Flamsteed Astronomy Society

THIS EVENT IS CONFIRMED ON

Our next scheduled observing event will take place on Saturday 22 October.

PLEASE NOTE: The event will start at the earlier time of 7.30pm now we have darker skies.

As per last month the Summer Asterisms in the Milky Way will be visible. The most notable of these is the Summer Triangle comprising the bright stars of Vega, Deneb and Altair. Amidst these three stars in the centre we will be able to see the colourful double star Albireo. To the right of this between the stars Sulafat and Sheliak is M57 the famous Ring Nebula. Heading up above Vega we can see the binary system known as the ‘Double-Double‘ or more technically Epsilon 1 Lyrae and Epsilon 2 Lyrae. Moving left of this system between Deneb and Vega we can see Delta Cygni, a triple star system consisting of green-blue and yellow-white stars. In this area of the triangle are also a number of nebula (the North American NGC7000, Pelican IC5070 and Gamma Cygni IC1318), however these are more imaging targets and not really visible unless at a dark sky location.

Early on in the evening Mars will be visible in the south but probably hidden by the trees. Stretching across the horizon from East to West will be Uranus and Neptune which will be followed by the M45, The Pleiades. On the Western horizon will be M13, The Hercules Cluster. To view this it is best to target it early before the lights of the city begin to drown it out.

The night will be moonless during our observing session and weather permitting, looks set to offer a great opportunity to see many different objects.

We look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible. Please bring a telescope if you can. If not there should be at least three scopes available to take you on a tour of the sky.

Blackheath is quite exposed and the forecast suggests a temperature range of 5-7 degrees so a good coat and hat is advisable.

We will meet at our usual spot just north of Talbot Place at 7.30pm. Talbot Place is the first left off Goffers Road after the Tea Hut. Parking is free after 6.30pm. A map of the site can be found here – http://www.flamsteed.org.uk/observing/stargazing-events/blackheath-stargazing/ .