Posted by KeighleyAstro on Mar 17, 2022 in Main |

Three bright stars ride high this month, dominating the major constellations of the spring skies. Leading the way is Regulus in Leo, with Virgo’s leading star Spica to the lower left, with orange Artcurus in Bootes lying above. We are treated to a meteor display on the 21st, some interesting planetary interaction in the dawn skies and Mercury’s best...

Posted by KeighleyAstro on Feb 28, 2022 in Main |

The guest speaker at the February meeting of Keighley Astronomical Society was Mr Peter Reynolds from Neighbours Bradford Astronomical society. His presentation was titles ‘Planets, disagreement and dispute rumbles on. Mr Reynolds explained that the term dwarf planet has been tossed around a lot in recent years. As part of a three-way categorisation of...

Posted by KeighleyAstro on Feb 19, 2022 in Main |

This month will give you a few reasons to celebrate. Spring is on its way. On the 20th we have the vernal equinox. After that date the days become longer than the nights. This is followed on the 27th of March when British summer times stars and it will be around 8 pm before it becomes dark. The constellations:- The evening sky is transitioning to the...

Posted by KeighleyAstro on Jan 31, 2022 in Main |

It was a welcome return visit By Dr Sue Bowler from the University of Leeds at the First society meeting of 2022. The title of her presentation was titled ‘The Next big thing’. The subject matter was the James Webb Space telescope and the line up of future telescopes to be based in space and on the Earth. Dr Bowler explained that the James Webb Space...

Posted by KeighleyAstro on Jan 24, 2022 in Main |

The evenings this month are quiet on the planetary front, but there are the first signs of spring in this month’s night sky even though the winter constellations are clearly on display. The Plough is now higher in the north east, with its handle pointing in the general direction of the horizon. If you follow the curve of the handle you will come to a...

Posted by KeighleyAstro on Dec 28, 2021 in Main |

The New Year opens with a tableau of dazzling stars. Betelgeuse and Rigel in Orion, with glorious Sirius in Canis Major, (the Great dog) to its lower left. Forming a giant arc above, there is Procyon, Caster and Pollox (the celestial twins of Gemini), Capella and the red giant Aldebaran. We are also treated to the bright planets Venus, Jupiter, Saturn and...