Astronomy

[keith lockey]

Keef, I might have one for sale ..................4.5 inch reflector.

Seriously honest?

[Malcolm Robinson]

Yes but I can't tell you anymore about it for another two months! PM me.

[Symptoms]

I watched the Sir Patrick Moore celebration night a couple of days ago (in truth I recorded it and watching bits of it) - great stuff.

I only hope there isn't a Newsnight exposé lying on the cutting room floor.

[Brett]

A presentation by Jason Russell from the Newcastle Astronomical Society, giving a brief history of astronomy, an explanation of distances in space, what equipment to use and an introduction to astro-photography – suitable for all the family!

Drinks and Food will be available prior to the presentation at www.herdinghillfarm.co.uk licensed cafe from 6.30pm and the presentation will begin at 7.30pm.

This is a FREE event, but booking for the presentation is essential (limited to 25 persons) go to: http://stargazingevent290313.eventbrite.co.uk.

http://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/visiting/whatson/eventhighlights/northumberland/stargazing-for-beginners!?SQ_CALENDAR_DATE=2013-03-29

[keith lockey]

Just watched The Sky at Night on IPlayer. Brilliant - they were up at Keilder. I'm pleased the show is still going with the regular presenters. I'm sure Sir Patrick will be much chuffed.

[keith lockey]

Has anybody clocked this Panstarrs comet yet. It is a beautiful clear night, the moon is visible and the comet should be above it to the right, but I can't see diddly squat. AAARRRGGGHHH!

[Keith Scantlebury]

Has anybody clocked this Panstarrs comet yet. It is a beautiful clear night, the moon is visible and the comet should be above it to the right, but I can't see diddly squat. AAARRRGGGHHH!

Thought it was supposed to be BELOW the moon and to the right ?

[keith lockey]

Thought it was supposed to be BELOW the moon and to the right ?

Depends on what day, Keith. I've looked high and low and still can't find it. I might take the lens caps off the binoculars tonight.

[keith lockey]

Comet ISON is approaching amigos. Could be a fantastic event or a damp squib. Or it could slingshot around the sun and smash straight into Earth with all its debris. Watch the skies...keep watching the skies.

Edited October 30, 2013 by keith lockey

[Brian Cross]

I am old enough to have seen the first Sputnik in orbit the most rememarable sighting was the last visit of Haleys comet absolutly stunning

[mercuryg]

Comet ISON is approaching amigos. Could be a fantastic event or a damp squib. Or it could slingshot around the sun and smash straight into Earth with all its debris. Watch the skies...keep watching the skies.

Is it black and white with a hint of blue and green, with wings, about 15inches tall and beady eyed? If so, it's just landed in a tree in my back garden. Should I inform NASA?

[keith lockey]

No Merc', that's the archangel Terry Dactyl. He preceeds the comet and warns the inhabitants of Earth to mend their ways or else he'll steer ISON into our path - all in the name of a benign, all-loving God, of course. The fact that he has landed in your garden might have something to do with your lifestyle. Redemption is at hand...or is it afoot!!!

[mercuryg]

My lifestyle, Keith? I'm a clean living boy, me!

[keith lockey]

My lifestyle, Keith? I'm a clean living boy, me!

Even worse, Merc', that means you've been selected for the Rapture. You should be a sinner like the rest of us. You see Comet ISON is really a UFO. It's inhabitants have come to Earth to take all the righteous, clean-living schmucks back to their own world which is full of beautiful naked women who want to procreate. You're doomed, Merc', I'm sorry to be the one who informs you of this horrible future. If only you had thought unclean thoughts they would have left you alone; if only you had guzzled down beer and other intoxicating toxins they would have passed you by. This time next month you will be speeding through the stars towards a world full of nubile girls who will pander to your every whim - just because you are a clean-living boy. Sorry, Merc', but life's a bitch and then you get Raptured. Adios amigo. Think of God, the Queen and Bedlington and not necessarilly in that order.

Edited October 31, 2013 by keith lockey

[mercuryg]

No! Please, not naked women, that's ghastly where do I find this comet, then?

[keith lockey]

Here they come, Merc', remember you're an Englishman, if you can't be erect then be upstanding.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZZ9iBJ0d90

[mercuryg]

That is actually the funniest thing I've seen in ages. There are people who believe stuff like that is real.

[Alan Edgar (Eggy1948)]

That is actually the funniest thing I've seen in ages. There are people who believe stuff like that is real.

Just looked out the window - Trick or Treat!

[keith lockey]

Well it looks like Comet Ison has turned out to be a damp squib. It has apparently burnt up after Perihelion. Guess I'll put my binoculars back in the case.

[mercuryg]

hey Keith, glad you're here. I bought a telescope recently, and am disappointed to find out the moon is not made of cheese. Should I complain to the manufacturer, or the sneaky eBay seller?

[Maggie/915]

Just been to see Gravity and space seems a dangerous place.

Best viewed from the comfort of your own home.

As long as the central heating works.

[keith lockey]

hey Keith, glad you're here. I bought a telescope recently, and am disappointed to find out the moon is not made of cheese. Should I complain to the manufacturer, or the sneaky eBay seller?

 

Trade Description Act, Merc', take it to the top man - G. He created the Universe and Earth and the Moon, it says so in Genesis. "And the Lord made the moon out of Gorgonzola and it was harvested by Klangers." 

Mind you it may be camouflage! Those Reptoids who have a base on the dark side might have initiated some kind of cloaking device so that instead of looking at craters of camembert or mare of mozzarella you are actually seeing moondust which is totally uninviting. (That's why we stopped going there - the cheese consortium wouldn't finance the apollo missions.) But don't be put off, go see a priest and ask him what the big G has done with the moon - after all, he is the big cheese up there.

[Symptoms]

Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park have been awarded Dark Sky status:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25297684

[John White]

Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park have been awarded Dark Sky status:

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25297684

Just posted this on Synergy thread:

http://www.bedlington.co.uk/audioarchive.html/_/gary-fildes-kielder-observatory-r14

 

Well done Kielder!

[keith lockey]

DID YOU SEE THE ISS?

 

It was brilliant. I was standing in my outhouse door and it 'flew' (glided} straight overhead. (Red Lion to Kitty Brewster sort of.)

 

I've seen it before but not as clear as tonight - I nearly waved to the pilot. Awesome!