News

Hi all,

Bits of news for you all.

1. We were part of the local Coop group green token scheme and have been awarded £300 to go towards a solar scope, whoop!!

2. I've booked 2 external speakers for October and November and will update the event list when I've finalised details. October will see a talk about the UK meteor network, a group of video astronomers who record meteors and use their combined data to narrow down the orbital path of the objects. November sees a visit from the University of Kent to talk about a professional project using amateur images to monitor the proper motion of stars in clusters.

Best Wishes and clear skies

John

Library

Hi All,

I've added a list of science/astronomy books that the club has available to lend to members. Just click the Library tab on the right.

Introduction to Astronomy Report

After being postponed due to the snow at the start of the month the East Essex Astronomy Club held its Introduction to Astronomy Day in Burnham on Crouch in Essex. Club chair John Press gave information to the 18 novice astronomers in attendance about the basics of astronomy. The day covered descriptions of astronomical objects, stars, planets, nebula, galaxies and meteors,information about different kinds of equipment to view the night sky and mounts to securely hold equipment and track the night sky. The day ended with details about how to use simple equipment such as point and shoot cameras and DSLRs on undriven tripods to take images of the night sky. Our next meeting is on Saturday 7th April at 6:45pm at the village hall in Burnham, there will be a members talk by Andy Hutcheon (subject to be determined) and the main talk by John about Pluto and the Kuiper belt. We look forward to seeing you.

Intro to Astronomy Day

Hi All,

Just a quick reminder to get your booking forms in for the Introduction to Astronomy Day on 3rd March.

We'd like the forms in by around 10th February so we know which hall to book.

If you would like any further information please either email us at eeac@essexastro.com or comment on our Facebook page.

Regards

John
Chair EEAC

Introduction to Astronomy Day

Hi all.


We're planning an Introduction to Astronomy Day on Saturday 3rd March.

If you've just got a telescope or binoculars for Christmas and want to know how to get the best out of them or if you've just wanted to know more about the night sky and what you're looking at then we hope to see you.

The day will start at about 10am and will run to 3pm with breaks for tea through the day and lunch.

We will cover what to look at (stars, planets, galaxies, nebula etc), how telescopes work and how to get the most out of them and how to take pictures of the night sky.

After the daytime activities, to round the day off, if the skies are clear, we will have a practical observing session where you can bring your own equipment along, look through club member's equipment or use some of the club's telescopes.

The day will cost £15 for an adult, £10 for children under 16 (must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Discounts available for club members and family groups.

Please let us know if you are interested so we can start getting an idea of numbers. You can contact us via our Facebook page or email us via eeac@essexastro.com.

The daytime event will be at the Village Hall in Burnham on Crouch, the observing will be near by at an accessible dark site or a member's garden.

Regards

John, Chair EEAC.

News

Hi all,

Take a look on the events page as I've just added dates and subjects for next year.

I hope to do a daytime event in March for all the owners of new equipment. The idea will be to advertise widely to have potential new members join us.

Obviously any members who want to attend will get a discount of the cost of the day.

Also, anyone who wants to lend a hand on the day would be most welcome.

Hopefully it will be clear in the evening and we can put into practice what we learned in the day.

Thanks

John

News

Hi All,

Well, we had a good few in attendance on 6th of October for John's talk on Mars and Roy's presentation about his visit to the US to see "The Great American Eclipse" (all I can say is jealous!!). We also had the first outing for the club's new projector which enhanced the power point for all to see.

We had 2 TBAs on the calendar for the rest of 2017 which are now filled.

November we will have the top 10 sights in the winter sky. A run down of the objects, what they are, where they can be seen and the best way to see them, from the naked eye to larger telescopes. The talk will also cover how to capture some of the sights with simple photographic equipment.

December has Roy Hookway giving us his presentation on "The Life and Times of Charles Messier",which I'm looking forward to.

We are always happy for those in attendance to give 5 - 10 minute members talks (don't actually have to be a member but we have to call it something!). Just let us know in advance so we can schedule you in.

Do you have a topic that you would like more information on, an astronomical character you would like to hear about or an observing technique you would like to learn? Let us know as we are currently filling in calendar positions for talks for 2018.

In 2018 we are not going to have meetings in July and August. The past 3 years have seen dwindling attendance in these months so we are going to have a summer break. We will still have the Perseid night on 12th - 13th August (weather permitting).

Last and not least we still have a few slots for our 2018 calendar. Remember, anything astronomical goes and you must have visited us in 2017. We will produce a sample for you to look at and then take confirmed orders with deposits before we order in bulk.

Look forward to seeing you in November.