'Newsletter January 2010'
' CNAAG 2010' A NEW YEAR WITH PLENTY TO LOOK FORWARD TO
2010 marks the 5 th anniversary of CNAAG and it is a good time to take stock and look back at just how far we have come in a very short time . From our very first meeting of 4 enthusiasts in January 2004 we now have a membership of over 30 + astronomers which is continuing to grow . The amount of knowledge and experience inherent in the group and the willingness for it to be shared is a testament to how the CNAAG group has naturally developed into a sociable and recognised astronomical society both locally and nationally . Since moving to a subscribed membership nearly 2 years ago we are able to self fund almost all of our regular activities ( boosted by the odd car boot sale ) and as you will see , our plans for 2010 are ambitious and exciting . However , our continued success is down to the support and enthusiasm of its members and it is crucial to our continued success that CNAAG operates primarily for the benefit of those members as well as a commitment to promote astronomy to the public . Tonights AGM is therefore everyones opportunity to take a look at and decide how CNAAG moves forward , how we can improve on what we do , and how we do it.This year will find us looking to increase our membership , take better advantage of good observing conditions and to introduce a basic astronomical tutorial for every one to take part in One thing I always ask for everyone to bear in mind is that , when it comes to astronomy , our ability to participate is constantly influenced by work & family commitments which always take priority and that organising even the most (seemingly) straightforward activity always takes time and effort on someones part which is appreciated . Looking back at my notes from last years AGM we have achieved most of our main goals with only minor setbacks and if we can continue the momentum , this year will be outstanding .My thanks to every member for your continued support - we can all look forward some fantastic astronomy and related activities for ‘CNAAG 2010' .
LATEST OBSERVING REPORTS
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CNAAG 2010 GETS OFF TO A FLYING START - see pictures in gallery On Thursday 4th March CNAAG had its first serious observing meeting of 2010 at the Rollright Stones. 6 telescopes were set up for some scintillating views including Mars and Saturn . After the depressing run of dismal observing weather it was a great relief to be out under a clear cloudless sky with the Moon safely out of the way until around midnight . CNAAG members appeared out of the dark and took the opportunity to compare views through the different scopes and eyepieces . Mars , although small , did show some surface markings and Mel G ( definitely NOT one of the Spice Girls !) managed to view the polar cap . Mars is now moving away from us but we will continue to observe it over the next few weeks . Meanwhile , Saturn has begun to make its presence felt as it follows Leo up from the eastern horizon from about 9pm . Everyone had some stunning views of this huge gas giant and two of its moons ( Titan and Rhea) and its crisp appearence through the cold air made it look , as one CNAAGer quipped , as if it was 'etched onto the lens' . Considering it was still relatively low in the sky Saturn promises to be the highlight of the Spring and Summer nights . Views were also made of Andromeda , M81 & M82 , M37 and M44 the Beehive cluster in Cancer. M44 was also visible to the naked eye . By about 11pm the cold got the better of our feet so we slowly packed away but , such was the attraction of the starlit sky , a few of us were still gazing upwards and yakking astronomy at 11.30 . With the weather beginning to behave sensibly , the signs are that we are in for a fantastic season of observing - thanks to all and we look forward to seeing you out under the stars soon.
Robin
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Some outline proposals : ' To have as full a programme as possible covering the whole year including pre booked speakers for our monthly meetings
To look at us being able to
cover the GCSE Astronomy syllabus in with our observing and indoor meetings
Possibly more events with Chipping Norton School –note there may be a CRB cost issue which may scupper the whole thing
A stronger affiliation with the Rollright Trust , possibly offering joint membership .
Regular use of the local press and media when needed
An event to include a display and (possible ) demonstration of model rockets with a local Model Rocket Society
A guest speaker every 2 nd month – an expenses issue but nothing too serious
A redesign of our brochure with a bit of colour
Fundraising ideas – car boots , entrance fees etc
PUBLIC EVENTS
Spring MoonWatch & Autumn StarWatch events at the Rollright Stones – currently looking at Sat April 10 th for the Spring & Sat 16 th October for the Autumn – tbc
An observing evening in the paddock next to The Red Lion , Little Compton – with plenty of publicity this could be a significant event
A return to Patricks
Herschells museum in Bath – possibly via Avebury stone circle or Stonehenge
The Space Centre , Leicester
Mount Tuffley , Gloucester
Visits to our neighbouring societies at Hanwell , Abingdon , Cotswold & Stratford .
Robin Smitten