Event Information – Bath Astronomers

Next monthly meeting

Wednesday 13th January
- on Zoom

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What are we up to?

Jan27

Talk by Nick Howes, Oh My God, We're all gonna die

27 JanOnline

Wednesday 27th January – Monthly meeting. Nick Howes has sixteen years' experience working at the cutting edge of Research and Development. Formerly Deputy Director of Kielder Observatory, Sci-Comms for ESA, software development for the SKA Telescope, and Pro-Am Programme Manager for the Faulkes Telescopes, helping to discover dozens of new asteroids. Nick is both a fellow of the BIS and of the Royal Astronomical Society, and works now as the Lead Specialist for BMT's Space R&D team. BMT Defence and Security were the architectural design team behind the QEC Aircraft Carrier, and have offices all over the world, including Bath. His Talk "Oh My God...We're all gonna die" takes us through the perceived threats in space, and hones in on the ones that could truly change the face of our planet forever. Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Usually held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street. Due to COVID-19, this talk is being delivered via Zoom. The format is open and comprises an update for the month and a talk on an astronomy topic within the reach of amateurs. Picture: Nick Howes

Feb24

Talk by Nora Eisner, Planet Hunters TESS: discovering exoplanets using citizen science

24 FebZoom

Wednesday 24th February – Monthly meeting. This month's talk will be given by Nora Eisner, Department of Physics, University of Oxford. She is a PhD student at the University of Oxford where her research focuses on citizen-powered exoplanet discoveries using NASA's TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) data. She is working under the supervision of Professor Chris Lintott and Professor Suzanne Aigrain. The talk is entitled "Planet Hunters TESS: discovering exoplanets using citizen science". Nora's research focuses on citizen-powered exoplanet discoveries using TESS data via Planet Hunters TESS. As the leader of this exciting project she collates the returns from the citizen science campaigns, analyse them, and follows-up on the most promising detections using ground based facilities. The analysis of the extremely large time-series data sets has a strong emphasis on applying various statistical processes, as well as using machine learning in order detect exciting new planet systems that were missed by the main pipelines and other teams of professional astronomers. Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Held on the last Wednesday of every month online or at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street.

Mar31

Talk by Dr Julian Onions - Aperture Fever

31 MarOnline

Wednesday 31st March – Monthly meeting. Topic: Aperture Fever - does my mirror look big in this? After a very brief review of how telescopes work, we look at some of the existing telescopes, both visible and other wavebands, and consider why they are so big, what they can and can't see and what the telescopes planned for the next few years will deliver. Dr Julian Onions has always had an interest in astronomy, and after many years as an amateur went for a Phd in astrophysics at the University of Nottingham. There he studies computer models of galaxy formation using some of the biggest computers in the world, building model universes using mostly dark matter. He also helps out with undergraduate teaching and various outreach activities. The format is open and comprises an update for the month and a talk on an astronomy topic within the reach of amateurs. Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Usually held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street. Due to COVID-19, this talk will be held online via Zoom Members receive details of the Zoom meeting by email. Members of the public are welcome to join, just request the Zoom details by emailing hello@bathastronomers.org.uk Picture: Dr Julian Onions

Apr28

Talk by Mary McIntyre

28 AprZoom

Wednesday 28th April – Monthly meeting. This month's talk will be given by Mary McIntyre. Mary is a well renown astro artist and astrophotographer. The format is open and comprises an update for the month and a talk on an astronomy topic within the reach of amateurs. Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Held on the last Wednesday of every month online or at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street. Due to COVID-19, this talk will be held online via Zoom Members receive details of the Zoom meeting by email. Members of the public are welcome to join, just request the Zoom details by emailing hello@bathastronomers.org.uk

May26

Talk by Pete Williamson FRAS

26 MayHerschel Museum of Astronomy

Wednesday 26th May – Monthly meeting. Topic: From Herschel to Hawkwind Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street. The format is open and comprises an update for the month and a talk on an astronomy topic within the reach of amateurs. All visitors welcome and there is a charge of £5. Reduced to £2 for juniors, students or Herschel Society members. Bath Astronomers members get free entry. Picture: Peter Williamson

Jun30

Talk by Chris Starr, Cassini and Saturn

30 JunHerschel Museum of Astronomy

Wednesday 30th June – Monthly meeting. Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street. The format is open and comprises an update for the month and a talk on an astronomy topic within the reach of amateurs. All visitors welcome and there is a charge of £5 which helps cover the cost of the venue. Reduced to £2 for juniors, students or Bath Astronomers members. Picture: Simon Holbeche

The Moon

Waxing Gibbous (Illumination: 76.6%)
Age: 10.02 days (Phase: 33.9%)
Size: 29.6' (Distance: 403,118km)
Moon rise: 12:17
Moon set: 03:17

New Moon	First Quarter	Full Moon	Last Quarter
Wed 13 Jan	Wed 20 Jan	Thu 28 Jan	Thu 4 Feb
Thu 11 Feb	Fri 19 Feb	Sat 27 Feb	Sat 6 Mar
Sat 13 Mar	Sun 21 Mar	Sun 28 Mar	Sun 4 Apr
Mon 12 Apr	Tue 20 Apr	Tue 27 Apr	Mon 3 May

The Sun

Sunset: 16:43
End twilight: 18:40
Begin twilight: 06:01
Sunrise: 07:58

Current Meteor Showers

Shower	Start	Peak	End	ZHR

Talk by Pete Williamson FRAS

Wednesday 26th May – Monthly meeting.

Topic:
From Herschel to Hawkwind

Bath Astronomers monthly meeting for all members and new comers to meet up, enjoy perhaps a new topic and a cup of tea and a biscuit. Held on the last Wednesday of every month at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street.

The format is open and comprises an update for the month and a talk on an astronomy topic within the reach of amateurs.

All visitors welcome and there is a charge of £5. Reduced to £2 for juniors, students or Herschel Society members. Bath Astronomers members get free entry.

Picture: Peter Williamson

Date: Wednesday, 26 May 2021
Commences at 7:30PM and due to end by 9:00PM
Anticipated duration of the event is 1.5 hours

Venue:
Herschel Museum of Astronomy
19 New King Street
Bath
BA1 2BL
United Kingdom

Click here to view this event in Facebook.

The Planets

Planet	Rises	Sets	Constellation	Disk Size	Sun separation

Rise and Set times are with respect to Bath, UK. (%) indicates size compared to maximum possible. As Separation with the Sun approaches 0°, we have Conjunction. As it approaches 180°, we have Opposition. Planets will not be visible between Sunrise(07:55) and Sunset(16:45)

Messier objects due South now

Messier	Name	Type	Magnitude	Constellation
M1	Crab Nebula	Planetary Nebula	8.4	Taurus
M36	NGC1960	Open Cluster	6	Auriga
M38	NGC1922	Open Cluster	6.4	Auriga
M42	Great Orion Nebula	Nebula	4	Orion
M43	De Mairan’s Nebula	Nebula	9	Orion
M45	Pleiades	Open Cluster	1.2	Taurus
M79	NGC1904	Globular Cluster	8	Lepus

Click on the Messier number for the finders guide for the deep sky object.

Spot the Space Station from Bath

Date	Mag	Start	Max	End
Sun 24 Jan	-2.1	17:43:56 look SW alt 12°	39°	17:49:17 look E alt 15°
Sun 24 Jan	-2.0	19:20:14 look W alt 11°	40°	19:22:26 look W alt 40°
Mon 25 Jan	-2.9	18:32:55 look WSW alt 11°	81°	18:37:02 look E alt 48°
Mon 25 Jan	-0.2	20:09:45 look W alt 11°	13°	20:10:02 look W alt 13°
Tue 26 Jan	-2.9	17:45:37 look WSW alt 11°	67°	17:51:37 look E alt 15°
Tue 26 Jan	-1.9	19:22:25 look W alt 11°	40°	19:24:37 look W alt 40°
Wed 27 Jan	-2.9	18:35:04 look W alt 11°	84°	18:39:11 look E alt 49°
Wed 27 Jan	-0.1	20:11:54 look W alt 11°	12°	20:12:10 look W alt 12°
Thu 28 Jan	-3.0	17:47:43 look W alt 11°	89°	17:53:45 look E alt 15°
Thu 28 Jan	-1.9	19:24:34 look W alt 11°	40°	19:26:46 look W alt 40°
Fri 29 Jan	-2.9	18:37:13 look W alt 11°	90°	18:41:21 look E alt 49°
Fri 29 Jan	-0.2	20:14:14 look W alt 11°	13°	20:14:30 look W alt 13°
Sat 30 Jan	-3.0	17:49:52 look W alt 11°	84°	17:56:11 look E alt 13°
Sat 30 Jan	-1.9	19:26:40 look W alt 10°	39°	19:29:06 look WSW alt 39°
Sun 31 Jan	-2.7	18:39:21 look W alt 11°	65°	18:43:43 look SE alt 38°
Sun 31 Jan	-0.1	20:16:32 look W alt 10°	11°	20:16:47 look W alt 11°
Mon 01 Feb	-3.0	17:52:01 look W alt 11°	79°	17:58:36 look ESE alt 11°
Mon 01 Feb	-1.3	19:28:59 look W alt 10°	27°	19:31:35 look SW alt 27°
Tue 02 Feb	-1.9	18:41:41 look W alt 11°	37°	18:46:45 look SSE alt 18°

Latest Starlink Satellites - 13th June

Date	Satellite	Rise	Max	Set
Sun 24 Jan	STARLINK-1477	17:39:43 look SW alt 12°	57°	17:46:57 look ENE alt 14°
Sun 24 Jan	STARLINK-1477	19:19:11 look W alt 12°	67°	19:22:41 look NW alt 67°
Mon 25 Jan	STARLINK-1477	17:33:16 look WSW alt 12°	67°	17:40:52 look ENE alt 12°
Mon 25 Jan	STARLINK-1477	19:12:50 look W alt 12°	69°	19:16:39 look N alt 69°
Mon 25 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:52:11 look WNW alt 10°	10°	20:52:11 look WNW alt 10°
Tue 26 Jan	STARLINK-1477	17:26:29 look WSW alt 10°	78°	17:34:25 look ENE alt 12°
Tue 26 Jan	STARLINK-1477	19:06:25 look W alt 12°	68°	19:10:14 look N alt 68°
Tue 26 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:45:44 look WNW alt 10°	12°	20:46:03 look WNW alt 12°
Wed 27 Jan	STARLINK-1477	17:27:55 look ENE alt 12°	12°	17:28:14 look ENE alt 10°
Wed 27 Jan	STARLINK-1477	18:59:57 look W alt 12°	68°	19:04:05 look NE alt 65°
Wed 27 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:39:33 look WNW alt 12°	14°	20:39:52 look WNW alt 14°
Thu 28 Jan	STARLINK-1477	18:53:25 look WNW alt 12°	70°	18:57:52 look ENE alt 58°
Thu 28 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:32:58 look WNW alt 12°	16°	20:33:36 look WNW alt 16°
Fri 29 Jan	STARLINK-1477	18:46:49 look WNW alt 12°	74°	18:51:55 look E alt 42°
Fri 29 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:26:19 look WNW alt 11°	18°	20:27:16 look W alt 18°
Sat 30 Jan	STARLINK-1477	18:39:51 look WNW alt 10°	79°	18:45:34 look E alt 36°
Sat 30 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:19:37 look WNW alt 11°	22°	20:21:10 look W alt 22°
Sun 31 Jan	STARLINK-1477	18:33:07 look WNW alt 10°	86°	18:39:09 look ESE alt 31°
Sun 31 Jan	STARLINK-1477	20:12:51 look W alt 10°	23°	20:14:41 look W alt 23°
Mon 01 Feb	STARLINK-1477	18:26:19 look WNW alt 10°	86°	18:32:59 look ESE alt 23°
Mon 01 Feb	STARLINK-1477	20:06:19 look W alt 11°	26°	20:08:42 look WSW alt 26°
Tue 02 Feb	STARLINK-1477	18:19:47 look WNW alt 12°	77°	18:26:45 look ESE alt 17°
Tue 02 Feb	STARLINK-1477	19:59:25 look W alt 10°	23°	20:02:20 look SW alt 23°

This is a satellite from the 9th batch of 58 of the Starlink constellation launched on 13th June 2020

Prior Starlink Satellites - L7 - 4th June

Date	Satellite	Rise	Max	Set
Sun 24 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	06:07:38 look SSW alt 11°	26°	06:14:10 look E alt 11°
Mon 25 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	06:01:40 look SSW alt 10°	32°	06:08:59 look E alt 10°
Tue 26 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:56:42 look SSW alt 15°	40°	06:03:31 look ENE alt 11°
Wed 27 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	04:16:32 look ESE alt 12°	12°	04:17:03 look ESE alt 11°
Wed 27 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:52:08 look SSW alt 24°	48°	05:58:05 look ENE alt 11°
Thu 28 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	04:11:36 look ESE alt 13°	13°	04:12:25 look E alt 10°
Thu 28 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:47:20 look SW alt 34°	58°	05:52:42 look ENE alt 12°
Fri 29 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	04:06:45 look E alt 13°	13°	04:07:19 look E alt 11°
Fri 29 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:42:35 look SW alt 49°	69°	05:47:21 look ENE alt 12°
Sat 30 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	04:01:58 look E alt 12°	12°	04:02:16 look E alt 11°
Sat 30 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:37:34 look SW alt 62°	80°	05:42:21 look ENE alt 10°
Sun 31 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	03:56:57 look E alt 12°	12°	03:57:15 look E alt 10°
Sun 31 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:32:36 look WSW alt 76°	90°	05:37:04 look ENE alt 10°
Sun 31 Jan	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	07:08:50 look W alt 12°	66°	07:12:21 look NNW alt 66°
Mon 01 Feb	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	03:51:58 look ENE alt 11°	11°	03:51:58 look ENE alt 11°
Mon 01 Feb	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:27:40 look NNW alt 82°	82°	05:31:50 look ENE alt 10°
Mon 01 Feb	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	07:03:18 look WNW alt 10°	73°	07:10:58 look E alt 14°
Tue 02 Feb	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	03:46:43 look ENE alt 11°	11°	03:46:43 look ENE alt 11°
Tue 02 Feb	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	05:22:28 look N alt 76°	76°	05:26:37 look ENE alt 10°
Tue 02 Feb	STARLINK-1436 (VISORSAT)	06:58:06 look WNW alt 10°	77°	07:06:25 look E alt 10°

This is one of the satellites from the 8th batch of 60 of the Starlink constellation launched on 4th June 2020

Recycling Cassiopeia A

Massive stars in our Milky Way Galaxy live spectacular lives. Collapsing from vast cosmic clouds, their nuclear furnaces ignite and create heavy elements in their cores. After a few million years, the enriched material is blasted back into interstellar space where star formation can begin anew. The expanding debris cloud known as Cassiopeia A is an example of this final phase of the stellar life cycle. Light from the explosion which created this supernova remnant would have been first seen in planet Earth's sky about 350 years ago, although it took that light about 11,000 years to reach us. This false-color image, composed of X-ray and optical image data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope, shows the still hot filaments and knots in the remnant. It spans about 30 light-years at the estimated distance of Cassiopeia A. High-energy X-ray emission from specific elements has been color coded, silicon in red, sulfur in yellow, calcium in green and iron in purple, to help astronomers explore the recycling of our galaxy's star stuff. Still expanding, the outer blast wave is seen in blue hues. The bright speck near the center is a neutron star, the incredibly dense, collapsed remains of the massive stellar core.