Laser Pens |
Maidenhead Astronomical Society may use Laser Pens as a pointer during outreach events and talks. Any such use will comply with our Laser Pen Policy, which may be downloaded from here (.pdf)
Essentially, only responsible adults pre-approved by MAS are allowed to use a laser pointer at an outreach event. Children under the age of 18 and non-approved adults are not permitted to use the laser pen at any time. Any member of the public bringing their own device (without pre-approval) is asked not to use it during one of our events (and will be asked to leave if they are not willing to comply with this request).
Future Public Events |
This page is dedicated to events promoted by Maidenhead Astronomical Society aimed at bringing an awareness and appreciation of astronomy to the general public. Almost all of the Events listed here are run by MAS (the few that are not are plainly marked)
Details of future planned events are limited to those open to the general public (Members should look in the Members Only section for details of future events not open to the public - which includes most of our local Outreach activities (schools, cubs, brownies etc)).
Future events are listed in date order, next planned first. Be aware that events can change (usually due to the weather :-) ) so please check nearer the event before making a journey
Note. MAS holds Public Liability Insurance via our membership of Federation of Astronomical Societies. Our Policy Document for 2017-18 is available as a PDF download here
(-) 27 Jul 2018 Total Lunar Eclipse
Friday July 27 2018 - Total Lunar Eclipse
After the almost perfect seeing of the 2015, Sept. 28 eclipse we can hope for more good weather this time ! Unfortunately, from UK, the Moon will be below the horizon when the eclipse starts at 6:15pm.
At totality, 9:21pm, the Moon will be only 3.5 degrees above the horizon (you will need to be on a hill looking SE for a decent view) - and on these summer nights it still won't be very dark as totality ends at 10:13pm, so the 'blood moon' effect will be rather less striking than the 2015 event. The (partial) eclipse ends at 11:19pm so at least we will get to bed rather earlier this time !
This note last modified: 29th Sep 2015 11:31.
(+) 11 Nov 2019 Transit of Mercury (2nd of pair)
(+) 10 Jun 2021 Solar Eclipse - (partial from UK)
(+) 25 Oct 2022 Partial Solar Eclipse
(+) 7 Mar 2025 (and 22) Major Lunar Standstill
(+) 29 Mar 2025 Partial Solar Eclipse
(+) 12 Aug 2026 Solar Eclipse
(+) 26 Jan 2028 annular Solar Eclipse
(+) 1 Jun 2030 annular Solar Eclipse
(+) 28 Jul 2061 Hallys Comet returns
(+) 23 Sep 2090 Total Solar Eclipse - (the next visible from UK)
Reports from our Outreach & Event activity |
Here you will find reports of MAS events held in the last 10 years or so (i.e. since the MAS web site effectively 'took over' from printed newsletters as the primary means of 'reporting back' to the membership). Some details have been removed to allow for public viewing
The Members Only section contains details of MAS History going back to our formation in 1957
(-) 12 May 2018 Lassell grave clear up
Saturday, 12th May 2018 - Lassell's grave clear-up
Present: Percy, Lesley, Kenelm, Steve, report by Steve
A number of Members turned out for the final clear-up. Everyone else arrived before I, along with various gardening implements. I noted Percy had enough equipment to clear the complete Church Yard ! I felt that Lesley had taken the more sensible approach, opting to bring a garden chair instead.
As I arrived a few drops of rain were starting to fall. I quickly found everyone working around the grave stone, which was protected from the rain drops by over-hanging tree branches. A little after 2pm the Maidenhead Advertiser photographer arrived and was directed to the site by Rev. Sally.
The photographer had us pose by the stone and took a few photos. I grabbed the chance to have him take one using my camera (see above).
The light was not the best and it was very difficult to make out the inscription, so I took a few close-ups before we left. Even so, a lot of manipulation in photo-edit software was required to get even the poor results below.
Left: the complete inscription. Lassell's lead inscription is almost complete, with only parts of a couple of characters missing. His wife's inscription, made some two years later, is in much worse shape with almost all the lead missing. This, however, makes it easier to read (as the carved recessed letters show up better than the almost flat with the surface lead lettering)
Right: a close up of Lassell's inscription (click the image for higher resolution). You can see the middle bar of the 'E' in 'DIED' has become lost, however the rest is almost perfect.In the Members area, History pages, 'The 90s', 1995 bookmark, members can find a .pdf download of the full text of Tim's request, on behalf of MAS, for a Blue Plaque commemorating William Lassell on the 150th anniversary of the discovery of Neptune and (by Lassell) it's moon Triton. The request was, unfortunately, turned down.
This note last modified: 14th May 2018 12:00.