BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL  SOCIETY
Beginner’s meeting 2 held on 10/03/06 at Cliddesden Primary School
 
Apologies 
Chester Bates
Welcome
The chairman John Stapleton extended a warm welcome to all as usual.
 
Committee Meeting
At the last meeting the programme for the next few months has been changed. The main meeting on 23rd March will now the Chairman’s address, and will be a talk by John on Planetary Nebulae. Andria Harbinson will now do her talk on the ‘Exploration of Venus’ in April. 
 
Invitation 
BAS has been invited to a public Observing Event, by Newbury AS to be held on 17th March at the Thatcham Nature Reserve.  Any members wishing to attend please contact Andria.
 
Messier Marathon
We will be making our second attempt at the Messier Marathon on 25th March, when we will try to find all 110 objects listed by the French astronomer Charles Messier.  Should the weather prove to be unsuitable, the reserve date is 1st April.
 
Public Observing  
It was decided at the recent committee meeting to hold a public observing event on Saturday 22nd April. This event will start at 8pm and will be advertised on local radio and in the Gazette.  Members are asked to take the fliers and place them in their place of work. Should the weather be unsuitable, a series of talks will be given and several displays on different aspects of astronomy will be on show.
 
Main Event
John Stapleton gave a talk and demonstration on Planetary motion, after which a short observing session was possible.
After coffee a short video was shown and a lively discussion followed.
 
Dates to remember 
Observing event at Thatcham Nature Reserve 17th March.
Main meeting 23rd March when John Stapleton will give a talk on Planetary Nebulae.
Messier Marathon 25th March
No Beginner’s meeting on 12th April (Good Friday), but an informal observing session if enough people are interested. (Contact Andria)