BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY Minutes of meeting held on 23 February 2006 at Cliddesden Primary School   Apologies Nick Hudson, Bernie Sullivan, Helen Mountstephens, Julie Chignell.   Welcome The Chairman John Stapleton welcomed all present despite the bad weather.   Starwatch/What’s up Presented this month by Brendan Shaw. Brendan told us what we could expect to see in the sky this month. He reminded members not to miss the prenumbral eclipse of the moon on the 14th March between 21.21 and 02.30, and the partial solar eclipse (about 25%) on the morning of the 29th March between 10.45 and 12 midday, weather permitting.   Main event Gordon McKay shared his ‘Experiences with Astrophotography’ Although he said, it can be a pastime fraught with problems, (not helped in any way by his colour blindness) it can also be very satisfying. He is in the middle of setting up a complicated network so he can use his telescope via his laptop when he is away from home. He stressed the need for an accurate tracking system, proven technology, clinical cleanliness, a desire to learn and a sense of fun. Questions followed. The chairman thanked Gordon and members showed their appreciation.   Information John confirmed that dates and titles of talks from Adrian Berry, Ron Arbour, Guy Hurst, and James Fragley. A member of Torbay AS is also willing to come and talk to members. Guilford and Farnham AS have confirmed that they are willing to take part in an exchange speaker programme. Anyone wising to give a talk to either of these societies should contact John Stapleton. Cliddesden Primary School Year 6 ‘Space Night’ takes place on 3rd March commencing at 6.30pm. Anyone who wishes to attend (with telescope) please contact John for further information. We have had no response to the invitation sent out to various societies to attend the Messier Marathon.   Messier Marathon Brendan Shaw, assisted by Bob Trevan explained this is a dusk to dawn quest to find all 110 objects listed by Charles Messier. These objects are 38 galaxies, 28 globular clusters, 25 open clusters 4 planetary nebulae, and 15 miscellaneous objects. The first person to spot all the objects was Gary Macholtz in Arizona, USA. There are only 106/107 of these objects visible in the UK on the 25th March, and this is given as the best date to try. If the weather does not allow for us to try on 25th, the 1st April will be the reserve date. There will be a meeting of some sort whatever the weather. Brendan reminded us the clocks go forward by one hour on the 25th/26th March, giving one hour less to search. He said there were lessons learned from our attempt last year, and asked anyone attending to be dressed appropriately, to bring a chair, their telescope, food and drink, (although hot dogs will be available), heat making devices(?) and loads of enthusiasm.   Dates to remember Committee Meeting 8th March, at Dave Shave-Wall’s at 8.30pm Beginner’s meeting on Friday 10th March at 7.30pm Saturday 25th March is the Messier Marathon. Starting time TBA.   Close 10.10pm