Macastro Newsletter - October 2018

Welcome to our monthly general newsletter which will reach you, our members and subscribed members of the public, during the week prior to our Macarthur Astronomy Forum each month by simple email.

FROM THE Vice PRESIDENT

Dear Members

Welcome to your October Newsletter,

We came to the end of winter with our final Public Night on Saturday 15 September. We had an good  turnout on the night and we were able to show the public an excellent view of the  moon and planets until winter put in a last hurrah and the wind forced us finish earlier than we would have liked. Caitlin from MDSI held a Sausage Sizzle on the night raising funds which she has donated to MAS. Thanks again Caitlin.

Earlier in that week  a number of members participated in two events supporting Picton High School and Skytrails at Goulburn & Picton Botanic Gardens.

Your committee is already planning for next year, July will be the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 and the first men on the Moon.

2019 is also the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Astronomical Union and the club has been asked to participate in an event to be held in January. Details are yet to be determined.

Our members observing night schedule has been determined and when the Public night program is finalised will be put in the web site calendar.

SEPTEMBER'S MACARTHUR ASTRONOMY FORUM - "Clouds in Alien Skies "

Dr Lucyna Chudczer visited us again for our September forum

Lucyna explained how clouds form in every substantial atmosphere of the Solar System planets and how clouds are likely to be common in atmospheres of extra solar planets as well. She went on to explain how clouds affect the amount of stellar light that filters into planetary atmospheres and also have an effect on cooling and warming the planetary climate.

She went on to describe the properties of clouds that can be expected in atmospheres of extra solar planets based on examples from our Solar system and mentioned the observations and measurements that are needed to detect such clouds and hazes.
 

OCTOBER'S MACARTHUR ASTRONOMY FORUM - "The future of the Universe "

Prof. Geraint Lewis will be returning to the Macarthur Astronomy Forum this month with his talk to be "The Future of the Universe". Members who purchased "A Fortunate Universe" by Geraint Lewis & Luke Barnes are reminded to bring it along to get signed by Geraint.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

We have had a request for members to attend Cobbitty Public School with their telescopes. If you are willing to attend please contact Mike Nicholas.

Clear skies!

Ray Armstrong

Vice-President, Macarthur Astronomical Society Inc.

Macarthur Astronomy Forum: THE FUTURE OF The Universe

When: Monday 16 OCT 2018, at 7.30 pm sharp.

Where: Lecture Theatre 213, Building 30, Goldsmith Avenue, Western Sydney University - Campbelltown Campus  

Speaker: Prof GERAINT LEWIS

Abstract:  

Will there forever be stars in the sky? Will humanity roam the cosmos for eternity? What does the future hold for our Universe? Join us for a journey through space and time, from galactic collisions and hyperactive black holes, on to the death of the last star.

 

MEMBERS OBSERVING SCHEDULE

 

  Photo by Tony Law

 

 

Stargard - Sat 3 November - Gates will open about 6.00pm.

Belanglo Forest - Fri/Sat 9/10 November - Gates open about 3:00pm on Friday Contact Ned for Confirmation

 

 

PUBLIC/OUTREACH EVENTS

 

Friday 26 October - Cobbitty Primary School, - set up by 7:30pm

 

 

 MEMBERS TRIPS

 

China - May 2019. 19 members, partners and friends have their flights booked for our China Tour May 15 - May 29 2019.

FAST, Guizhou  Lijiang, Yunnan

 

                                                                                                         

 MERCHANDISE

 

Beanies, Caps, Mugs, Polo Shirts, Pens and Jackets are in stock or can be ordered for you through contact@macastro.org.au

NEW- Red Light LED Torches are in stock $10.00 inc. batteries. "When Galaxies Collide" Prof. Lisa Harvey Smith.  $25.00, can be signed in February!

 

MEMBERS IMAGES

 

Nenad Arsovic                                                                                                                              Michael Clark

 

 

LOAN A TELESCOPE - CAMDEN COUNCIL

During November 2015, Camden Council Library Services launched their Telescope loan service to library members. Instigated by the library and supported by MAS, they now have four 8" Dobsonians and four ED80 refractors on loan. An ideal first step for families and individuals to 'try before you buy'. The project is a great success. 

MAS 22 YEARS SERVING MACARTHUR