For our first meeting in 2026 we were given an insight into the (often bizarre) names of astronomical bodies and structures, along with the not always logical reasoning behind the choices made. For February we will be moving back to the solar system and studying the smaller bodies that make up the category of asteroids. We will concentrate on Ceres, Vesta and the peculiarly shaped Ultima Thule. Then in March it will be another change, with a presentation on how ancient man used the movements of the Earth, Sun, Moon, planets and stars to devise measurements of time.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of every month from 10am to 12 noon in the back room of Southwell Library.
The dates of the next few meetings are 26th February, 26th March and 23rd April.
We try to cater for beginners by not making the sessions too technical but with enough content to stimulate the more knowledgeable. After coffee the audience get the chance to ask questions, comment or offer views, which is, I think, an important part of our sessions.
I hope as many members as possible will attend the next meeting, so that we can share our passion and enthusiasm for anything linked with space!