A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Summer appears to be here at the moment so enjoy it whilst it lasts. hopefully we’ll have some warm clear evenings to enjoy the annual Perseid meteor shower, there’s also a lunar occultation of Saturn to enjoy. Another sight to look for at this time of year is the Milky Way as it stretches across the southern sky. So if you have a dark sky location have a look.
Continue readingA monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Welcome to Julys what’s up. I hope you’re all enjoying the warmer weather and the brighter evenings. Even with the bright nights there’s still plenty to see. And don’t forget July is also an excellent month for spotting noctilucent clouds. This was taken a few nights ago from my front door.
Continue readingA monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Welcome to Junes what’s up. I hope you all managed to see the Aurora last month, if not there may be a chance this month as the giant sunspot that caused last months event becomes Earth facing again. Here’s hoping for a bit less rain and some clear skies for summer!
As we approach the summer solstice on June 20, the night sky in southern England and Ireland experiences a unique phenomenon: twilight persists throughout the night. In Scotland, the sky remains so light that most fainter stars and constellations become invisible. Even the brighter stars, such as the familiar asterism of the Plough in Ursa Major, are challenging to see except around midnight. Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Well, it’s May already, how did that happen? I’m hoping for a few warmer days and some clear skies (with a little less rain!).
Over the northern horizon, Cassiopeia appears low, with the southern areas of Perseus and Auriga fading into obscurity, although the Double Cluster nestled between them remains a vivid sight. Unfortunately, the Andromeda Galaxy dips too low to be easily spotted. Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Hi welcome to Aprils Whats Up, I hope you’re all not too full of chocolate so you’re still able to get outside and take a look at the night sky!
This month our cousins have an eclipse to forward to on the 8th April. Some cheap flights might still be available! We however can look forward to the annual Lyrid meteor shower and a potential brightening comet. Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Hello and welcome to our March update. We’re entering the first meteorological month of Spring. And this year, spring has made an early appearance (in our garden at least). With daffodils blooming already and the snowdrops fading fast. As the days noticeably lengthen, we encourage you to enjoy the extended evenings while they last. Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Hi, hope you all coped with the January blues and the storms! We’re now into the last month of meteorological winter, with the days slowly becoming longer as Spring approaches. This month we can look forward to a couple of comets and the winter constellations. Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Hi, Happy New Year and welcome to the first what’s up of 2024. This year we can look forward to many meteor showers with the first being the Quadrantids in early January, Several comets are forecast throughout the year with a couple being possibly visible with the naked eye. Plenty of conjunctions and In April a solar eclipse crosses North America (book your plane tickets early!). Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Hi, welcome to the last Whats up of 2023, and early seasons greeting from me!
It’s nearly time to dust of the Christmas decorations and start dropping present hints for the latest astronomy gadgetry. There’s a few ideas below. The book links are to Amazon and will generate a small commission which I’ll pass onto the society. Continue reading
A monthly look at astronomical events in the sky and on Earth
Compiled by Steve Sawyer
Hi, Welcome to Novembers What’s up! We’re now coming to the time of the year when the nights are getting longer with the darkest nights still to come. This month we can look forward to Jupiter being the star of the show as it reaches opposition on the 3rd, and the Leonid meteor shower reaches it’s peak on the 17th. We also have the occultation of Venus taking place on the 9th November, so there’s plenty to see this month. Continue reading