Out & About February 2017

Stars in their eyes It may be a little chilly as winter draws to a close, but it is still worth venturing outside late at night or in the early hours of the morning and gazing up at the skies to see what is shining brightly in our solar system. Nic Fleet from Newbury Astronomical Society says there’s plenty to see if you’re out for a romantic evening stroll this month and points out some of February’s highlights. N ewbury Astronomical Society was founded in 1981 by four local women who had taken a GCSE

at the Mencap Centre, just off Enborne Road, Newbury, from 7.30pm. They usually have a guest speaker at these meetings, and short contributions from members after a break for tea or coffee. Their beginners meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at St Mary’s Church Hall, Greenham starting at 7pm. These are more informal, with several short talks and a chance to look through telescopes if it is clear. An annual subscription covers entry to both meetings. Non-members are welcome to come along to any meeting and there is a small visitor’s fee, which covers refreshments. The society also holds occasional observing evenings, telescope workshops and outings to places of astronomical interest. Details are published on its website.

in astronomy through evening classes at Newbury College. The society is a registered charity, and one of its main aims is to promote science and astronomy to the public, especially young people. Members often give talks to local organisations, particularly schools and youth groups, and they are happy to answer any astronomical queries by email or online. The society currently has a membership of about 80 people of all ages and levels of knowledge, together with a lively Twitter account and Facebook page. They meet twice a month, between September and June, with the main meetings on the first Friday of the month

For more information visit www.newburyastro.org.uk follow us on Twitter, @newburyastro or message them at Newbury Astronomical Society on Facebook Pictures: Stellarium, Wikipedia, Newbury Astronomical Society members Steve Knight, Richard Fleet

37