st March 2025
CMHASD trustee John Howarth spotted Mercury with a crescent Moon on the 1st March 2025 and quickly took these 2 photos from Bexley.
The first photo shows the Moon top right and Mercury, very faint but clearly visible, halfway down the roof line, just above the cloud near the end of a twig. The second photo just shows a faint Mercury in about the same spot.
CMHASD visit to Meopham Academy – Fri 8th Feb 2025
Last night, Wed 8th February, a group of us returned to Wentworth Primary School, not far from Crayford, to educate and entertain the pupils. There were telescopes on display, activities in the gym & hall as well as a presentation on the night sky and member Aurora images. The teaching staff were delighted with how things went, and hoped we will return next year, (perhaps with clear skies).
CMHASD member George Buckberry who attended the event wrote ”It was a very good event, my first at a school. The children were of a similar age to a couple of my great grandchildren with similar energy and enthusiasm and interest. I took some books and pictures and a stellarscope that they liked a lot. My set up was a camera on a tripod with an intervalometer attached. It was viewing the Jupiter model and many of my visitors took a photo of it, a little bit of hands on, and delighted in the image they took on the screen. Horrible night to be out but it was well worth doing. Great fun.”
CMHASD chairman John Archer wrote ”I want to thank those who braved the sleet, and gave up their evening to share their interest and knowledge of astronomy with the younger generation – It’s entirely possible that the next generation of space explorers or alien life discoverers were with us last night – stranger things have happened!”
There are no photos of the event due to safeguarding.
CMHASD Society Meal – 15th Feb 2025
On Saturday 15th Feb 2025 CMHASD held their annual Society Meal. A large contingent of members ventured to the Chequers in the drizzle, to be met with a warm welcome and a splendid evening of food, drink and merriment. Credit to the Chequers team front of house and in the kitchen for their efforts as everything went off very well indeed 🙂 and a big Thank you to Malcolm Gough and John Archer for organising the event.
Below are a few photos taken of the super evening.
IC 434 The Horsehead Nebula by Neil Webster
A wonderful widefield image of the Horsehead Nebula (IC 434) in Orion; taken on the 3rd Feb 2025 by member Neil Webster.
Neil acquired his image using a WO GT71 Apo, EQ6 R, 0.8x Reducer/Flattener, ZWO ASI 294 MC, 50mm Guide Camera, ZWO 290MM Guide Camera, and a Optolong L Enhance filter.
33 x 240s Subs, 10 x Darks, 45 x Flats/Bias
Processed using APT, PHD, Nebulosity, and Photoshop.
SAO28567: One that got away – BAAVSS circular
CMHASD Trustee John Howarth has been thanked for his help in a paper called SAO28567: One that got away published in a recent edition of the BAAVSS, written by Chris Lloyd of the RAL.
John said ”Chris originally suggested to Roger Pickard and Malcolm Gough that this would be a good object for the APT, as there had been a conflicting observation and they passed their data to me for analysis. Subsequently the star was shown to be a double and was being pulled out of shape by the gravity of its companion, hence the variability. I still had the data, so was able to send it to Chris Lloyd for his analysis, and the paper shows this.
I was pleased to be mentioned but it is also a great tribute to the Jack Ells APT and its operators. Timely too, because we are currently trying to find a permanent home for the APT, or at least for its photometer.”
To view the paper click on the link below to download the edition of the BAAVSS circular that has the paper in it.
Friday 3rd January 2025
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A superb selection of member images taken on Friday 3rd January 2025.
The Sun at midday taken by Dr Mike Rushton taken using a Dwarf II smart scope. 20 x 1/250 sec at Gain 0 with a ND6 solar filter.
The Sun taken by Honor Wheeler
The Sun taken by Jim Burchell
The Pleiades by Dr Mike Rushton using a Dwarf II smart scope. 200 x 10sec exposures at Gain 60.
Crescent Moon and Venus taken by Honor Wheeler. Venus is top right of the Moon.
Saturn, Venus and the Moon taken by Honor Wheeler. Venus is top right of the Moon and Saturn is near the top left corner of the image.
CMHASD at Wentworth Primary School – Jan 2025
On Wednesday, January 8th, members of the Society visited Wentworth Junior School in Crayford for an evening of stargazing. Unfortunately, poor weather prevented outdoor stargazing, so the event moved indoors. Despite this, the pupils remained enthusiastic, engaging with the activities and asking questions about telescopes, meteors, the phases of the Moon, and the solar system. The pupils were also fascinated by images of recent auroral activity. Overall, it was a rewarding and enjoyable evening for everyone involved.
Wentworth School wrote in their newsletter ”Our year 5 children welcomed the Crayford Astronomy group to school. They came armed with different telescopes and a mountain of knowledge! This happened to fall on the day that snow was predicted. With snow comes clouds and limited visuals and therefore a tweak to the proceedings. The children experimented by looking at a model of Jupiter, and saw a variety of pictures of the sun, moons and planets that had been taken throughout the South East of England. They also learnt about the orientation, facts and amount of moons and other features you find in space. We even discovered that there was an asteroid named Wentworth! This was a thoroughly enjoyable evening arranged by the astronomy group and we are extremely grateful that they could share their expertise!”
CMHASD Chairman John Archer wrote ”Last night (Wed’s 8th) a group of us returned to Wentworth Primary School, not far from Crayford, to educate and entertain the pupils. There were telescopes on display, activities in the gym & hall as well as a presentation on the night sky and member Aurora images. The teaching staff were delighted with how things went, and hoped we will return next year, (perhaps with clear skies).
I wanted to thank those who braved the sleet, and gave up their evening to share their interest and knowledge of astronomy with the younger generation – It’s entirely possible that the next generation of space explorers or alien life discoverers were with us last night – stranger things have happened!”
Below is a wonderful card made by the pupils in appreciation of our visit last week despite the horrible weather.
The Heart Nebula by Kevin Langford – Jan 2025
This is an absolutely stunning image of the Heart Nebula captured by member Kevin Langford over 2 nights on the 7th and 9th Jan 2025 from Bexley, Kent.
The Heart Nebula (also known as the Running Dog Nebula and Sharpless 2-190) is an emission nebula, 7,500 light-years away from Earth and located in the constellation Cassiopeia. The nebula spans almost 2 degrees in the sky, covering an area four times that of the diameter of the full moon. It was discovered by William Herschel on 3 November 1787.
”The brightest part of the nebula (a knot at its western edge) is separately classified as NGC 896, because it was the first part of the nebula to be discovered. The nebula’s intense red output and its morphology are driven by the radiation emanating from a small group of hot stars near the nebula’s center. This open cluster of stars, known as Collinder 26, Melotte 15, or IC 1805, contains a few bright stars nearly 50 times the mass of the Sun, and many more dim stars that are only a fraction of the Solar mass.” Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_Nebula
Kevin acquired his image using:
ES 102ED APO, 0.7x focal reducer corrector, and EQ5 Pro.
ZWO ASI071, and Orion MMAG,L-eNhance filter.
7.5 Hrs of exposures.
Number of images taken 150 x 180sec.
Software used:
Sirilic to stack images.
Siril to processes image.
Affinity Photo 2 to finish.
Check out Kevin’s flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/77708720@N08/ to see more of his fantastic images.
Thursday 2nd Jan 2025
Crescent Moon in the sunset taken by Honor Wheeler
Waxing Crescent Moon & Earthshine by taken Honor Wheeler. The moon was 2.62 days old and 8.35% illuminated.
Crescent Moon by taken by John Archer
Crescent Moon taken by Dr Mike Rushton using a Dwarf II smart scope. 1/30 sec x 20 at gain 0 and no filter.
The Moon & Venus by taken Honor Wheeler (Venus is in the top left corner)
Orion, Jupiter and Mars by taken Honor Wheeler. Mars is left of Orion and Jupiter is above Orion.
Members observing at the Pavilion on the 2nd Jan 2025 taken by Honor Wheeler
The Horsehead Nebula taken by Jim Burchell using a Seestar S50 smartscope. 205 stacked images and processed using the Seestar S50 processing software. The Horsehead Nebula (also known as Barnard 33 or B33) is a small dark nebula in the constellation Orion and is located just to the south of the star Alnitak, the eastern most star of Orion’s Belt,
The Pleiades (also known as the Seven Sisters or Messier 45 is a young open star cluster in Taurus) taken by Diane Clarke taken using a Seestar S50 smartscope. 85 x 30sec exposures, Jpeg stacked using Seestar S50 internal software.
Lunar Corona by Honor Wheeler – 15th Dec 2024
Light cloud passing over the Moon; producing some rather spectacular Lunar Corona were caught on camera by Honor Wheeler on the 15th Dec 2024. One of Honor’s images also made it to the front page on spaceweather.com😁 It was the last Full Moon of 2024 too and known as the ‘Cold Moon’.
Sun & Moon – 14th Dec 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A stunning set of images of the Sun by Honor Wheeler and a beautiful one of the Moon by Jim Burchell taken on the 14th Dec 2024.
The Sun by Honor Wheeler
Honor said ”I’ve had about 20 mins in-between the cloud to capture the Sun in white light with my ED80 refractor and the Sun in H-alpha. In H-alpha there is a massive prominence visible which took me by surprise when I got the camera on it. Shame I can’t follow the sun for longer as a neighbours tree and cloud are in the way.”
The combined image of the sun; with the H-alpha image inverted and then the white light disc added.
The Moon by Jim Burchell
A very atmospheric photo of a Waxing Gibbous Moon which was 13.58 days old and 99.76% illuminated.
First Quarter Moon by Neil Webster – 6th Jan 2025
A fantastic mosaic image of the Moon taken by member Neil Webster on the 6th Jan 2025. The Moon was 6.85 days old and 47.8% illuminated.
Below are the individual frames from the mosaic.
Neil acquired the images using an AA 115mm apo, EQ6 R, ZWO ASI 290MM, and a Astronomik R/IR filter.
Processed using Firecapture, AutoStakkert, PS, and Microsoft ICE.
8 frames (each 90 x 33fps). 20% selected by AS.
Check out Neil’s flickr page at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/
IC 410 The Tadpole Nebula and IC 405 The Flaming Star Nebula by Neil Webster – 3rd Jan 2025
A superb image of IC 410 The Tadpole Nebula (left) and IC 405 The Flaming Star Nebula (right) by member Neil Webster taken on the 3rd Jan 2025.
”IC 410 is a cosmic cloud that looks like tadpoles swimming through the cosmos.
IC 410 is located 12,000 lightyears from Earth in the Auriga constellation, and is nicknamed the Tadpole Nebula because of the tadpole-shaped clouds of dark dust that appear to be swimming towards the centre. The Tadpole Nebula is a region of ionised hydrogen gas spanning over 100 lightyears across that’s carved and sculpted by streams of charged particles called stellar winds emanating from open star cluster NGC 1893. NGC 1893 is about 4 million years old: the blink of an eye in cosmic terms. The ‘tadpoles’ that give the nebula its nickname are dense streams of dust and gas about 10 lightyears long that may well be sites of star formation.” Ref: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/astrophotography/nebulae/tadpole-nebula-ic-410
located near the emission nebula IC 410, is IC 405 (also known as the Flaming Star Nebula, SH 2-229, or Caldwell 31). IC 405 is an emission and reflection nebula that surrounds the bluish, irregular variable star AE Aurigae.
Neil acquired his image using a WO GT71 Apo, EQ6 R, ZWO ASI 294MC Pro Optolong L Enhance filter, Astro Essentials 50mm guide scope, and a ZWO ASI 290MM guide camera.
Processed using APT, PHD, Nebulosity and Photoshop.
58 x 240s Subs, 45 x 0.015s Flats/Bias.
Note: Neil suffered a power cut just before taking the Darks so noise reduction was applied liberally.
Check out Neil’s flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/with/54245664968/ to see a higher resolution image.
CMHASD supporting the BAA at New Scientist Live – ExCel London, October 2024
Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan Atlas by Jim Burchell – Oct 2024
CMHASD Christmas Quiz – 2024
CMHASD members David Grist and Steve Floodgate pulled out all the stops to provide a night of head scratching, puzzlement and fun. Thank you Dave & Steve for all your hard work & effort creating the quiz. It was a great night and we are all looking forward to the next one!
Chairman John Archer wrote ”The Christmas Quiz was a great success – the men in brown coats did a splendid job and there was a very wide range of astronomy-related questions to contend with. Thank you Steve and Dave for the time you put into it, and to those who recorded the questions for those who couldn’t join us on the night.”
Congratulations to Neil Webster for winning the best Christmas jumper 🙂
Congratulations to the winning team ‘Positive Thinking’ 🙂
Aurora – 10/11th October 2024
On the night of the 10/11th October 2024 several CMHASD members all over the UK looked up at the sky and watched in amazement at another Aurora display!!!!
Below is a slideshow of a presentation that CMHASD member Sonia put together showing some of the stunning images members had taken that night. Some of the photographs taken by members show vivid colours but to most naked eye observers the colours were not so obvious due to light pollution.
CMHASD Stargazing at Hall Place, Bexley – Wed 13th Nov 2024
On Wednesday 13th November 2024, CMHASD were back at Hall Place & Gardens to hold a star gazing event from 7pm to 9pm. We had brilliant support from our members who bought along a variety of telescopes, cameras, meteorites and other displays for our guests.
CMHASD Chairman John Archer wrote ”Firstly I wanted to extend my gratitude to everyone who supported our Stargazing event last week. We were extremely lucky that it was dry and mostly clear, albeit with a bit of high level haze, but nothing to prevent observations. We had a wide range of scopes for the public to try for size. Everything from smart scopes, to refractors and a couple of the Society Dob’s. The evening was a sell-out and everyone went away happy. Pretty much everyone had a chance to observe Jupiter (and her moons), Saturn and the Moon, which was eye-wateringly bright of course. The evening went very smoothly, a couple of talks, a smashing comet-making demo (thank you Debra) and lots and lots of Stargazing which seems to be the one thing the visitors were so looking forward to. For everyone who helped – thank you so much. We go again in 2025!”
Our next Star Gazing at Hall Place event is on the 5th February 2025.
Our Sun by Honor Wheeler
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
Three superb images of our active Sun by Honor Wheeler taken on the 27th October 2024 and 11th August 2024 from Dartford. All 3 images consist of a Solar H-alpha image and a White light image overlaid. The 2 images on the 27th are the same; the 1st has just been processed in colour.
27th October 2024
27.10.2024 White light settings:
Canon M6II , ISO200, exp 1/2500sec
Skywatcher ED80 Refractor with Baader White light filter & 2x Barlow.
EQ3 Synscan mount.
H-alpha prominence settings:
Canon M6II & 2x Barlow, ISO200, 1sec
Coronado PST
11th August 2024
11.08.2024 White light settings:
Canon M6II, ISO200, 1/2500sec
Skywatcher ED80 Refractor with Baader White light filter & 2x Barlow.
EQ3 Synscan mount.
H-alpha prominence settings:
Canon M6II & 2x Barlow, ISO200, 1/1sec
Coronado PST
Latest ExoClock Transits
Some more Exoplanet transits for the ExoClock project:
Hunter’s Supermoon – by Honor Wheeler
This is a lovely image of the largest and brightest Full Moon of 2024 that lit up the skies of Earth on the 17th Oct, taken by member Honor Wheeler from Dartford whilst waiting for the comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas to made an appearance. This Full Moon is also known as the Hunter’s Supermoon. October’s full Moon is called the Hunter’s Moon because it occurs when hunters would traditionally have been most active.
”People in the Northern Hemisphere spent October preparing for the coming winter by hunting, slaughtering, and preserving meats, giving this Full Moon its Anglo-Saxon name Hunter’s Moon. The name was added to the Farmer’s Almanac in North America and is used widely today.
Native Americans named this Full Moon after things that happen in the fall, including Drying Rice Moon, Falling Leaves Moon, and Freezing Moon. The Celts used Seed Fall Moon in the same way.
The names Pagan Blood Moon or Sanguine Moon have also been used for this Full Moon. However, these names should not be confused with a Blood Moon—another name for a total lunar eclipse.” Ref:https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/hunters.html
October’s Full Moon was also a Supermoon too.
”Supermoons happen because the moon’s orbit isn’t a perfect circle around Earth but is instead an oval, or ellipse. That means that sometimes our lunar companion is closer to Earth, reaching its closest point to us in what is known as perigee. Other times, it is further away, during what is known as its apogee. When the Moon is close to perigee during a Full Moon, that’s a Supermoon. On Thursday 17th Oct, as the Full Moon rose, the Moon arrived at its closest point to Earth, sitting at just 221,938 miles (357,174 km) away. There have been two Supermoons in 2024 thus far, in August and September, and there will be another in November, but October’s Hunter’s Supermoon will be the biggest and brightest of 2024. That’s because this is the closest occurrence of a perigee to a Full Moon.” Ref:https://www.space.com/hunters-moon-supermoon-2024-photos
Timelapse video of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas by Honor Wheeler
A superb timelapse video created by Honor Wheeler of Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan – Atlas on the 12th Oct 2024.
Moon – 24th Oct 2024 by Neil Webster
A stunning image of a waning gibbous Moon by Neil Webster taken at 6.45am on the 24th Oct 2024. The Moon was 51.0% illuminated and 21.46 days old.
Neil acquired the image by using a AA115 Apo, EQ6 R, ZWO ASI 290MM, and Astronomik R/IR Filter.
Check out Neil’s flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/54090033889/in/photostream/ to see a higher resolution photo of this image.
Elephant’s Trunk Nebula (IC1396A) – Oct 12th 2024 by Neil Webster
Neil acquired the image by using a WO GT71 Apo, EQ6 R, ZWO ASI 294MC, Optolong L Enhance filter, Astro Essentials 50mm Guide Scope, and ZWO ASI290MM guide camera. Processed using APT, PHD, Nebulosity, PS (Camera Raw), and Star X Terminator.
22 x 240s Subs, 12 x Darks, 45 x Flats/Bias.
Comet C2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS by Honor Wheeler – 12th Oct 2024
Four members of CMHASD; John Archer, Gary Hunt, Jo Southgate and Honor Wheeler met up at Top Dartford Road at around 18:30 to see if they could spot comet C2023 A3 Tsuchinshan – ATLAS on the 12th Oct 2024. The rain cleared just in time and the sky was clearing of cloud as they set up. It took about 25 minutes looking but in the end they spotted the comet nucleus with a pair of 8×42 binoculars in the orange glow of the sunset i.e. in the Western sky approx 10 to 20° above the horizon 🙂
Below are some fantastic images of the comet taken by Honor. These images were also the 1st ones of the comet to be put on the British Astronomical Association (BAA) website – well done Honor!
Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) by member Jim Burchell – 15th May 2024
A great image capturing Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) by member Jim Burchell from Swanley.
Jim said ‘‘I took this image on the evening of 15th of May when the Comet was in the constellation of Virgo with my Seestar S50. As you see the Comet is showing a small tail….”
C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) is a comet from the Oort cloud and was discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory in China on 9 January 2023 and independently found by ATLAS South Africa on 22 February 2023.
Jim was the 1st member of CMHASD to image the comet – Well done Jim!
Image acquired using a Seestar S50: 48 X 10 second stacked images.
The Sun by Jim Burchell on the 4th October 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A super image of our Sun taken by member Jim Burchell on the morning of the 4th October 2024. As you can see the Sun was very active with many sunspots including sunspot AR3842. The 2nd photo has the sunspots labelled.
Jim wrote ”The images show Sunspot AR3842 which released two X-class solar flares (X7.1 and X9.1) and a series of M-class flares.”
This means Sunspot AR3842 has produced the strongest solar flare of Solar Cycle 25 so far. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded the X9.1-category blast.
Jim acquired his image using a Pentax KP body attached to a 102 mm F11 refactor; 1/320 sec; iso 100 and a Baader Astrosolar Safety film was used.
Perseid Meteor Watch – 10th/11thAugust 2024
When you sit back to watch the Perseid meteor shower, you’re actually seeing pieces of comet debris heat up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere and burn up in a bright burst of light, streaking a vivid path across the sky as they travel at 37 miles (59 kilometers) per second, according to NASA. The Perseids result from Earth passing through debris (bits of ice and rock) left behind by the Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Comet Swift-Tuttle was discovered independently by two astronomers, Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle, in 1862. Comet Swift-Tuttle is the largest object known to repeatedly pass by Earth; its nucleus is about 16 miles (26 kilometers) wide. It last passed near Earth during its orbit around the sun in 1992, and the next time will be in 2126.
In 2024 the Perseid meteor shower was active between 17 July and 24 August, with the number of meteors (also known as shooting stars) increasing every night until it reached its peak, after which it then tailed off. This year the peak was on the night of the 12th and before dawn on 13 August when Earth travelled through the densest and dustiest part of this debris.
So not wanting to miss this annual meteor shower several CMHASD members met at the Pavilion on the night of the 10th/11th August to watch the Perseid meteor shower (The night of the 12th/13th was not chosen simply because of members work commitments on the morning of the 13th). Members stayed at the pavilion for around 3 1/2 hours (9.30pm to 1am) and during that time around 17 visual sightings were spotted by members.
Below are some photos taken by member Honor Wheeler of the meteors she caught on camera that night, with another member helping her out by pointing to the 1st meteor that was spotted!
It was a very good night, not too cold, great company and lots of banter & chit chat amongst members. Some members even took the opportunity to do some deep sky imaging too.
There’s one……..
Camera settings: Canon M6II, Rokinon 14mm lens, ISO1000, f/2.8, exposure between 4sec and 10sec.
Plus; while we were busy watching the meteors at the pavilion the meteor camera was busy too and below is a summary of the meteors the camera picked up on the night of the 10th/11th Aug 2024 which you can download.
Perseids Night of 10-11 August 2024 (1)
For more information about the Perseid Meteor Shower check out https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/perseid-meteor-shower-guide-uk-when-where-to-see
Shears Green Junior School Cosmic Camp – 27th Sept 2024
On Friday 27th September 2024 several CMHASD members helped out at Shears Green Junior School Cosmic Camp.
Chairman John Archer wrote ”First of all I really want to thank all of the team who supported our evening of outreach last Friday 27th. Once again we attended Cosmic Camp at Shears Green Junior School and were greeted by an enthusiastic audience, most of whom managed to observe Saturn, as well as a number of deep sky objects. There were indoor activities run by Rita and Debra, and the pupils were treated to our slideshow of members’ aurora images. Outside there were a range of scopes – Dob’s, a refractor and also Smartscopes, ably demonstrated by our hardy team including Steve, Dave, Andy, Diane, Mike, Jim & co – thank you all so much for giving up your time and getting involved – it was a wonderful and eventually clear night”.
Below are 2 of the images taken by members whilst at the school that the children saw.
M31 by Dr Mike Rushton using a Dwarf II smartscope with no processing. Stacked image of 200 x 10s exposures at gain 80.
M31 is a barred spiral galaxy and is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way. It is also known as The Andromeda Galaxy, Messier 31 and NGC 224. The galaxy is approximately 765 kpc (2.5 million light-years) from Earth. The galaxy’s name stems from the area of Earth’s sky in which it appears, the constellation of Andromeda. Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andromeda_Galaxy.
M27 by Diane Clarke (with the help of Jim Burchell) taken using a Seestar S50. Stacked image of 224 x 10s exposures. Processed using Affinity Photo.
M27 (also known as the Dumbbell Nebula, Apple Core Nebula, Messier 27, and NGC 6853) is a planetary nebula (nebulosity surrounding a white dwarf) in the constellation Vulpecula, at a distance of about 1360 light-years. It was the first such nebula to be discovered, by Charles Messier in 1764. Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumbbell_Nebula.
Super Harvest Moon – 17th September 2024
A superb selection of images taken by members Jim Burchell and Honor Wheeler on the 17th September 2024 of the Super Harvest Moon.
Why is this Full Moon called a Super Harvest Moon?
”Supermoons occur at perigee: the point in the Moon’s orbit where it’s closest to Earth. A perigee full Moon appears a little brighter and larger than an average full Moon, and is known by some as a ‘supermoon’. The technical name for a ‘supermoon’ is a perigee syzygy Moon.” Ref:https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/supermoon-what-when-next
Plus Full Moon names reflect the time of year they happen and the Harvest Moon graces the skies in the harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere. The Harvest Moon is also the Full Moon nearest the autumn equinox, which happens around September 22, depending on the year and time zone.
Fly me to the Moon by Honor Wheeler
Image taken using a Canon M6II camera, 400mm lens, ISO800, F7.1 and EXP1/800s.
Moon with Saturn (Composite image) by Honor Wheeler
Images taken using a Canon M6II camera, 177mm lens, ISO800, F7.1 and EXP1/3s.
Super Harvest Moon by Honor Wheeler
Image taken using Canon M6II camera, 400mm lens, ISO800, F7.1 and EXP1/8s.
Super Harvest Moon taken by Jim Burchell
This image was taken using a Pentax KP body attached to a 102 mm refactor, F11, 1/80 sec and iso 100.
Moon & Cloud by Jim Burchell
This is a cropped image. taken using a Pentax KP, F11, 1/125 sec, 300 mm and ISO 100
For more information check out https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/supermoon-what-when-next and https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/harvest.html
The next Supermoon is on Thursday 17th October.
Crescent Moon & Venus by Richard Bohner
A lovely photo of the crescent Moon and Venus captured by member Richard Bohner from the USA. The single shot photo was taken on 4th September 2024 with a Canon 6D camera and 135mm lens f2.8. ISO 1600 @ 1/30 second exposure from Cottonwood, Arizona, USA.
The North America Nebula (NGC 7000) & the Pelican Nebula (IC 5070) by Neil Webster
Neil’s first Deep Sky image for 18 months…….The North America Nebula & the Pelican Nebula and what a super image it is!
The North America Nebula (NGC 7000) is at the top and the Pelican Nebula (IC 5070) is at the bottom.
The North America Nebula (NGC 7000 or Caldwell 20) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus, close to the star Deneb. It is named the North America Nebula because its shape resembles North America.
”The Pelican Nebula (also known as IC 5070) is an H II region associated with the North America Nebula in the constellation Cygnus. The gaseous contortions of this emission nebula bear a resemblance to a pelican, giving rise to its name. The Pelican Nebula is located nearby first magnitude star Deneb, and is divided from its more prominent neighbour, the North America Nebula, by a foreground molecular cloud filled with dark dust.” Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelican_Nebula
Neil acquired his image on the 27th Sept 2024 using a WO GT71 apo, EQ6-R, ZWO ASI 294MC Pro, Optolong L-Enhance filter, Astro Essentials 50mm guide scope & ZWO ASI 290MM guide camera.
Processed in APT, PHD, Nebulosity, Photoshop and Star Xterminator
38 x 240s Subs, 12 x darks, 45 x flats/bias
For a more detailed view of Neil’s image check out his flicker page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/54032311437/
NGC 6992 & NGC 891 by Jim Burchell
Two excellent deep sky images taken by Jim Burchell on the 14th Sept 2024 of NGC 6992 and NGC 891 using his Seestar S50 smartcope.
The Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated, ionized gas and dust in the constellation Cygnus. It constitutes the visible portions of the Cygnus Loop a supernova remnant. Sections of the Veil Nebula have their own individual names and catalogue identifiers and NGC6992 is a bright area in the Eastern Veil (also known as Caldwell 33) of the Veil Nebula.
The image is made up of 138 x 10 second stacked images. Then processed in Snapseed.
”NGC 891 (also known as Caldwell 23, the Silver Sliver Galaxy, and the Outer Limits Galaxy) is an edge-on unbarred spiral galaxy about 30 million light-years away in the constellation Andromeda. It was discovered by William Herschel on October 6, 1784.” Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_891
This image is made up of 48 x 10 sec stacked images. Then processed in Snapseed. Ref:
The Fireworks Galaxy by Terry Miles
A superb image of the Fireworks Galaxy also known as NGC6946 taken by member Terry Miles on the 10th Sept 2024 using his Seestar S50 smartscope despite some very annoying high thin clouds that would not just go away.
”The Fireworks Galaxy, is a face-on intermediate spiral galaxy with a small bright nucleus, whose location in the sky straddles the boundary between the northern constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus. Its distance from Earth is about 25.2 million light-years.” Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NGC_6946
Stunning Sun dogs by Kevin Smith
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A stunning example of 2 Sun dogs captured by member Kevin Smith whilst on an early morning walk on the 10th Sept 2024.
A sun dog is also called a parhelion (plural parhelia) and is an atmospheric optical phenomenon that consists of a bright spot to one or both sides of the Sun. The sun dog is a member of the family of halos caused by the refraction of sunlight by ice crystals in the atmosphere.
The Veil Nebula by Kevin Langford
An absolutely stunning mosaic image of the Veil Nebula taken by member Kevin Langford from Bexley on the nights of the 11th & 12th August 2024.
The Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated, ionized gas and dust in the constellation Cygnus. It constitutes the visible portions of the Cygnus Loop a supernova remnant.
This is a 4 panel mosaic; with just 40 mins of data per panel. Kevin says it needs a lot more data to be added but we think it is fantastic already.
Equipment used: ES102 with focus reducer, L-eNhance filter.
Software used Nina, Sirilic, Ice, Siril, and Affinity photo.
Moon with Earthshine – 29th August 2024
A fantastic image of the Moon with Earthshine taken by member Jim Burchell on the 29th August 2024. This is a single shot image which was processed in Snapseed. Details of how Jim acquired his image are on the photo.
The Sun & Moon – 25th August 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
Jim Burchell, Simon Dawes & Dr Mike Rushton imaged the Sun in white light on the 25th August 2024 and below are their splendid results. As you can see the Sun was very active.
Mike used his Dwarf II smart scope to acquire his image below.
Jim used a Pentax KP body attached to 102mm Altair Astro F11 refractor fitted with a Solar filter. The mage of the Sun is a single shot and then processed in Snapseed.
Below is an image of the Sun taken from Spaceweather.com on the same day with the sunspots numbered.
Simon’s images are of the Sunspots and as you will see some of the sunspots are rather stunning. Details of how Simon acquired his images are on the photos.
Later that day Jim captured this super image of a Waning Gibbous Moon. The moon was 20.65 days old and 62.92% illuminated. Details of how Jim acquired his image are on the photo. This is a single shot image and then processed in Snapseed.
CMHASD BBQ – 31st August 2024
On Saturday 31st August 2024 CMHASD held a BBQ for its members. Below are a selection of photos & videos of the BBQ shared by members and an account of the event written by member Gary Hunt.
”In the closing days of the summer of 2024, and after a three-year interregnum, CMHASD were determined to reinstate the annual summer BBQ. After judicious planning and a little dash of hope, it was decided to hold the event in the afternoon/evening of Saturday 31st August.
The suggestion was well received by the membership and with the support of the committee and permission of the Parish Council, a small planning group was set up of Sonia Rubie, Steve Floodgate, John Archer, Mike Rushton, Diane Clarke, and Jo Southgate. Preparation was in good hands, and I can confirm that joyous industry was carried-out by our hardworking heroes!
Sadly the weather forecast from earlier in the week was less than accurate, and we had our BBQ under cloud and just the odd spot of rain. However, CMHASD members are a hardy lot, and this wasn’t going to spoil our fun… no siree!
The team set up from 11:30, after accessing the Pavilion, with assembly of two gazebos (one for food/drink and the other for games), and outdoor games. Steve (F), Jo and John (A) set up their respective barbecues and very soon all was ready!
Most people arrived after 14:00, and the feast was easily a repast for the whole BAA, not just CMHASD, indeed, there was so much food left, it was saved and used on the following Thursday for another successful astronomical quiz created by the redoubtable MC…Sonia!
It is worth noting that several members of the public approached and engaged members, to see why we were having so much fun… I would suggest that at least a few visitors went away with some thought of checking us out?
After a fantastic lunch… it was time for games! Kicking off with several rounds of croquet, there was savage competition amongst members, whatever you think of how members played, it wasn’t cricket😆!
There was also a target sheet put up and compressed air rockets were aimed at the targets… to be honest, most members preferred to play, how high can I stamp the rocket, resulting in some near misses with other members!
One of the more popular games was introduced by Steve Goldson, a Finnish skittle game called ‘Mölkky’ and is pronounced “milkay”… The competition amongst members was fierce, with many finding unique and ‘mystery ball’ ways of tossing the baton and getting the points!
Sonia, then started some old school party games, including ‘Pass the parcel’, but with forfeits as well as prizes. It was a ‘mashup’ (I am known for being hip… man!), of charades, pass-the-parcel, music quiz and (reverse) tag! Sonia had created a monster of a game that had two sessions, and was loved by all!
After ice cream donated by an anonymous, but rather charming and good-looking member, and some lovely fruit-salad and cakes… It was time for, pin the alien on the spaceship! This was real fun, with, I would add some jeopardy, as contestants had to be blindfolded and spun around (to music!) and disoriented… Again this was real kid style fun, that appealed to the most ‘senior’ (think OLD!), of members…
Sadly, the weather was being uncooperative, and members feeling distinctly ‘chilled’ (in both senses!), cleared up and made our way to our respective homes (…maybe?🤣) just as it was dusk…
I think I am safe to say, the day was enjoyed by ALL! I believe I am speaking on behalf of all those present, THANK YOU! To all the wonderful members who worked so hard and creatively to give us an amazingly enjoyable day!!! A HUGE round of applause and slaps on backs all-round! AND, thank you to all those who attended and made the BBQ so much fun… Let’s all hope there is another BBQ in 2025?”
The Society would like to thank those members who shared their photos & videos and to Gary for his written account. Thank you.
Our Sun by Jim Burchell – 23rd August 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A fantastic white light image of the Sun taken by member Jim Burchell on the 23rd August 2024 from Dartford. As you can see the Sun was very active with lots of huge sunspots. Jim took the single shot image using a white light Baader planetarium Astro Solar Filter and a Pentax KP body attached to 102mm F11 Altair Astro refractor at 1/320 sec and iso 100. Then processed in Snapseed.
Below is a spaceweather.com photo of the Sun with the sunspots given their number taken on the same day.
M31 by Kevin Langford – 19th August 2024
Messier 31 The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) taken by member Kevin Langford on the 19th August 2024 from Bexley. Kevin said ”This is just a 30mins of exposure as I was packing up for the night. I know it is very grainy, it needs a lot more time spent on it.” Well we think it is rather superb as it is Kevin!
Kevin acquired his image using an ES102 with focus reducer and L-eNhance filter. Processed using Nina, Siril, and Affinity photo.
Congratulations to Simon Dawes
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
The Society would like to congratulate Simon Dawes for having his sunspot image (see below) published in the British Astronomical Association journal – August 2024 edition. Well done Simon; it is a superb image. Details of how Simon acquired his image is on the photo.
A mosaic of the groups AR3638, AR3643, and AR3645–3647, imaged in white light on 2024 April 18 at
07:31 UT, in Bexleyheath.
Sunspots by Simon Dawes – 11th August 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A collection of stunning sunspot images taken by member Simon Dawes on the 11th August 2024. Details of how Simon acquired his images are on the photos.
The Sun – 12th August 2024 by Dr Mike Rushton
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A lovely white light image of the Sun taken on the 12th August 2024 by member & trustee Dr Mike Rushton; using his Dwarf II smart scope. The image is stacked and is made up of 25 x 1/200 sec exposures at gain 0.
The large sunspot top left is AR3784 and the large sunspot to the bottom right is AR3780.
Latest images by member Terry Miles
Two super images by member Terry Miles taken using his Seestar S50 smart telescope on the 11th August 2024. The images are short exposures for deep-sky objects but you can clearly see the ring nebula in the 1st image and some nebulosity of the Eastern Veil Nebula in the 2nd image.
M57 The Ring Nebula. Also catalogued as NGC 6720 is a planetary nebula in the northern constellation of Lyra.
NGC 6992 The Eastern Veil Nebula. The Veil Nebula is a cloud of heated and ionized gas and dust in the constellation Cygnus.
Latest ExoClock transit observations by Simon Dawes – July & August 2024
Five more sets of observations for the ExoClock project by member & trustee Simon Dawes.
HAT-P-19 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a K-type star. Its mass is 0.277 Jupiters, it takes 4 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.04599 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2010. Ref:https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/hat-p-19-b/
TOI-4087 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits an F-type star. Its mass is 0.73 Jupiters, it takes 3.2 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.04469 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2023. Ref:https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/toi-4087-b/
KELT-1 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits an F-type star. Its mass is 27.23 Jupiters, it takes 1.2 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.02466 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2012. Ref: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/kelt-1-b/
KELT-16 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits an F-type star. Its mass is 2.75 Jupiters, it takes 1 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.02044 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2017. Ref: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/kelt-16-b/
TOI-1431 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits an A-type star. Its mass is 3.12 Jupiters, it takes 2.7 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.046 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2021. Ref: https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/toi-1431-b/
Members trip to the South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre – 4th August 2024
On Sunday 4th August 2024 several CMHASD members went on a trip the South Downs Planetarium & Science Centre. Below is an account of the day kindly written by member Gary Hunt with photos taken by members.
1st August 2024 – Thunderhead
As Astronomers we observe weather conditions regularly and on the 1st August 2024 a stunning time-lapse video was taken by member Honor Wheeler of a Thunderhead. The video was taken from Dartford. A thunderhead is a cumulonimbus cloud seen during a thunderstorm. Towering cumulonimbus clouds, often called thunderclouds, are the only cloud formation capable of generating hail, thunder, and lightning. These dramatic, multi-layered cloud structures extend high into the sky, taking on an ominous, menacing appearance.
Honor used a Canon M6II on a tripod, Rokinon 12mm lens, at f/8, ISO400. A total of 300 photos with a 5 sec interval.
For more information about thunderstorms see:
Summer Solstice Sun – 20th June 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A fantastic photo of our Sun as it set taken by member Honor Wheeler from Weybourne Beach, Norfolk on the 20th June 2024. Massive sunspots can be seen at the 5 O’Clock position on the Sun. This image will also be found in the July edition of ‘The Astronomer’. Well done Honor; it is indeed a super image.
Earlier in the day on the 20th Dr Mike Rushton took this great image of the Sun using his Dwarf II smartscope.
Below for comparison; is a screenshot of the Sun on the 20th June 2024 with the Sunspots numbered taken from Spaceweather.com
Then on the day after; on the 21st member Jim Burchell took this superb image of the Sun.
The latest ExoClock project transits
Martin Crow and Simon Dawes have been busy taking more measurements of Exoplanet transits for the ExoClock project. Below are some of their latest ones.
”TrES-2b (also known as Kepler-1b or GSC 03549-02811b) is an extrasolar planet orbiting the star GSC 03549-02811 located 750 light years away from the Solar System in Draco. The planet was identified in 2011 as the darkest known exoplanet, reflecting less than 1% of any light that hits it. Reflecting less light than charcoal, on the surface the planet is said to be pitch black. The planet’s mass and radius indicate that it is a gas giant with a bulk composition similar to that of Jupiter. Unlike Jupiter, but similar to many planets detected around other stars, TrES-2b is located very close to its star and belongs to the class of planets known as hot Jupiters. This system was within the field of view of the Kepler spacecraft. It was discovered on August 21, 2006 by the Trans-Atlantic Exoplanet Survey (TrES) by detecting the transit of the planet across its parent star using Sleuth (Palomar Observatory, California) and PSST (Lowell Observatory, Arizona), part of the TrES network of 10–cm telescopes. The discovery was confirmed by the W. M. Keck Observatory on September 8, 2006, by measuring the radial velocity of the star that hosts TrES-2b.” Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TrES-2b
HAT–P–37b is an exoplanet in the constellation Draco.
”HAT-P-37 b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. Its mass is 1.169 Jupiters, it takes 2.8 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.0379 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2011.” Ref:https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanet-catalog/hat-p-37-b/
”Qatar-4b is a super-jupiter orbiting the star Qatar-4 every 1.8 days in Andromeda. It was discovered in 2016 by the Qatar Exoplanet Survey (QES).
This planet has a very short orbit, with only 1.8 days for it to complete an orbit around Qatar-4. The period corresponds with a separation of around 0.03 AU, which is almost 20 times closer than Mercury is to the Sun. Despite that, it has a perfectly round orbit. Since the host is an active star, Qatar-4 may be destroyed by tidal waves from the star.” Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qatar-4b
”TrES-3b is an extrasolar planet orbiting the star GSC 03089-00929. It has an orbital period of just 31 hours and nearly twice the mass of Jupiter.
The planet TrES-3b is named Umbäässa. The name was selected in the NameExoWorlds campaign by Liechtenstein, during the 100th anniversary of the IAU. In the local dialect of southern Liechtenstein, Umbäässa is a small and barely visible ant.
Astro-images from the 28th and a little bit of the 29th June 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A lovely selection of images from Society members.
First two superb images are of the Sun and Moon taken by Jim Burchell on the 28th.
Next are a selection of fantastic images of the Noctilucent Cloud that put in an appearance during the night of the 28th/29th June. It turned out to be quite a stunning display as you will see 🙂
First set of images are from our Chairman John Archer whilst in Northumberland on the 28th June. The 1st 3 images show the NLC developing over the North Sea.
Taken at 10.46pm.
Taken at 10.55pm.
Taken at 11.04pm.
Taken at 11.20pm.
The next 2 images are from Diane Clarke taken from Belvedere. The 2nd image is absolutely stunning.
Taken at 10.53pm.
Taken at 11.15pm.
The next 2 superb images were taken by Honor Wheeler from Dartford.
Taken at 10.10pm.
Taken at 11.14pm.
This super image was taken by John Howarth from Bexley.
Taken at 11.10pm
This dramatic NLC image was taken by Bob Bryne from Dartford.
Taken at 11.27pm.
These lovely NLC images were taken by Sonia Rubie from Bexley.
Taken at 11.06pm.
Taken at 11.12pm.
These last 2 superb images were taken by Jim Burchell from Dartford just after midnight, so on the 29th June 2024 at 12.06am and 12.07am.
Crescent Moon & Mercury – 7th July 2024
A super collection of images by members of a Waxing Crescent Moon and Mercury taken on the 7th July 2024. The Moon had an illumination of 3%, which is the percentage of the moon that is illuminated by the Sun and an age of 1.6 days old, which is how many days it has been since the last New Moon.
John Howarth – Bexley
Honor Wheeler – Dartford
Mercury is just above the ‘M’ on the label Mercury in the photo.
Jim Burchell – Dartford
Richard Bohner – Arizona, USA.
Image taken 6 hours after Honor and Jim’s images in the UK. Notice how the Moon position has changed relative to Mercury.
Noctilucent Cloud (NLC) sightings – July 2024
A lovely selection of NLC images taken by Society members on the 7th & 14th of July 2024.
7th July 2024
Honor Wheeler – Dartford.
A panoramic photo by Honor Wheeler comprising 5 individual images.
The bright star like object on the right hand side, middle is Jupiter, diagonally up, top and right is Mars and in-between at the top of the image you can just make out the Pleiades. Taken using a Canon Camera M6II on a tripod, ISO800, f/4.5, 1/2sec, 18-400mm lens set to 37mm. 02:18UTC
Jim Burchell – Dartford.
Bob Byrne – Dartford.
Sonia Rubie – Bexley.
Taken using an iPhone – point & shoot.
14th July 2024
Jim Burchell – Dartford.
Honor Wheeler – Dartford.
This is 6 frame panoramic taken at 21:45UTC.
Taken using a Canon Camera M6II, Tamron 18-400mm lens, ISO800, f/4, 1/1sec. Each frame the lens was set to 27mm. Panoramic created in Bimostitch and processed in Snapseed.
Martin Crow – Burnham on Crouch, Essex.
Time Lapse video by Martin Crow
Sonia Rubie – Bexley.
Taken using an iPhone – point & shoot.
Noctilucent Cloud (NLC) sightings – June 2024
It is Noctilucent Cloud (NLC) season and members have been watching the sky to see if these elusive clouds put in an appearance – and I am pleased to report that they have. A few members have spotted them….
First this season was by Honor Wheeler whilst in Norfolk on the 17th June 2024.
Second was by Jim Burchell on the 18th June 2024 from Dartford.
Third was by Jim Burchell & Sonia Rubie on the 20th June 2024.
NLC spotted by Jim on the 20th June 2024 from Dartford.
NLC spotted by Sonia Rubie on the 20th June 2024 from Bexley.
And finally, fourth by Martin Crow on 23rd June 2024 from Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex.
Astronomy class at Crayford Manor House before 1961.
The DIY Planetarium made by the Astronomy class at Crayford Manor House before 1961.
Standing (L-R): H P Wilkins & Len Wilcox (Principle of the Manor House Adult Education Centre)
Seated (L-R): Unknown, Bert Offord and John Wall
(L- R) Unknown, John Wall and Bert Offord
The Sun by Jim Burchell
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A lovely collection of white light images of the Sun taken by member Jim Burchell in May & June this year; showing several large sunspots. Jim took the images using a Pentax KP camera attached to a 102 mm Altair refactor fitted with a solar filter and then processed in Snapseed.
Aurora – 2024 May 10th/11th
Like many of the stars we see in the night sky, our own Sun is a variable star. Its activity waxes and wanes, peaking every 11 years in a phenomenon known as the Solar Cycle.
As it approaches this peak we see more dark sunspots appear on its face, and some of those sunspots can grow to huge sizes, becoming larger than our own planet.
Recently an ink blotch trail of sunspots ten times the size of Earth appeared on the Sun, so big it was even visible to the naked eye through solar eclipse glasses and was a stunning sight through telescopes fitted with solar filters.
As it developed, this sunspot group began firing off powerful solar flares, again and again, like a WWII battleship firing a broadside.
And when a sequence of these flares was directed towards Earth, astronomers who study space weather became very excited at the prospect of enhanced auroral activity in the night sky once the solar material reached Earth.
They predicted that, if everything went well, the evening of Friday 10 May 2024 might see an impressive display of the Northern Lights, perhaps even one of the largest for years.
Even though there was no guarantee of seeing anything, aurora-watchers crossed their fingers and made plans to go aurora-hunting after sunset that evening. Ref:https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/aurora-10-may-2024
So on the night of 2024 May 10/11 several CMHASD members all over the UK looked up at the sky in anticipation and finally at around 10.30pm watched in amazement at an Aurora display.
Below is a slideshow of a presentation that CMHASD member Sonia put together showing some of the images members had taken that night and 3 time lapse videos too. Some of the photographs taken by members show vivid colours but to most naked eye observers the colours were not so obvious due to light pollution.
Time lapse videos by Honor Wheeler.
Time lapse video by Martin Crow.
The Moon – 15th May 2024
A super image of the Moon taken by member Diane Clarke on the 15th May 2024. During this day the phase of the Moon is First Quarter. The Moon is 49.91% illuminated; which is the percentage of the moon that is illuminated by the Sun. The Moon was 7.37 days old, which shows how many days it has been since the last New Moon.
Diane’s image is a stacked image from a 10 min AVI file. Taken with a Seestar s50, using Autostakkert, with slight colour correction using Affinity Photo.
You should also be able to make out the clair-obscur effects on the Moon known as the Lunar X and V in this image too.
Lunar X and V are famous optical features on the Moon, visible for several hours around the time of the First Quarter through a telescope. When the Moon’s terminator; the line between light and dark on the Moon is just in the right place, you can see a letter X and a letter V on the Moon’s surface.
Lunar X and V are examples of how lighting and topography can combine to produce a pattern that seems familiar to the human eye. The X is formed when parts of the rims of the craters La Caille (68km wide), Blanchinus (68km) and Purbach (118km) catch the Sun’s light. The V is caused by Sun light illuminating the Moon close to the crater Ukert along with several smaller craters.
For more information check out https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/advice/skills/lunar-x-v and https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/what-is-lunar-x/
The Moon – 12th May 2024
A stunning collection of photos of the Moon taken on the 12th May 2024 by Neil Webster. The Moon was 25.1% illuminated and 4.71 days old.
AA115mm APO EQ6 R, ZWO ASI290MM, R/IR filter
4 frames stitched in Microsoft ICE: each 90sx33fps. Best 20% stacked in AutoStakkert.
Acquisition: firecapture
Processing: AutoStakkert & Photoshop
For higher resolution photos of the above; check out Neils flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/
Exo-Planet transits of HAT-P-55b and TrES-3b
Here is the Exo-Planet transit of HAT-P-55b taken on the 11th May 2024 by Simon Dawes for the ExoClock project. Simon did the observation on the same night as the ‘Great Aurora’, it finished in twilight so he lost about an hour of data.
HAT-P-55b is a gas giant exoplanet that orbits a G-type star. Its mass is 0.596 Jupiters, it takes 3.6 days to complete one orbit of its star, and is 0.04628 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2015.
Next is the Exo-Planet transit of TrES-3b taken on the 15th May 2024 by Simon Dawes also for the ExoClock project.
Simon wrote ”The night wasn’t great, there was a light mist, 1/4 moon, and high cloud, I didn’t expect much given the conditions and the large change in altitude of the object, but I think it came out ok. The shape of the transit suggests it just grazes the limb of the host star (from our perspective).”
TrES-3b orbits the star GSC 03089-00929 in the constellation Hercules about 10 degrees west of the star called Vega. It is the third transiting planet found by the Trans-Atlantic Exoplanet Survey.
The planet TrES-3b is named Umbäässa. The name was selected in the NameExoWorlds campaign by Liechtenstein, during the 100th anniversary of the IAU. In the local dialect of southern Liechtenstein, Umbäässa is a small and barely visible ant. TrES-3b has an orbital period of just 31 hours and nearly twice the mass of Jupiter.
Waxing Crescent Moon by Neil Webster
A Waxing Crescent Moon taken by member Neil Webster on the 11th May 2024. The Moon was 16.3% illuminated and 3.66 days old.
Neil used a R/IR filter (642 – 840nm) when taking his image.
Check out Neil’s flickr page at www.flickr.com/photos/137388222@N05/
Messier 31 & NGC 6888 by Jim Burchell
Two deep sky images by member Jim Burchell taken on the 4th May 2024 using a Seestar S50 smart scope.
NGC 6888 (Total of 28mins of exposure)
NGC 6888 (also known as the Crescent Nebula, Caldwell 27 and Sharpless 105) is an emission nebula in the constellation Cygnus. It was discovered by William Herschel in 1792 and is about 5000 light-years from Earth.
Messier M31 (Total of 11mins of exposure)
Messier 31 also known as M31 and NGC 224 is the Andromeda Galaxy. M31 is a barred spiral galaxy and is the nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way.
Messier 13 by Diane Clarke
A superb image of Messier 13 by member Diane Clarke taken on the 29th April 2024 using a Seestar S50 250mm, 120 x 10sec exp @ f5.
Messier 13 or M13 (also designated NGC 6205 and sometimes called the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, the Hercules Globular Cluster, or the Great Hercules Cluster), is a globular cluster of several hundred thousand stars in the constellation of Hercules.
Solar Observing at the Pavilion – 11th May 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
After a fantastic night of observing the Aurora, several CMHASD members took the opportunity to observe the huge sunspot AR664 that caused it, at the Parsonage Lane Pavilion the following day. Below are a selection of photos from that afternoon.
The white light image of the Sun below was taken by member George Buckberry using a Canon EOS760D attached to a Celestron MakC90 fitted with a Baader 5.0ND Solar filter. All mounted on a Sky-Watcher Alt-Az Mount and Tripod.
Thank you to Diane, Sonia & Jim for sharing your photos.
Exoplanet Observing with the Unistellar eVscope by Dr. Mike Rushton
Exoplanet Observing with the Unistellar eVscope
Background
Over the last few years, a number of “Smart Telescopes” have been developed for amateur use.
These typically consist of a relative narrow optical train attached to an automated mount. They have software to provide plate solving, tracking and image stacking. They are easy to setup and use.
They have relatively narrow fields and due to their short focal lengths (as well as small apertures) and are best suited to imaging small deep-sky objects.
Unistellar – a French Company setup in 2016 with £2m+ Kickstarter funding – first delivered its scope commercially in 2021. Unlike their competitors they foresaw the possibility of using them for science as well as taking pretty pictures. They partnered with SETI in Mountainview California to produce a program which included exoplanet transit observations.
At 4.5” aperture the scopes are considered too small to take part in the ExoClock program.
Exoplanet Observation
SETI produces a list of favoured targets for study. This is based mostly on the NASA requested targets for the TESS satellite. There are about 12,000 eVscope located all around the world but principally in Europe, the USA and Japan. These were the regions where the scopes were first marketed. About 1500 of these have been registered to the “Science” program and of those my impression is about 100 have been actively used for exoplanet observation. The figures for the week commencing 5/5/24 were 48 observations by 38 observers of 13 targets.
Although there are now several different models of eVscope they are all based around the same optical configuration. This is important as it makes combining data from different scopes relatively easy. SETI have set up a data reduction pipeline that takes uploaded raw frames from participating scopes and produces graphical and numerical output which is returned to participants via a Slack channel. When appropriate, the data from telescopes in different time zones can be combined to allow observations which are impossible from a single site.
This enables long transits to be observed and also long observations of poorly known timings to be tackled. Recently, the program has included candidates whose transits have only been captured 2 or 3 times. The aim is to see if there are any intermediate transits that would suggest a shorter period than originally calculated.
The latest combined observation attempt involved HIP 41378f which has a period of 542 days and transits lasting 19 hours. The ingress was timed to be first visible in S America and then egress in Western Europe. Individual observers were requested to make 2-4 hour observations during the time the star was at least 25 deg above the horizon. The plan was to have the star under continuous observation for 35 hours! (Most people were going to see no transit!). This therefore also included observers in Japan and Australia. 26 telescopes provided data. The results are awaited.
It is possible for single observers to choose their own targets (Usually from the Swarthmore database -astro.swarthmore.edu) and then do their own analysis. Until recently that involved requesting the data from the SETI servers to which it had been sent directly by the telescope’s internal software. This was slow and tedious, involving downloading about 10GB of data which had previously been sent to them. After lobbying from the users, it is now possible to download the data straight from the telescope to a local laptop.
My personal impression is that these scopes will never substitute for results from 8”+ aperture scopes but their uniformity and world-wide distribution plus consistent data reduction means that they have a place in Exoplanet observation.
Mike Rushton
CMHASD Solar Observing at Hall Place & Gardens – 5th May 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
On Sunday 5th May 2024 the team from CMHASD set themselves up for the first of our two Solar Observing events at Hall Place & Gardens and what a glorious day it was to be out solar observing.
Members of the public were invited to do some solar observing which was enthusiastically accepted by those who were keen to look at the sun using our scopes. The Sun put on a good display having several complex sunspots for the public to view.
Five telescopes were set up to observe the Sun safely. First; a table-top Celestron Firstscope 76mm Newtonian fitted with a home-made solar filter through which many of the public were able to see the numerous sunspot groups, this was a low budget telescope and easy to use.
There were 3 smart scopes set up; two Seestar S50’s and a Dwarf II. The 2 images of the Sun below were taken by the smart scopes. The first was taken by CMHASD Secretary Dr Mike Rushton using a Dwarf II smart scope and the second taken by member Terry Miles using a Seestar S50 smart telescope. Both images were captured whilst Mike & Terry were helping at Hall Place.
Dwarf II smart telescope (1″ aperture!) 30 x 1/200sec subs at gain 0 with a ND6 Solar filter.
The fifth telescope set up was a Celestron C90 Maksutov Cassegrain telescope, focal length 1250mm, 90mm objective lens (corrector plate) using a 32mm eye piece which gave a full view of the Sun’s disk. This was on a Sky Watcher heavy duty tripod on which was mounted a William Optics wedge on which was mounted a iOptron Sky Guider Pro tracking mount and finally the Mak mounted on top. The Celestron was set up for visual observation only so fitted with a Baader 5ND solar filter, no imaging was done.
Our pitch was on the grass at the end of the path from the main entrance to the gardens, and we were quite close to the hard standing outside the art gallery and café. With the date being chosen to coincide with the Farmers’ Market, we experienced good foot-fall and our flag was prominent for visitors as they arrived.
The Crayford team returns again later in July for our second session but there’s no doubt this first visit to Hall Place for Solar Observing in 2024 was a great success and the Society would like to thank all those members who helped on the day 😀
Thank you also to John Archer, John Howarth, Dr Mike Rushton and Terry Miles for sharing your photos with us.
*** CMHASD will be back at Hall Place on Sunday 7th July 2024 to do some more Solar Observing with the public. Please do come and join us! ***
Our Sun – 21st & 29th April 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
Two fab images of our Sun taken by member Jim Burchell on the 21st & 29th April 2024. Details of how Jim captured the Sun is on the 1st image. Please note a solar filter was used too.
Sun on 21st April 2024 by Jim Burchell
For comparison; below is the Sun with the Sunspots numbered taken from Spaceweather.com on 21st April 2024.
Ref:https://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=21&month=04&year=2024
The Sun on 29th April 2024 by Jim Burchell
For comparison; below is the Sun with the Sunspots numbered taken from Spaceweather.com on 29th April 2024.
Ref:https://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=29&month=04&year=2024
The Sun – 18th April 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A super collection of Sun images taken on the 18th April 2024.
The 1st image below was taken by Dr Mike Rushton using a Dwarf II smartscope. Mike took 30 x 1/200sec images which were stacked, gain 0 + solar filter.
For comparison, below is the Sun image from Spaceweather.com on the 18th April and has the Sunspots numbered.
The next 5 images below of the Sun were taken by member Simon Dawes. Details of how Simon acquired his images are on some of the photos.
Double Rainbow
A fantastic image of a double rainbow captured by member Kevin Smith whilst on a walk in Deal, Kent on the 16th April 2024.
At 6.35pm Kevin was walking along the marshes to the West of Deal looking East towards the sea, about 700 metres from the beach when he saw the rainbow and used his Samsung A52s mobile phone to take the photo.
”A double rainbow is a wonderful sight where you get two spectacular natural displays for the price of one.
Surprisingly, this phenomenon is actually relatively common, especially at times when the sun is low in the sky such as in the early morning or late afternoon. The second rainbow is fainter and more ‘pastel’ in tone than the primary rainbow because more light escapes from two reflections compared to one.
The secondary rainbow is also dispersed over a wider area of the sky. It is nearly twice as wide as the primary bow.
A key feature of double rainbows is that the colour sequence in the second rainbow is reversed.
The dark band between the two rainbows is known as Alexander’s band, after Alexander of Aphrodisias who first described it in 200AD.
The band forms because between the deviation angles of the primary and secondary rainbows none of the sunlight is scattered by the raindrops towards the observer giving the band of dark sky.
How are double rainbows formed?
Double rainbows are formed when sunlight is reflected twice within a raindrop with the violet light that reaches the observer’s eye coming from the higher raindrops and the red light from lower raindrops.
This means the sequence of colours is inverted compared to the primary rainbow, with the secondary bow appearing about 10 degrees above the primary bow.” Ref:https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/optical-effects/rainbows/double-rainbows
Moon – 15th April 2024
A super image of a Waxing Crescent Moon taken by Dr Mike Rushton on the 15th April 2024. The Moon was 7 days old, 46% illuminated and in the constellation Gemini.
Mike captured the image using a smartscope called a Dwarf II. The photo is a stack of 30 x 1/250 second images at gain 0 but with no filter (except IR cut).
BAA Winchester Weekend 2024
BAA Winchester Weekend
2024 April 12-14
Over the three days 12 CMHASD members were treated to lectures and talks covering a wide variety of astronomical subjects ranging from the BAA Archives to Dark Energy; including two new presentations from CMHASD members Martin Crow, Steve Floodgate & David Grist.
To see the whole BAA Winchester Programme click on the link https://britastro.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winchester-Programme.pdf
This years Alfred Curtis Memorial lecture “The Digital Telescope Concept” was presented by Professor Don Pollacco from the University of Warwick.
If you click on the link https://britastro.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Winchester-Bios-Abstracts.pdf you can read the biographies and abstracts of all the speakers and their talks in the order they were given.
On Saturday morning CMHASD member & trustee Martin Crow gave his presentation about the ExoClock Project with regard to how citizen scientists are contributing to ESA’s Aerial Space Mission.
On Saturday afternoon some white light solar observing /imaging was possible through the thin cloud.
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
Back by popular demand were Eric and Ernie (CMHASD members Steve Floodgate & David Grist) who made an appearance at the BAA members session on Sunday afternoon to promote and drum up support for New Scientist Live at ExCel London at which they and other CMHASD members helped.
Also David Grist is now a fully paid up member of the British Astronomical Association choir….
As night fell, observing had been planned but with cloud cover on both nights two social evenings were had instead 🙂
Thank you to members Diane Clarke & Martin Crow for your help writing this post and to Diane, Martin and Simon Dawes for sharing your photos of the weekend.
Crescent Moon
Two lovely images of a 32 hour old Moon with Earthshine taken by member Richard Bohner from Arizona on the 9th April 2024.
The 1st image of the crescent moon with Jupiter (top left) was taken with an iPhone. The dot to the right of the Moon was an aeroplane.
The 2nd photo of the crescent moon was taken at 7:30 pm using a Canon 6D with 200mm telephoto lens f2.8, 1/20 sec exposure at ISO 3200.
Solar Eclipse – 8th April 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
The solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, also known as the Great North American Eclipse, was a total solar eclipse visible across a band covering parts of North America, from Mexico to Canada and crossing the contiguous United States. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the Sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun’s, blocking all direct sunlight. Totality occurs only in a limited path across Earth’s surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over a larger surrounding region. Ref:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_April_8,_2024
Member Richard Bohner took these two superb partial solar eclipse photos at approximately 11:20 am from Cottonwood, in Arizona, USA on the 8th April 2024.
Richard captured the images using a Celestron 8” SCT fitted with a solar filter and a Canon 6D set at 1/30 second exposure and ISO 1600.
For more information about the total solar eclipse on the 8th April 2024 check out https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse_of_April_8,_2024.
Stunning Solar Halo by Honor Wheeler
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
Two stunning Solar Halo images taken by member Honor Wheeler on the 14th April 2024 from Winchester.
Honor captured the Solar Halo’s using a Canon M6II fitted with a Samyang 8mm fisheye lens, ISO100, 1/2500’s & 1/3200’s.
For more information about Solar Halo’s and how they are formed check out https://atoptics.co.uk/blog/atmospheric-halos/.
The Sun – 24th March 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A super image of the Sun taken on 24th March 2024 by member Honor Wheeler.
Honor captured the white light image of the Sun using an ED80 Refractor fitted with a solar filter, EQ3-pro Synscan mount, 2x Barlow, Canon M6 II. Exp1/6400s and ISO400.
Below Honor’s image is an image of the Sun on the same day with the sunspots labelled taken from Spaceweather.com.
Photo Ref: https://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=24&month=03&year=2024
Spaceweather.com reported ”Yesterday, the sun produced a solar flare so strong, it took two sunspots to make it. Sunspots AR3614 and AR3615 exploded in tandem on March 23rd (0130 UT), directing their fire straight at Earth. A National Solar Observatory telescope in Australia recorded the double blast.
The explosion from AR3614 (top) was so violent it seemed to rip the fabric of the sun, while AR3615 (bottom) followed very close behind with a less intense blast of its own.
While this may seem like an incredible coincidence, it probably didn’t happen by chance. Researchers have long known that widely-spaced sunspots can explode in tandem. They’re called “sympathetic solar flares.” Occasionally, magnetic loops in the sun’s corona fasten themselves to distant pairs of sunspots, allowing explosive instabilities to travel from one to the other. This has apparently happened to AR3614 and AR3615.
Some sympathetic flares are so much alike, they are considered to be twins. Yesterday’s double-blast was not a perfect twin, but close enough. It shows that the two sunspots are linked, raising the possibility of more double-flares…”
The NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory captured the sequence and it can be viewed in this movie.
The Worm Moon by Honor Wheeler
Three fantastic Full Moon images taken by CMHASD member Honor Wheeler on the 24th March 2024 from North Kent.
This is the first Full Moon of the spring season and appeared on the night of Sunday 24th March and Monday 25th March reaching its peak illumination in the early hours of Monday 25th March 2024.
In March, the Full Moon is also known as the Worm Moon and if it occurs on or after 21st March it is also known as the Paschal Moon, which is used to determine the date of Easter. In some years the Paschal Moon is the Worm Moon as in this year 2024; in others, it’s the Pink Moon (Full Moon in April). The dates for the Paschal Moon range from the 21st March to the 18th April.
Moonrise half risen
Honor used a Canon M6II, Tamron 18-400mm lens set to 400mm, F8.0, exp1/640s and ISO400.
Full Moonrise
Honor used a Canon M6II, Tamron 18-400mm lens set to 400mm, F8.0, exp1/640s and ISO400.
Full Moon and Blossom
The image below is a composite photo of the moon through an Apricot tree in bloom. The first photo was focused on the moon the second focused on the tree then overlayed using snapseed.
Honor used a Canon M6 II, Tamron 18-400mm lens and Tripod.
For the Moon exposure the settings were; lens set to 400mm, F8.0, exp1/3200s and ISO800.
For the tree exposure the settings were; lens set to 400mm, F8.0, exp1.1/3sec and ISO800.
For more information about the March Full Moon check out https://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-march and https://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/moon/worm.html
Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks by Jim Burchell
Another fantastic image of Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks captured on the 27th March 2024 by Jim Burchell using his Seestar S50 smart scope. The image consists of 24 x 10 second images stacked.
For more information about the comet 12P Pons-Brooks check out https://ras.ac.uk/news-and-press/news/12ppons-brooks-how-and-when-see-devil-comet
Bode’s Galaxy (M81) & the Cigar Galaxy (M82) by Jim Burchell
Bode’s Galaxy also known as Messier 81 (M81) is a grand design spiral galaxy which lies approximately 11.8 million light-years from Earth, with an apparent magnitude of 6.9.
Exoplanet transit of Qatar-9b
One more for the Exoclock project. This time the transit of exoplanet Qatar-9b measured by Simon Dawes and Martin Crow on the same night. Qatar-9 b is a hot Jupiter exoplanet in Ursa Major that orbits a K-type star. Its mass is 1.19 Jupiters, it takes 1.5 days to complete one orbit of its star and is 0.0234 AU from its star. Its discovery was announced in 2019.
The Sun by Jim Burchell – 24th March 2024
NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY. Please click here for solar observing safely.
A super image of the Sun taken by member Jim Burchell. The image is showing an extremely large Sunspot group AR3615 in the middle of the Sun.
Jim took the single image using a Pentax KP camera attached to a 102 mm Altair refactor fitted with a solar filter and then processed in Snapseed.
