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MAS archive

We are back at our normal venue from 3rd Sept. 2021

This page lists our monthly meetings. For other events open to the general public, see our Events page

Dates are set well in advance but the 'content' of the meeting is only updated (from our 'meetings database') when details are entered, so 'blank' or 'TBA' may be shown when data has not yet been entered (please be assured that the meeting will take place and a talk on (some) Subject will be delivered by (some) Speaker ! )

During the COVID-19 restrictions, all meetings are being held on-line using ZOOM. Meetings are normally held at the Church Hall (aka 'The Soltau Center') of St James-the-Less, Stubbings, Maidenhead SL6 6QW, from 7.30 (for a ZOOM link, or map and directions, see the About MAS (Where we meet) page

The Main Topic is usually delivered by an invited guest speaker. We aim to provide a diverse range of subjects linked (in some way) to Astronomy - whilst the 'Second Session' is typically delivered by one of our members. If time allows, the evening concludes with a short 'What to see this month'.

Details of a typical evening (times are approximate) :-
7.30pm. The evening starts with the Chairman delivering any important Announcements and then introducing the main speaker.
7.45pm (latest). Main Topic Speaker gets up and the lights are turned off.
If you arrive after 7.45, please enter the Hall by the first door (on the right, after the entrance) and please be extra careful when finding a seat at the back of the Hall as members often setup telescopes there !
8.45-9pm +. Coffee break during which visitors often chat with members who have set-up their telescopes at the back of the hall. If the weather is good, sometimes members will nip out for a quick look at the sky.
Smoking is permitted outside the Hall, however smokers are asked to avoid any 'observers' (smoke particles always seem to get into optical equipment, no matter how well 'sealed' it may be)
9.15pm (at the latest). The 'Second Session' then runs for about 45 mins, typically ending with "What's Up !" (what to look out for in the sky this month)
10pm. We aim to clear the hall by 10pm.
Post meeting Observing. If the weather is good, the Observing Organiser then leads the way to our chosen observing site, or (if the weather looks even a slight bit 'iffy) members sneak off to the local Pub instead :-)

Next meeting :

(+) 7 Jun 2024 MAS 67th AGM - (Annual General Meeting)

Meetings Archive

The meetings archive gives an 'overview' of the Society activities over the past 10 years (see also the Events page).

Members have access to the full 'History of MAS' (including AGM minutes going back to 1957) along with full names and photos

The MAS 'year' runs from September of one year to June of the following. The end of year AGM in June elects the Committee for the following year (there are no meetings in July and August - although often members will meet informally at the local pub - which gives the new Committee time to 'get a grip' on running the Society)

The "short cuts" (in the 'title bar', at the very top of this page) will take you to the June AGM entry for the end of that MAS year

The Maidenhead Astronomical Society meetings archive (last 10 years only)

Missed a meeting, or can't remember when a topic was last covered ? Here is the archive of past MAS meetings.
Note that this list covers only our monthly meetings and AGM's. Reports on Observing and Other Events are separate pages

If notes were taken at the meeting, the date below is underlined and shown with a '(+)' = click to see the notes (if no '(+)' is shown, no notes were taken - or, more likely, the webmaster hasn't found them and posted them up yet :-) )

(+) 3 May 2024 The Exploration of Venus - (Jim House)

(+) 5 Apr 2024 The Visible Universe - (Doctor Max Whitby)

(+) 1 Mar 2024 Water in the Universe - (Prof Jonathan Tennyson)

(+) 2 Feb 2024 The Mechanics of Eclipses - (Sheridan Williams FRAS)

(+) 5 Jan 2024 Telescope Parade - (and the Parker Solar Probe by Arthur White)

(+) 1 Dec 2023 SPECIAL FEATURE Herschels Lunatick Friends - (Andrew Lound)

(+) 3 Nov 2023 Binary Pulsars Einsteins Perfect Laboratories - (Barry Kellett)

(+) 6 Oct 2023 Solar Space Weather SOHO - (Dr Eric Dunford)

(+) 1 Sep 2023 The Changing Climate of Mars - (Peter Read)

(+) 2 Jun 2023 MAS 66th AGM - (Annual General Meeting)

(+) 5 May 2023 Two talks by members - (LATE CHANGE)

(+) 31 Mar 2023 Overview of telescopes and mounts - (Dave Hayes)

(+) 3 Mar 2023 Study of our Galaxy in the Era of Gaia - (James Binney)

(+) 3 Feb 2023 The Galaxy without a dark side - (Barry Kellett)

(+) 6 Jan 2023 Telescope Parade and Workshop - (by members)

(+) 2 Dec 2022 Xmas Social Photo Comp and Quiz - (set by members)

(+) 4 Nov 2022 Exploration of Jupiter - (Dr Mike Legett)

(+) 7 Oct 2022 The Lunar 100 - (Dr Lilian Hobbs)

(+) 2 Sep 2022 InfraRed Astronomy - (Dr Eric Dunford)

(+) 10 Jun 2022 MAS 65th AGM - (NOTE 2nd Friday)

(+) 6 May 2022 Gravitational Waves - (Joshua Pooley)

(+) 1 Apr 2022 Saturn - (Michael Foulkes)

(+) 4 Mar 2022 Update on the Exploration of Mars - (Jim House)

(+) 4 Feb 2022 What Astronomy Tells Us About The Origins of Life On Earth ? - (James Hough)

(+) 7 Jan 2022 Telescope Parade and Workshop - (by Members)

(+) 3 Dec 2021 Christmas Quiz set by members - (followed by Social Evening)

(+) 5 Nov 2021 CANCELLED - (Hall closed)

(+) 1 Oct 2021 Dark Nebulae - (Owen Brazell)

(+) 3 Sep 2021 How we reached the Moon - (Jerry Stone)

(-) 4 Jun 2021 63rd AGM (ZOOM on line meeting)

Friday, 4th June 2021 - MAS 63rd AGM
Minutes by Chairman Matt

Chairman's Report

Matt opened the meeting by commenting on how the year had been very trying due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions but, perseverance (intentional pun) had allowed the society to continue as an on line entity. Matt thanked David H. for his work in sorting out Zoom as a tool to facilitate meetings and arranging speakers. Matt noted that, before the AGM, the society had held 9 on line meetings.

Matt also thanked Tim H. for setting up the societies groups.io page, a discussion group that allowed members to keep in contact, seek and share knowledge and to write of their ongoing activity. At the time of the meeting there were over 40 members signed up to the group.

Matt indicated that the next meeting of the society would be Friday 3rd September 2021. It was his intention to return the society to in person meetings at The Saltau Centre, Stubbings at that time if government guidelines permitted. He will keep abreast of any changes and seek consensus nearer the time.

Treasurer's Report

Jim H, treasurer, explained that the society still had over £1100 in the bank and that we may be owed a credit by The Saltau Centre for monies paid in advance of the lockdown.

Jim explained that, due to there being limited income from the preceding year, the balance of our account had shrunk. A larger balance would be prudent to cover eventualities such as fees for public events attended by the society etc. Two options were suggested, a one off £20 donation or increasing the annual subscriptions to £20 for members, £30 for families and £15 for concessions.

Fred suggested the increase, Steve B seconded this. The motion was carried. Membership and outreach Report

Fred C. explained that Zoom had enabled meetings to continue and there had been an average of 20 members logging in to the Zoom meetings and a total of 14 guests. The society had gained 10 new members- a family of 5 and 5 individuals. 3 members had resigned and one had passed away. The current establishment of the society was 76 members. Fred said that some members were not likely to return at the commencement of the new season.

Outreach wise, Covid-19 restrictions had really impacted outreach activity but the team had successfully conducted 3 on line sessions. Matt expressed his thanks to all of the team for their continuing efforts.

Meetings Report

David H., meetings sec., said that holding our meetings on Zoom had allowed him to cast his net for speakers further afield than would normally be possible as there was no travelling time restrictions etc. He indicated that over the year, the cost of speakers had been between £20 and £70 per event plus £14 per month Zoom subscriptions. David continues to research speakers ready for the new season.

Catering and Publicity Report

Lesley M. catering and publicity, was unable to join the meeting due to a prior engagement (Happy Birthday Lesley!) but sent a written report for the meeting, shown below.

Report for years 2019/20 and 2020/21 Thanks to everyone who brings their own cups to meetings, this has been extremely helpful with over 70% doing so. This means that we have not had to purchase any more polystyrene cups and still have enough stock to last us a while. Teas and coffees continue to be self-funding with payments covering the cost of supplies and a small surplus, so I see no reason to increase the amount charged. On Publicity, we received the good news that we have been approved for a Blue Plaque for William Lassell in February 2020, shortly after the we went into Covid shut down and I heard nothing from them until March 2021. They are hoping to go ahead with the plaque this year and we need to get back to the council about what we want included on it, they have sent a template and it is quite restrictive so this needs consideration. We have not had any public events in 2020 but in the summer of 2019 we attend the Maidenhead Festival and Cookham Regatta and had intended do so again, but due to the shutdown these did not take place. However we have had contact from Cookham Regatta who are planning to go ahead in September and we are planning to attend if they do. We were planning a public event at White Waltham in April 2020 which also had to be cancelled; we still hope to do this late in 2021. I was able to acquire a very good quality gazebo from a charity that was closing its office in Maidenhead for a fraction of its original cost. This will serve us very well when attending public events in the future. Photo Competition We have held over the photo competition, but please save any pictures you have as we will announce a closing date and arrangements once we can meet again. Committee elections

Matt explained that recruiting committee members was very difficult without face to face meetings so he had enquired of the committee as it stood if they were willing to continue for the forthcoming year. No one had indicated they were not. Matt had also asked the membership if anyone had an interest in standing for election. No one had responded so, Matt proposed that the committee be elected to continue as was, if thatw as constitutional. There were no objections to this proposal so the motion was carried and your committee continues in its current form for the new season. Matt thanked the committee for sticking with it and supporting him and the society in its activities.

Any Other Business. 1) Kristina asked if we could continue to use Zoom at the Saltau Centre to bring in speakers from further afield.

David H thought this was an interesting idea and that we would need to research if the centres broadband/ wireless was up to it. Robin O suggested a portable 5G router as an option but they would need a subscription. David H said he would check with the centre to see if they were planning an upgrade as a result of all the fibre optic infrastructure work that has been taking place recently. Andy T commented that Zoom subscriptions plus router fees and speaker fees would soon become expensive.

2) A question was asked about making recordings of our Zoom talks accessible.

David H said they were currently stored on his computer. David M commented that it may be possible to upload them to a private Youtube page that only society members could access.

3) Kristina asked if anyone was looking after our Facebook page.

It was noted that Guy B used to look after the page but he was no longer active in the society. Kristina suggested we close  the page. The consensus was that this should happen.

4) Andy followed up on a prior enquiry from Matt about having a presence at Ockwells Park for the 10th June partial eclipse. It was decided that this would not happen due to social distancing and sanitising of equipment concerns.

5) Joanna asked about the potential of having a presence at Ockwells for the Perseid meteor shower in August.

It was noted that as this would not need optics, sanitising was not an issue and social distancing if still required would be easily maintained. Enquiries would be made to see what was needed the gain access to the park area after hours.

With no further matters to discuss, Matt closed the meeting.

Thanks everyone for sticking with us over this particularly awkward and challenging year or so. I hope we can all get together again in September but, in the meantime, Clear Skies to you all, have a great summer and, as Maggie and Chris are wont to say, Keep Looking Up.

Matt L. Chairman, Maidenhead Astronomical Society.

All our Meetings are held on-line using ZOOM. Members of the public wishing to take part are invited to use the link found on the 'About and Contact' page

This note last modified: 16th Jun 2021 10:59.

[top]

(+) 7 May 2021 Milestones in Astronomy - (Rod Hine (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 2 Apr 2021 The Red Sun - (Lyn Smith (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 5 Mar 2021 Tour of the Universe - (Jane Green (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 5 Feb 2021 Space Vehicles - (Graham Bryant (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 8 Jan 2021 The Astronomer's Toolkit - (Dr Lee Anne Willson (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 4 Dec 2020 Xmas Quiz - (set by members (ZOOM on line meeting))

[Home page] [About and Contact] [Meetings] [Beginners and FAQ] [Observing] [Outreach & Events] [Eclipses] [Sky this month] [Weather] [Photo Competition] [Links] [Members (login)]

We are back at our normal venue from 3rd Sept. 2021

Next meeting :

(+) 7 Jun 2024 MAS 67th AGM - (Annual General Meeting)

Meetings Archive

The meetings archive gives an 'overview' of the Society activities over the past 10 years (see also the Events page).

The Maidenhead Astronomical Society meetings archive (last 10 years only)

(+) 3 May 2024 The Exploration of Venus - (Jim House)

(+) 5 Apr 2024 The Visible Universe - (Doctor Max Whitby)

(+) 1 Mar 2024 Water in the Universe - (Prof Jonathan Tennyson)

(+) 2 Feb 2024 The Mechanics of Eclipses - (Sheridan Williams FRAS)

(+) 5 Jan 2024 Telescope Parade - (and the Parker Solar Probe by Arthur White)

(+) 1 Dec 2023 SPECIAL FEATURE Herschels Lunatick Friends - (Andrew Lound)

(+) 3 Nov 2023 Binary Pulsars Einsteins Perfect Laboratories - (Barry Kellett)

(+) 6 Oct 2023 Solar Space Weather SOHO - (Dr Eric Dunford)

(+) 1 Sep 2023 The Changing Climate of Mars - (Peter Read)

(+) 2 Jun 2023 MAS 66th AGM - (Annual General Meeting)

(+) 5 May 2023 Two talks by members - (LATE CHANGE)

(+) 31 Mar 2023 Overview of telescopes and mounts - (Dave Hayes)

(+) 3 Mar 2023 Study of our Galaxy in the Era of Gaia - (James Binney)

(+) 3 Feb 2023 The Galaxy without a dark side - (Barry Kellett)

(+) 6 Jan 2023 Telescope Parade and Workshop - (by members)

(+) 2 Dec 2022 Xmas Social Photo Comp and Quiz - (set by members)

(+) 4 Nov 2022 Exploration of Jupiter - (Dr Mike Legett)

(+) 7 Oct 2022 The Lunar 100 - (Dr Lilian Hobbs)

(+) 2 Sep 2022 InfraRed Astronomy - (Dr Eric Dunford)

(+) 10 Jun 2022 MAS 65th AGM - (NOTE 2nd Friday)

(+) 6 May 2022 Gravitational Waves - (Joshua Pooley)

(+) 1 Apr 2022 Saturn - (Michael Foulkes)

(+) 4 Mar 2022 Update on the Exploration of Mars - (Jim House)

(+) 4 Feb 2022 What Astronomy Tells Us About The Origins of Life On Earth ? - (James Hough)

(+) 7 Jan 2022 Telescope Parade and Workshop - (by Members)

(+) 3 Dec 2021 Christmas Quiz set by members - (followed by Social Evening)

(+) 5 Nov 2021 CANCELLED - (Hall closed)

(+) 1 Oct 2021 Dark Nebulae - (Owen Brazell)

(+) 3 Sep 2021 How we reached the Moon - (Jerry Stone)

(-) 4 Jun 2021 63rd AGM (ZOOM on line meeting)

(+) 7 May 2021 Milestones in Astronomy - (Rod Hine (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 2 Apr 2021 The Red Sun - (Lyn Smith (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 5 Mar 2021 Tour of the Universe - (Jane Green (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 5 Feb 2021 Space Vehicles - (Graham Bryant (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 8 Jan 2021 The Astronomer's Toolkit - (Dr Lee Anne Willson (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 4 Dec 2020 Xmas Quiz - (set by members (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 6 Nov 2020 The Monster in the Crab - (Gary Poyner (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 2 Oct 2020 Is there anyone out there ? - (Bob Mizon (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 4 Sep 2020 Two eyes are better than one - (Stephen Tonkin (ZOOM on line meeting))

(+) 5 Jun 2020 COVID19 Postponed MAS 62nd AGM

(+) 1 May 2020 COVID19 Postponed The Monster in the Crab - (Gary Poyner)

(+) 3 Apr 2020 COVID19 meeting CANCELLED

(+) 6 Mar 2020 Recent Developments in Gravity Wave Research - (Martin Dyer)

(+) 7 Feb 2020 Ask an expert Q and A panel - (By Members)

(+) 3 Jan 2020 Equipment Parade - (By members)

(+) 6 Dec 2019 Xmas Quiz and social - (By members)

(+) 1 Nov 2019 The Origin of the Solar System - (James Fradgley)

(+) 4 Oct 2019 Kew Observatory and the origins of modern solar physics - (Dr Lee Macdonald)

(+) 6 Sep 2019 History of Mars Exploration - (Jim House)

(+) Aug 2019 Summer break - (no meeting)

(+) Jul 2019 Summer break - (no meeting)

(+) 7 Jun 2019 MAS 61st AGM - (and Photo Competition prizes)

(+) 3 May 2019 13 Journeys in Space and Time - (Colin Stuart)

(+) 5 Apr 2019 Space Weather - (Dr Colin Forsyth)

(+) 1 Mar 2019 The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) - (Dr Aprajita Verma)

(+) 1 Feb 2019 Ask the Expert - (members panel)

(+) 4 Jan 2019 Equipment exhibition - (and EGM)

(+) 7 Dec 2018 Christmas Quiz and Social

(+) 2 Nov 2018 Short talks - (by members)

(+) 5 Oct 2018 The Future is out of this World - ( Dr Stuart Eves FRAS)

(+) 7 Sep 2018 13 Journeys through space and Time - (Postponed new date TBA)

(+) Aug 2018 Summer break - (no meeting)

(+) Jul 2018 Summer break - (no meeting)

(+) 1 Jun 2018 MAS 61st AGM - (and Photo Competition prizes)

(+) 4 May 2018 Using Video and an Aurora Encounter - (by members)

(+) 6 Apr 2018 Berkshire Astronomers - (Kenelm England FRAS)

(+) 16 Mar 2018 NEW DATE Jupiter and the Juno Mission - (Dr John Rogers)

(+) 2 Feb 2018 Talks by Members

(+) 5 Jan 2018 Telescope and Equipment workshop - (Q and A with members)

(+) 1 Dec 2017 Xmas Quiz and Social - (Quiz Master Tim H)

(+) 3 Nov 2017 Wonders of the Deep Sky - (Callum Potter)

(+) 6 Oct 2017 Observing the Sun - (by MAS members)

(+) 1 Sep 2017 Gravity Waves - (a recap by Martin Dyer)