Beckington Astronomical Society is a friendly and enthusiastic society, usually meeting once a month for discussions and presentations about astronomy - and all things space related. Formed over 21 years ago, their membership is relatively small, but they are always keen to have newcomers, and they get a good turn out to listen to presentations.

The society is currently in limbo, along with the rest of the country, but they plan to return in September with a full programme of events to take them through to June 2021.

In a recent meeting they enjoyed a talk by Robert Harvey, a renowned astrophotographer. Robert provided a gallery of fantastic images taken all around the world and inspired many of us to point our cameras skyward. (Hence the stunning shots on this article) .

Bob Mizon, a leading campaigner for dark skies, gave a presentation on "Asterisms:Jewels of the Starry

Sky". Asterisms are groups of stars that are not constellations but which are nonetheless really interesting patterns to view in the night sky. Understanding objects like these is an important part of getting full enjoyment from viewing the stars.

The Society always has a beginners item, usually presented by Chairman, Steve Hill but all members are encouraged to get involved, research a subject of interest and to make a short presentation. Past topics have ranged across the universe and have included discussions on black holes, measuring the size

of the universe and looking at Elon Musk's SpaceX programme. Many people will have seen his satellites as they trailed across the sky recently before taking up their permanent positions further away in earth's orbit.

So what exactly is a Super Moon?

Super moons occur when the moon is at the point in its orbit that brings it closest to earth. Known

as the "Flower Moon" or the "Milk Moon" this one will be easily viewed with the naked eye, provided there is a clear sky of course! A good pair of binoculars (10x50 for example) will allow you to really explore the moon's surface in detail.

Other things to look up to:

Later in the month, on the 22nd, Mercury and Venus will appear close to each other. the final month for a while.

Then throughout the latter part of the month the disintegrating CometC/2019 Y4 Atlas will be visible looking North, low down in the sky. Comets can vary in brightness so may be tricky to identify, all part of the joy of astronomy.

The Society welcomes beginners through to experts, contact them by emailing [email protected] or find them through Facebook. There is a small charge of £15 for a season's membership and also welcome one off visits at £3 per meeting.

You can find the 20/21 programme here on the society's web site www.beckingtonas.org later in the

year.