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
(-) 4 Apr 2020 Stargazing public event - (White Waltham)
Saturday, 4th April 2020. Stargazing public event at White Waltham airfield
Open to the public from 7 to 11pm (approx), at White Waltham Airfield (SL6 3NJ), home of the West London Aero Club. Talks, telescopes for public observing and star gazing.
There is a licensed bar and the kitchen will be open for chips and light snacks.
This event is still in the planning stage. Check back for more details
The event is free. The desk near the door will sell small items to benefit the Society and there will be a donations bucket.
This note last modified: 11th Oct 2019 16:09.
(+) 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
(+) 13 Nov 2032 Transit of Mercury
(+) 7 Nov 2039 Transit of Mercury - (2nd of pair)
(+) 28 Jul 2061 Halleys 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
(-) 21 Nov 2019 Central Windsor Scouts (Outreach)
November 21st 2019 - Central Windsor Scouts - Outreach
Report by Andy
The team (Robin, Andy, Steve, Adrian) arrived in good time to set up for the evening and had a short wait whilst the cubs who were using the hall finished up their meeting. We quickly set up the projector and laptops, and Robin and Steve set up telescopes at the back of the room. Cloud and light rain prevented any outdoor viewing.
Our objective for the evening was to help the 14 scouts achieve their Astronomer Activity badges.
After introductions, Robin got the session started with a quick run through the constellations using Stellarium. He then showed several slides highlighting a few of the easier to identify constellations that they could use for their badge requirements.
Adrian then got the scouts on their feet and into a circle to represent the oceans on the surface of the Earth. With Steve holding the 'Moon' nearby, Adrian demonstrated how the gravitational pull of the Moon at opposite sides of the Earth causes the bulges that we see as tides. We then showed how the Sun also influences the tides, and explained why tides get later every day due to the movement of the Moon.
Andy then discussed with the scouts how they could identify artificial satellites. What do they look like? How do we distinguish them from other objects moving across the sky? Andy showed a short video that showed satellites, meteors and aircraft against the night sky and pointed out how they appear differently. He then showed the scouts how they could use heavens-above.com to predict what satellites would be visible on a given night, and to plan an observation.
We then got the scouts into four teams and set them the task of building scale models of the Solar System using the large selection of balls, beads etc. that Steve had brought along. They had to choose objects of the right (relative) size then set them out on the floor in a line at the correct proportional spacing. All the teams managed a reasonable likeness to the Solar System, one team doing a particularly good job.
The evening ended with short talks about telescopes in two groups. Robin and Steve explained the different designs (reflector, refractor and catadioptric) whilst Andy explained the basics of how telescopes work and demonstrated the telescope kit.
At the end of the session, Andy awarded a prize of telescope kits to the winning team in the Solar System exercise.
Despite a slightly late start, we finished on time at 9pm.
This note last modified: 26th Nov 2019 12:35.