BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Minutes of meeting held on 27th January 2005 at Cliddesden Primary School
 
Apologies
Helen Mountstephens
 
The Chairman, John Stapleton, opened the meeting by welcoming existing members and visitors to the first meeting of 2005.
He said although we have had a mixed month weather wise, he had managed to observe comet Machholtz with some of the senior children from the school’s Astronomy Club, on the night before the Huygens probe landed on Titan(14th January).  He then introduced John Adair, our guest speaker for the evening, who had been introduced by Nick Hudson.
 
The Sun and the Transit of Venus
John Adair gave a light-hearted and informative outline of how he became involved in the BBC/Open University presentation of the transit.  He said he had been an amateur astronomer for many years and took up Solar astronomy in the hope of involving his family. (He did not say if he had been successful.)
He was approached some months prior to the transit, to ask if he was willing to cover it from Sharm-el-Sheik in Egypt with the images he captured to be broadcast live on BBC TV for the duration of the transit. 
Not only were we treated to some amazing images from the programme, but also some slides showing flares, filaments and prominences.
After thanking John, the Chairman called on Nick Hudson who explained how he became acquainted with the speaker.
 
Society Account
The account we currently hold for the Society at the Halifax does not entitle us to a chequebook, which leads to some difficulties when payments become due.  The Treasurer, Malcom Trussler proposed that we change the account to Barclay’s. This account will provide a chequebook and bills can be paid promptly.
This was seconded by Bob Trevan then put to members who agreed unanimously to change the account to Barclay’s bank.
 
Washing-up
Volunteers were requested to put their names on a roster for this task.   
 
Publicity for the Society 
It was noted that Malcolm has written to the local Parish magazines and newsletters in Basingstoke in order to promote the Society.
In the same vein, the Chairman has contacted the local newspaper with a view to writing an astronomical article each month.
It is hoped that these will generate interest and enquiries regarding the Society, and thus boost membership.
 
Informal Observation Sessions
The chairman noted that these have been mentioned at previous meetings, and are usually held in the school playing field. Those wishing to participate were asked to put their names and how they would like to be contacted (e-mail or phone). Andria will co-ordinate this and will contact those who have expressed a wish to attend when sessions have been arranged.
 
Astrofest 5th February 
This has been publicised in the astronomy magazines.  Those wishing to attend should contact Andria. This is an exhibition of instruments books and software related to astronomy. There are also lectures given, but these need to booked directly with the organisers. 
 
Basingstokeastros
Malcolm Trussler has suggested that if anyone has been out observing, they post a note of what they have seen on the members’ page of the Society website. This can be found at www.basingstokeastros.org.uk. To gain access to the member’s page user name is basingstokeastros and the password is Andromeda. You can also access it if you have a Yahoo identity.
It was agreed that this is a good concept as it will give an idea of what to look for in the night sky, and will keep members in touch between meetings.
Remember, one of the main aims of the Society is observation of the night sky whenever conditions allow.
 
Messier Marathon
It has been suggested that we hold a Messier marathon some time in April.  This will be an all night activity, and involves an attempt to spot all 110 Messier objects. The school has kindly said we can use the facilities in school and erect a shelter on the field. All members interested please give your names to Brendan Shaw.
 
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 24th February and will take the form of a Club night.  If weather permits we will be observing, if not there will be a short talk by one or two of our members and a jargon buster session. 
 
Close 9.25pm