Belper Astronomy Group: Space is the Place

The Belper Astronomy Group had its first meeting in the Top Bar of the Queens Head on Thursday 15th September.  The meeting was an informal one and, over a drink or two, included a wide ranging discussion about amateur astronomy.  At the meeting it was agreed to set up a Facebook page, so look out for that.

There was a full Moon on the night which allowed for a demonstration of the capabilities of a 80mm “Grab and Go” telescope. Using the same ‘scope there was also an opportunity to see the effects of different eyepiece filters and how these can be used to improve observations.

At the moment the Belper Astronomy Group intends to meet as a social group at the Queens Head Pub. They will use the back patio of the Queens Head to observe from, if the night is clear, and will bring along a suitable telescope for viewing topical objects. Because the Queens Head is not a dark sky site the group will focus on those objects that are easier to see in a light polluted sky. For those who wish to go out and observe together at a local dark site the group will encourage membership of the East Midlands Stargazers.

After a successful first meeting the Belper Astronomy Group will now meet on the first and third Thursday of the month. At the next meeting (on the 6th of October) they will be trying to correctly align a Newtonian telescope for one of the members who is having problems with a new telescope.

Anyone with an interest in Astronomy is welcome, the meetings are free of charge and will take place on the following Thursdays from 7.30pm onwards in the Top Bar of the Queens Head, Chesterfield Road, Belper, on the following dates:

• October: 6th and 20th.
• November. 3rd and 17th.
• December. 1st and 15th –  Xmas Party.

For further details please contact Andrew at: SV4B@outlook.com