At the Astronomy Group we believe in variety, and this has certainly been reflected in this year’s programme so far.
In September we will be looking at man-made creations that have in recent years had a big technological effect on our lives. Firstly, satellites which play a role in communication, weather monitoring and scientific research. Then probes, which have been invaluable to our learning, especially of bodies far out in space. Finally, rovers that have been crucial in exploring the terrain of both the Moon and Mars.
In October we shift back to the solar system and study our biggest planetary neighbour Jupiter. It is a gas giant, and you could fit about 1,300 Earths inside it! In the early days Jupiter could have destroyed Earth and its rocky neighbours, but today it plays a useful role by diverting many stray asteroids away from our planet. One area of fascination is its ‘great red spot’
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: 25th September, 23rd October, 27th November and 18th December. 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 gets the chance to ask questions, comment or offer views, which is, I think, an important part of our sessions. I hope to see as many people as possible at the next meeting.
Please see our webpage at Astronomy - Southwell u3a