This month the nights become longer and we move towards unsettled weather. The autumn constellations are starting to show. Ursa Major, or the Plough, can be found low in the North. The ‘W’ of Cassiopeia is not far from the overhead point. Also on view this month we have, Aquarius the water carrier, Cetus the sea monster, Capricorns the sea goat, Pices...
Read MoreThe August night sky
High summer is now with us and the Milky Way arches overhead this month, looking ever more resplendent as the skies grow darker. Set against its glowing band, three brilliant stars, Vega, Deneb and Altar mark the corners of the Summer Triangle. We are treated to two supermoons this month, the second being the brightest full Moon of the year. Also we have...
Read More‘How it began’ – The origins of Lunar exploration 1958 to 1976.
It was a packed attendance at the June meeting of Keighley Astronomical society on Thursday 22nd. The members were drawn to a presentation by the popular guest speaker Mr Peter Rea FRAS from Cleethorpes and district Astronomical society. The subject of his return visit us was ‘How it began’ – The origins of Lunar exploration 1958 to 1976. Mr Rea...
Read MoreThe July Night Sky
Venus has been with us since last December, but by the end of this month it’s suddenly gone! Before it sinks into the evening twilight, we can watch its celestial waltz with Mars, Mercury and the Moon. On the 6th July the Earth is at it’s furthest from the Sun at just over 152 million kilometres away. On the 3rd of this month we have the first all the...
Read MoreThe indomitable ABRAHAM SHARP, (1653-1742)
The subject matter at the May monthly meeting of Keighley astronomical society was about a Bradford born astronomer and mathematician. With one exception, great astronomers from the past need no introduction; but the name of Abraham Sharp, although he was living and working in England in the time of Newton, Flamsteed, and Halley, is barely mentioned in...
Read MoreThe June Night Sky
This is the mid point of the year and June brings our summer solstice on the 21st of this month. This time of year the night sky is never quite getting dark. It’s not the greatest month for spotting faint stars. Only the brightest stars can be seen. You can take advantage of the soft, warm weather to acquaint yourself with the summer constellations of...
Read More