News Letter #5

12th May 2005

Dear Friends

This will be the last news letter of this academic year. As I write, the new Diary for 2005-2006 is being put together and there are many events to which we can look forward, including two partial solar eclipses, a penumbral lunar eclipse, Pluto at Opposition (if we can find it!), and of course the regular meteor showers. Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell CBE FRS (1967 Discoverer of Pulsars) has kindly agreed to give our evening Einstein Year lecture on 29th November.

I will hope to clarify the expected attendance at various events in the new Diary as some of you have obviously not been clear. Friends are welcome at all events, though some are larger and mark main points in the year.

This has been a trial year and I would welcome helpful feedback. I am well aware that many of you who signed up originally have not been able to attend (though for some this was expected) I hope that most of you have at some stage recently accessed the website (www.blackettobservatory.org), which will continue to grow. The Weather, Links and Whatsup! have seen particular use, but again any suggestions will be heeded. I have received many positive comments concerning the layout and ease of access from users of widely different ages and thank you for these.

Outside the 'Friends' events, the whole of the College first year group have attended and there have been visits from many local groups and Primary Schools. 'Friends' events seem to have been particularly hit by poor weather, though this did not of course affect the Sun-Earth day lecture in March, attended by many.

I can only hope that next year the weather will be kinder to us and that you will wish to renew your subscription and support (a letter addressing this will follow shortly). Undoubtedly, as I have stated before, for those who are local, it is a question of seizing the opportunity of a clear night's unplanned visit.

In the mean time, I should publicize the evening next Monday (16th), when we will look (if clear) at Ceres and probably Jupiter and the Moon. You are also welcome to attend on Wednesday 18th for the Public Open afternoon to view the Sun (using the Hydrogen-a filter) Due to space limitations, tickets must be booked through the Town Library Local Information point (2pm till 6pm in hour slots, though 5-6pm is fully booked). The Summer Constellation tour on June 4th will need a late night for acceptable darkness.

Over the Summer, if I am around, Solar viewing may be possible and the Summer School courses in week 2 are well subscribed. There will also be evening observing for all those at Summer School in the week of 25 July, 'To Infinity and Beyond' a morning introduction to Astrophysics is full, but there are a couple of spaces on the afternoon 'Solar Weather'. On the Thursday of week 2 (28th July), the Public Lecture will be 'Galaxies and Black Holes' given by Professor Roger Davies, Philip Wetton Chair of Astrophysics at Oxford University.

Best Wishes

Charlie