BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Meeting held on 27th April 2006 at Cliddesden Primary School
 
Apologies 
Stuart Simpson, John Stapleton, Helen Mountstephens, David Worley, Bryan Jenkins, Chester Bates.
 
What’s up
Dave Shave-Wall showed us what we can expect to see in the sky in May.  He also presented some news snippets of interest from the world of astronomy.
 
Messier sprint 
Brendan Shaw, our events manager, said that due to the cancellation of both Messier Marathon events due to bad weather he though we should undertake a Messier Sprint.
He explained this would be a timed one-hour observation period to see who could spot the most Messier objects in the prescribed time limit.
He said there are a possible 90 on view before midnight. 
This event will take place on 27th May in the school field.  Members should set up ‘scopes at 8.30pm.Sunset is due at about 9pm, and we should start the sprint at 10.15pm.
Prior to this we may be able to spot the very new 14.3 hour-old moon, which is due to set at 10.13pm.
 
Other business
Bob Trevan, standing in for John Stapleton, said the secretary had received an e-mail from Canopus Publishing, offering to send a copy of their Encyclopedia of Astronomy for members to peruse.  The usual   price for this book is £40, but they have been offered to members at £30 each, or £25 each if all sent to one address. 
Even if no copies are purchased, Canopus has said we can keep the copy they send for our library.
 
Main event
Andria Harbinson gave a talk on ‘The Exploration of Venus’. This covered what bygone astronomers thought was there to the probes sent and what they discovered.
 
Images
John Murphy showed some of his amazing images he has captured recently.
 
Dates to remember
Beginner’s meeting 12th May, starts at 7pm
Main meeting 25th May, starts at 7pm. This will be the AGM
Messier sprint 27TH May starts 8.30 pm