In partnership with Raygill Astronomy Club
May is the first month when the constellation of Orion is absent from the night sky altogether, and of the prominent winter stars only Capella in Auriga the Charioteer and Castor and Pollux in Gemini remain above the western horizon. The Plough or Ursa Major (the Great Bear) is still more or less overhead with the pointers pointing to the North Star. The...
Read MoreEvery time you take a breath of fresh air, it’s easy to forget you can safely do so because of Earth’s atmosphere. Guest speaker Mr Keith Berrington presented to another packed monthly meeting his lecture on ‘Planetary Atmospheres’. Mr Berrington explained that life on Earth could not exist without that protective cover that keeps us warm, allows us...
Read MoreThis month sees the seasonal change from winter constellations to spring constellations is more or less complete. The Plough is practically overhead, with the ‘W’ of Cassiopeia is at its lowest. The stars Vega and Deneb, which form two thirds of the summer triangle, are rising in the northeast although they have yet to become prominent. The main spring...
Read MoreIt was a welcome return to Keighley astronomical society by Mr Rod Hine from neighbours Bradford astronomical society. The title of his presentation was “The Battle of Galaxies”, which revolved around what became to be called ‘The great debate’. Mr Hine opened his presentation by reminding members that many different nebulae were well known to...
Read MoreIf you not a fan of winter then 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 31st of March when British summer times stars and it will be around 8 pm before it becomes dark. March will be the best month this...
Read MoreThere 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 bright orange star low in the sky. This is Arcturus in the...
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