Basingstoke Astronomical Society (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Basingstoke Astronomical Society

12:14pm Tuesday 26th January 2010 in

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APOLOGIES for the lack of a January article but I was, unfortunately, struck down with the flu and then family commitments at Christmas simply took over.

The Basingstoke Astronomical Society is a group of enthusiastic amateurs who meet at Cliddesden Primary School on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.We would welcome visitors and potential new members.

The phases of the Moon begin in February with last quarter on February 6, new Moon is on February 14, first quarter is on February 22 and full moon is on February 28.

Mercury is not visible in February as it lies in the same direction as the Sun. Venus is also absent from our skies in February. Mars is visible in February and can be seen as a bright reddish-orange object between Gemini and Leo. It is well-placed for observation throughout the night. Jupiter is not visible in February.

Saturn rises before midnight and is visible for most of the night throughout February.

The rings are currently edge-on although they are beginning to open up. Uranus is not easily visible in February. Neptune is not visible in February.

There are no major meteor showers in February but always look out for occasional sporadic meteors.

You can see the objects mentioned above and find out more with the Basingstoke Astronomical Society, who have a full meeting on February 25, when their speaker will be Dr Nina Hatch, formerly of the University of Leiden, in the Netherlands, who will talk about “Clusters of Galaxies – Giants of the Cosmos”. There will be a practical/observing evening on February 11. Both of these meetings take place at Cliddesden Primary School from 7pm.