BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

First Beginner’s meeting held on 10th February 2006

At Cliddesden Primary School
 

Welcome and news

The Chairman, John Stapleton, welcomed everyone present to the first of the beginner’s meetings. He indicated the Fire Exits and assembly points.

 

He said he had contacted Farnham, Newbury and Guilford Astronomical Societies to suggest an exchange of speakers between the societies. He has also contacted Ron Arbour asking if he is willing give a talk at Basingstoke. Should the societies be agreeable, we should start to plan who is going to speak and what topicsthey plan to talk on.

 

Brendan Shaw has invited Andover AS to the Messier Marathon on 25th March, and John Stapleton says he will contact them regarding the exchange speaker plan.

 

Andria Harbinson gave a very short talk on how to get the best from your observing session.

 

Observing session
Members set up their telescopes (about 6 telescopes in all) and despite an almost full Moon, an eventful and satisfying observation session followed. 

Brendan Shaw had taken a video recording of the Moon the previous night to show members what could be seen, and this proved very useful to those unfamiliar with the Moon.  The session lasted until 10pm

 

Dates to remember
Thursday 23rd February, main meeting, Gordon McKay will talk on his experiences with photography.  Bob and Brendan will give a short talk on the Messier Marathon, what it is, and how we got on last year.

Friday 3rd March, Year 6 Space Night. Commences 6pm.

Wednesday 8th March, Committee Meeting

Thursday 10th March, Beginner’s Meeting.