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
(-) 11 Nov 2019 Transit of Mercury (2nd of pair)
11 November 2019: Transit of Mercury, start 12:35, mid 15:19, ends 16:015 (all times for Reading)
Like Transits of Venus, these occur in pairs, this being the second of the 2016/19 pair. Although Transits of Mercury are less rare than a transit of Venus, the next Mercury pair will not be until 2032/39 (see wikipedia).
For more on this transit, visit the time and date website
This note last modified: 27th Feb 2016 11:09.
(+) 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
(+) 28 Jul 2061 Halleys Comet returns
(+) 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
(-) 7 Feb 2019 Burchetts Green Infant School - (Outreach)
7th Feb 2019 - Burchetts Green Infant School (Outreach)
Team: Robin (lead), Steve, Tim, Adrian
report by Steve (based on Robins planning notes)
This was an afternoon and evening observing session. There were three classes with a total of 68 children – roughly 23 in each class. We ran from 13:30 to 15:10 in total for the classes, following on from lunch.
The plan was to run outside if possible, however on arrival the weather was judged too variable so we stayed inside. In the event it didn't actually rain until the end of the afternoon :-)
Afternoon sessions
We ran 3 topics for each class, so about 10 mins for each topic and 30mins for the class. Needless to say, we did over-run :-)
Robin kicked off with Stellarium showing the movement of the stars and pointing out the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, and Orion along with a quick explanation of how to use the Dipper 'pointer' stars to locate the pole star.
Adrian then conduction a Moon 'quiz' and a demonstration of the phases of the Moon, with the class acting as the Earth and Robin/Tim as the Sun
With the remaining time, I quickly laid out the model solar system planets along the side of the hall whilst explaining the difference in scale between the planets and the distances with Robin acting as 'planet positioner' !
Evening session
As soon as the school finished, the Sun came out ! So I rushed outside to set up the Dob. for Solar Projection. Robin and Tim soon followed. Within 30 mins it clouded over, and, as a few drops of rain appeared, we quickly carried the telescopes back into the hall. With every likelihood of the planned observing being rained off 'Plan B' was put into effect.
I set up the Solar System Model on a series of chairs along the hall, whilst Adrian and Tim got ready to present Moon Phases with the “Sun” orbiting the “Moon” using (Adrian's ?) Earth/Moon table top model. Robin got ready to show off Stellarium with the Polaris Orientation Session script.
Fortunately it was just a passing shower, so it was soon back to 'Plan A' and we were just able to get back outside before the parents started arriving for the evening session. The telescopes were quickly trained on the thin crescent Moon visible low in the south-west.
I was amazed at the number of parents who attended and the level of interest shown. There were queues at each of the telescopes, even after the Moon had disappeared into the trees ! As yet more parents arrived, I left Adrian to 'aim' the Dob. whilst I set up the 'Dave and Becky Bond' (donated) telescope. As this was completed, one of the parents who was there to report on the 'Shepards Huts' (see at end) for the Maidenhead Advertiser took a few photos and asked me a few questions, Advertiser readers look out next week !
Adrian had checked the Heavens Above site for Maidenhead and was able to point out the ISS overpass as it ran overhead from south west to south east at about 17:30. This was seen by most of the visiting parents.
The planned evening session ran from about 17:00 to 18:00 when there will be a PTA Social event at the school – to “open” two shepherd’s huts installed recently. In the event, we finished at about 18:15.
This note last modified: 9th Feb 2019 08:56.