Anniversary of SpaceShipOne first privately funded human spaceflight in 2004
21 Jun 2026
SpaceShipOne was the first privately funded human spaceflight. It took place on June 21, 2004. It was the fourth powered test flight of the Tier One program, the previous three test flights having reached much lower altitudes. The flight carried only its pilot, Mike Melvill, who thus became the first non-governmental astronaut.
Part of the prominent lunar bay Sinus Iridum (The Bay of Rainbows, shown north side down towards top-right in the image below) looks like a maiden's head, with long flowing hair.
Timings taken from Mary McIntyre's Clair-Obscur guide, which can be downloaded from here:
**https://marymcintyreastronomy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Lunar-Clair-Obscur-Times-2026-Mary-McIntyre.pdf**
The prominent bay Sinus Iridum (The Bay of Rainbows) juts out into the rising Sun on the Moon's surface today, looking like a jewelled handle.
Timings taken from Mary McIntyre's Clair-Obscur guide, which can be downloaded from here:
**https://marymcintyreastronomy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Lunar-Clair-Obscur-Times-2026-Mary-McIntyre.pdf**
The bright lunar swirl Reina Gamma is visible on the Moon.
27 Jun 2026
The bright lunar swirl, Reina Gamma, an area of the lunar crust left brighter by the lunar magnetic field, is visible today within Oceanus Procellarum.
Timings taken from Mary McIntyre's Clair-Obscur guide, which can be downloaded from here:
**https://marymcintyreastronomy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Lunar-Clair-Obscur-Times-2026-Mary-McIntyre.pdf**
### Exploring Ancient Tech, Modern Challenges, and the Future of STEM.
Speakers include:
Prof. Paul Roche FRAS
“The future of astronomy – Using astronomy to engage students in STEM”
Dr Jane Clark –
“How We Became Aware of Galaxies“
Prof. Mike Lockwood FRS
“Space Junk – The danger of orbital collisions“
Dr Jenifer Millard – aka Dr Jen
“A Waste of Space”
Prof. Mike Edmunds MA PhD FRAS –
“The Antikythera Mechanism”
Doors open at 9 am, with the programme running from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets are now on sale
There is a discounted price for members of FAS affiliated societies. A promo code will be sent to all societies so their members can purchase tickets for the low price of £10 per person, £5 for under-16’s, £20 for families (plus bookings fee). Public tickets will be made available later if space permits.
Bring your own lunch. FAS will provide hot and cold drinks, and biscuits.
Tickets are limited so book early. Last year tickets sold out very quickly.
Free tours with talks of the Historical Telescope Domes
Free Access to The Planetarium Shows
Free programme of Events and Talks by the **NLO Groups**
Live Solar Observing (weather permitting)
Talks by USW Rocketry and displays of their competition rockets
Displays from Astronomy Societies, Mission Astro, Institute of Physics
Trade Marquee with Exhibitors: Widescreen Centre, First Light Optics, Bresser, MSG Meteorites, Society for Popular Astronomy
A raffle with prizes including a SeeStar S50 telescope generously donated by ZWO.
Lockyer Technology Centre
Demonstrations of how to use the ZWO SeeStar S50
More activities currently being planned.
**The Guest speakers** will give interesting talks on a topical area within current astronomy and will include visual presentations. These will be held in the main Lecture Theatre. Due to demand, tickets can be purchased in advance; the cost is in addition to the event entrance fee.
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