As SpaceX successfully launched - the local Astronomical Society points up to June skies - lots to look forward to
By Susie Watkins
31st May 2020 | Local News
The Beckington Astronomical Society is friendly and enthusiastic society meets once a month for discussions and presentations about astronomy and all things space related. Our membership is relatively small but we get a good turn out to listen to presentations both from our own members and guest speakers from far and wide.
BAS was formed over 21 years ago and has been a welcoming forum for those interested in the night sky and the science of astronomy throughout that time. The science element is kept simple but with plenty of opportunity for participants to ask questions or to supply information that they already know.
The society is currently in limbo, along with the rest of the country, but we plan to return in September with a full programme of events to take us through to June 2021. Our 20/21 programme will be available on our website www.beckingtonas.org later in the year.An important element of our meetings is looking ahead to astronomical events in the coming month. This month it's a good chance to see some of our neighbours in the solar system. On the 9th of June , at around 1.00 am, Jupiter and Saturn will appear close to the Moon. Look low in the south east sky to see them.
On the 12th of June Mars will be close to the Moon in the early hours. Look east southeast. The next day gives a chance to see Neptune, using a good pair of binoculars, again in the early morning hours, just to the north of Mars. Neptune is faint however and may be difficult to locate.By this time Venus is appearing in the morning sky. From the 9th of June look to the northeast, low to the horizon, just before sunrise. On 19th June Venus will be occulted by the crescent moon during daylight hours. Venus will seem to disappear behind the Moon for about an hour from around 8.30 am. As always when observing the sky during the day please do not look directly at the sun!
Away from the planets we may have a chance to view the noctilucent clouds. These are very high altitude ice clouds, formed around meteor dust. If they appear (and they don't always do so!) they will be low above the northwest horizon from about 90 minutes after sunset.We welcome new members to our Society. You can be a beginner or an expert, everybody has something to offer. Contact us by emailing [email protected] or find us through Facebook. We make a small charge of £15 for a season's membership and also welcome one off visits at £3 per meeting.
New frome Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: frome jobs
Share:
