Monthly society meetings continue, the next being on Tuesday February 4th, starting 7:30pm.   

Those who were unable to attend the January 7th meeting missed a wonderful talk by society member Paul Cass. Winter bugs, weather, other reasons all played their part, but fear not, Paul has agreed to revisit the presentation again, we hope at the May meeting. 

I will not divulge all the details at this moment, but Paul provided an enlightening and informative overview of the Anglo-Australian Schmidt telescope facility, where he worked for many years.

The 1.2m Anglo-Australian Schmidt telescope. (Click for full image)

The facility at Siding Springs, New South Wales, Australia commenced operations in 1973. Paul provided an insightful account of the establishment and significance of this iconic facility, his fortunate association with it, and the nature of the work conducted there. Those who attended the presentation highly valued the talk and would appreciate the opportunity for a follow-up session. It is a rare opportunity to observe genuine full-size Schmidt negative plates firsthand. 

Society meetings are held at Whitby School - Prospect Hill site (formally Caedmon College - Nornanby Campus) The venue name is what most local people from the 70’s to the 2000’s would associate with that site. Start time is 7:30pm. The meetings normally fall on the 1st Tuesday each month from October to May (January is sometimes 2nd Tuesday - School break reasons - but not this year) and April is dependent on the School Easter break. 

If you are new to the area and would like to join the society, or have become interested in the night sky and want to take 'one small step', please do come along, you will be very welcome. The Monthly meeting in March is on Tues 4th.

For more information please contact:-

Mark Dawson:- 33 Laburnum Grove, Whitby YO21 1HZ; Mobile No 07886069339

or e-mail spanton33attalktalk.net. Or visit  www.whitby-astronomers.com