News Letter #2

16th November

Dear Friends

Having had no luck with the Orionids or the Lunar eclipse last month, the number of clear night skies is at last increasing. Indeed the recent Solar magnetic storms produced a hint of auroral activity here last Tuesday (not long enough to send a 'hot news' email) but seen by myself and one GCSE pupil.

I hesitate to warn of the expected peaks for the Leonids this year, calculations now give 2 peaks on Friday (19th): 0642am (minior activity) from 1333 debris and 9.49pm (~60 per hour) from 1733 debris. The weather forecast is not good.

The 1st public open evening is scheduled from 8pm till 11pm on Friday (19th), tickets available free from the Marlborough Town library, as Friends you are not ewxcluded!

Weather will not affect my Lecture on 'Exobiology - Life elsewhere ?' scheduled for next Tuesday (23rd) 8pm in Lecture Room L3 in the Science Block here. You are most welcome to attend then.

The website continues to be updated and I am grateful for the suggestions and comments some of you have sent in. I am going to include a 'What's happening in the sky this week' button to keep you posted as to changes in, for example, Solar activity.

As ever do phone the observatory on 01672 892218 if you wish to check whether observing is occuring.

Ever hopeful of more clear still nights

Charlie