Navigating the Night Sky event report
We had a great turnout at our 4-Steps event, Navigating the Night Sky at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh last night.
Software for astronomy
There are so many pieces of astronomical software available to the amateur these days - often for free. We've added a list of some of them to our Links page.
February 2020 meeting report
We had a fantastic talk by Grant Miller, Zooniverse Project Manager at the University of Oxford.
Occultation by 4 Vesta
From Alex Pratt of the BAA - On the night of 11 Feb 2201-2203 UT, the second largest asteroid Vesta will occult a brightish (mag 5 - 6) star: HIP14439, SAO 93276, TYC 654-1754-1, HD19270 Predicted times at selected locations:- [...]
January 2020 meeting report
What a really great meeting we had with Bob Mizon from Commission for Dark Skies and the BAA. Special thanks also to Peter Harrison, Technical Director at Institution of Lighting Professionals.
Dave Gavine
We regret to inform members that Dr Dave Gavine, MA BSc PhD FRAS passed away peacefully at his home around 11:30 AM on Thursday, the 2nd January.
Imaging Group pictures in 2019
Here's a selection of images posted to our Flickr Group in 2019 as a short video.
The Quadrantids New Year meteor shower
This meteor shower radiating from a forgotten constellation is one of the most prolific of the year but not as popular as other showers. This year the Moon is mostly out of the way so it could be a good one.
December 2019 meeting report
Prof. Colin Cunningham of Edinburgh University described the many engineering and scientific challenges associated with the building and future operation of the ELT.
Lorimer, Astronomy, Art and Medals
We are very privileged to own some beautiful artworks by one of our former Vice Presidents and benefactor, the artist John Henry Lorimer.
Observe the ever-changing Moon
Surely the Moon is boring because nothing ever changes on it? Not at all - it changes its appearance daily. The angle of Sun hitting the surface varies and casts strange and beautiful shadows across its landscape.
Telescope buying guide – UPDATED 2019
Which one to buy for your first one or as a present for Christmas? You'll get as many answers as there are telescopes but here are some ideas.
Observe the Open Clusters of Autumn
Open Clusters are beautiful, varied and relatively simple to observe and image. There are a number of good ones well-placed at this time of year. Have a look at some of them.
Transit of Mercury 11 November on Calton Hill
We hope to be observing the Transit of Mercury on 11 Nov 2019 on Calton Hill, WEATHER PERMITTING. The transit starts at 12:35 and continues after the Sun sets (16:13).
November 2019 meeting report
Thank you to Matjaz Vidmar from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh for a very interesting and informative talk. I don't think many of us knew just how advanced the Scottish space industry is.