Not only is 20 a cause for celebration with the Southwell u3a having completed this number of years, but it is also a vision for the Astronomy Group. By the end of 2026 I would like our average monthly attendance to reach this target number. We try to provide variety in our sessions with presentations on anything to do with the universe from the planets through to bizarre concepts like wormholes. History even plays a role, having looked at astronomical names in January and due to look at time and motion as indicators used by ancient man in March.
February was a study of the smaller bodies called asteroids and then in April and May we will revert to the little red planet Mars, through a DVD comparing it to Earth in the early years followed by an investigation into the possibilities of man living self-sufficiently on its surface for long periods 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 March, 23rd April and 28th May.
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. Hopefully we will continue to attract a healthy attendance at the monthly sessions, our main intention is to support one another and to learn more about this fascinating universe that we are just a small part of.
I hope as many members as possible will attend so that we can share our passion and enthusiasm for anything linked with space!
Link to Astronomy Web Page and Richard Peacock, Group Leader