BASINGSTOKE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Meeting held on 25th May 2006 at Cliddesden Primary School
 
Apologies Peter Heath, Russell Palmer, Michelle Palfrey, Helen mountstephens  and Bryan Jenkins.
 
Welcome
The chairman, John Stapleton welcomed those present
What’s up?
Dave Shave-Wall gave his usual account of what we should expect to see in the late night sky in June.
Welcome additions to this presentation are the news snippets, which Dave finds. This included a superb video of computerised/manipulated images showing the descent of the ‘Huygens’ probe to Saturn’s moon Titan.
 
Admin 
Copies of the ‘FAS’ newsletter are now available for members.
The programme for the coming season is almost complete. Both Newbury AAS and Farnham AS are keen to exchange speakers with BAS. This means there are four slots for members to fill.  One of these is most likely to be filled with a visitor from Torbay AS.
John has contacted Ron Arbour, a prominent amateur astronomer from the area; and the soonest he can come to give a talk is June 2008. This gives some idea of how important it is to plan ahead when booking speakers.
The display case in the main Library has been booked from 29th August to 9th September.  Members are urged to provide materials for this display, especially images they have taken recently.  It is hoped this will generate membership along with an Observation Evening in October.
A letter of resignation has been received from Andria Harbinson, the current secretary, to take effect from the AGM next month.
 
Main event
The inimitable Dave Shave-Wall gave a fascinating talk on the methods used for the discovery of exoplanets. He revealed that his burning ambition is to discover one for himself. As usual, his highly individual style of presentation kept members informed, amused and attentive.
 
Dates to remember
Saturday 27th May Messier Sprint on School field at 8.30pm if fine
Friday 9th June Beginner’s meeting
Thursday 22nd May  Main meeting AGM
Saturday 22nd July  Annual BBQ. To be held at Chairman’s house, Four Marks