Meetings for 2011 - 2012 Season
All Normal meetings are held in the Denham room at the Priory St Centre, at Priory Street, York YO1 6ET (just off Micklegate, five minutes walk from the Railway station). Click here to see it on the map. The nearest public car park is Nunnery Lane and costs £2 for the night after 6pm (£1 for York residents). There is limited car parking on Priory Street itself. Meetings start at 8pm sharp, but feel free to arrive from 7:30pm onwards for a chat. Admission on the door is £1 for members, £2 for non-members, with all 16s and under free.
Our regular star parties are held on the Knavesmire, at the T-junction on Knavesmire Road. Click here to see it on the map. There are no charges for these events, but donations are gratefully accepted!
Meetings for the 2011-2012 Season
New Season Kick Off Meeting
2nd September 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
It is now a very popular YAS tradition that the first meeting to be held after the Summer break is a special "New Season kick-off meeting" and as such is aimed at beginners and seasoned observers alike. There are short presentations, lasting 10 to 15 minutes each, covering different aspects of astronomy and observing; finally, we normally have a short Q&A session at the end.
The aim is to get everyone enthusiastic about the return of the dark nights and inspired to get outside to do some observing. Even if you've not done any practical observing before, why not make this season the one when you give it a go and make the best use of the society member's observatory?
All are welcome. If you don't already know us then come and say hello. If you're already a member, why not bring friends and family along!
16th September 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
Society A.G.M., followed by Home Grown Talks by members of York Astronomical Society
At the beginning of the evening, we shall be hosting our Annual General Meeting at which the current officers get the opportunity to present an overview of the previous year. Once completed, the current committee stands-down and each post comes up for re-election.
Once the Society business is concluded, members can then give short presentations on astronomy-related subjects which have caught their attention.
The Universe's Largest Telescopes: harnessing the power of gravity by Rachael Livermore, Durham University
7th October 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
Rachael Livermore of Durham University gives us a talk entitled "The Universe's Largest Telescopes: harnessing the power of gravity". In Einstein's theory of General Relativity, it describes one effect as: light follows curved paths when passing by massive objects. In this talk, Rachael will demonstrate how this phenomenon can be used to create giant telescopes, millions of light years across, to examine in detail galaxies that are at the edge of the observable Universe.
Naked Eye and Binocular Astronomy by Paul Money, Boston Astronomers
21st October 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
The Universe has many wonders to offer us and there are many that don't need a telescope at all. Explore the constellations, wandering planets, noctilucent clouds, Northern Lights and much more as we discover what can be seen with just the naked eye and binoculars.
Galaxies – our place in the universe by Sarah Hutton, Durham University
4th November 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
Sarah will begin her talk by describing our place in the Milky Way and how our own galaxy is providing observations to help with simulating galaxy evolution. Sarah then moves onto the main features of a galaxy, the gas, dust, stars and black holes before finishing up with looking at some new exciting galaxies that have been found by the Pan-STARRS telescope in Hawaii.
Edwin Hubble and the Battle for the Galaxies by Rod Hine
18th November 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
At the end of the nineteenth century, what we know today as galaxies were generally referred to as nebulae (e.g. the "Andromeda Nebula") and thought to be part of our galaxy. In turn, our galaxy seemed to comprise the whole universe. However, with better measurements the evidence for our modern view gradually prevailed but provoked fierce controversy. This lecture examines the evidence and explores the clashes of personality involved, including the influence of Edwin Hubble's work which finally clinched the issue and gave us the current expanding universe model.
WR140 – a pro-am collaboration! by Dr Julian Pittard, University of Leeds
2nd December 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
Amateur astronomers are increasingly able to make scientific measurements, including with high-resolution spectrographs, at a level of accuracy un-dreamed of only 10 years ago. In this lecture, Dr. Pittard reports on a recent successful international collaboration between amateur and professional astronomers to observe the massive binary system WR 140 as the stars rushed past each other during their periastron passage and report on the resulting advances in our understanding of this system.
Christmas Informal Evening by members of the York Astronomical Society
16th December 2011 - 8pm Priory St.
An informal evening, where members of the society are invited to step up and give a short presentation on an astronomy-related subject that interests them.
Normally, after the presentations finish, there is a chance to finish off the evening with a meal either at, or from one of the local restaurants.
Soviet Space Myths and Legends by Martin Dawson
6th January 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Every family, government, company have dark secrets hidden in dusty cellars and the Soviet Space Programme is no exception! Was Yuri Gagarin seen off? Were the Soviets racing the USA to the Moon, how many died in the race for space and what were they really thinking about? These and more stories - some harrowing - will be recounted by Martin Dawson, YAS, MSS and BIS
Sundials – not just a pretty face! by David Cook, Harrogate AS
20th January 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
This talk will cover how sundials work and then show some examples both in pictures and models. They are not as simple as most people think!
The evolution of planetary crusts by Kevin Read
3rd February 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
When planets form, they have an initial crust as they cool down following, or during, the accretionary phase. Following on from that, primarily depending on their size, crusts of planets start to evolve and physically change in appearance. The talk will look at terrestrial bodies in the Solar System and discuss their evolution into how they appear today.
Relativistic Jets by Prof. Sam Falle, University of Leeds
17th February 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Some galaxies produce relativistic jets whose power output is much larger than that of the all the stars in the galaxy put together. These jets are generated by an object in the centre of the galaxy which is about the same size as the solar system; almost certainly a black hole. This talk describes how these jets are formed and how they blast their way out of the galaxy.
The Solar Neighbourhood – A guide to the nearest stars by Colin Steele
2nd March 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
The area of the galaxy where the Sun currently resides can be considered as a fairly typical area of the galaxy. This talk will consider the stars within 5 parsecs of the Sun, concentrating on those with particular characteristics e.g. the Alpha Centauri and Sirius systems, Barnard's star and the home of Mr Spock from Star Trek. The talk is not so much of a list as an opportunity to mention many of the characteristics of stars. Woven into the talk are references to measuring distances to stars and the appearance of the Sun and other stars from the stars concerned. The talk will conclude with some thoughts on the status of the Sun in the neighbourhood and the Galaxy.
The Traveller's Guide to the Solar System by Sky Marshall Johanuss von Whipp III (Junior)
16th March 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
York Astronomical Society would like to offer the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Sky Marshall Johanuss von Whipp III (Junior) aboard the good ship YORKAS! Once boarding has completed, KAL (the ship's computer) and the Sky Marshall will take us on a whistle-stop tour of the Solar System!
Please Note: this meeting will take place in the Main Hall, not the Denham Room!
No meeting
6th April 2012 - Priory St.
As this is Good Friday, we shall not be having our normal meeting at Priory Street Centre
The Medieval Astrolabe by Dominic Ford
20th April 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
The astrolabe was the most sophisticated astronomical instrument in widespread use from the second century BC right through to 1600. Yet, despite its illustrious history, it is now rarely seen outside of museums. This talk will explain the history of the astrolabe and how they work. Kits will also be available for making cardboard models afterwards.
Johannes Hevelius 1611 - 1687: The first big telescope astronomer Dr. Allan Chapman - Astronomical Historian, Wadham College, Oxford
4th May 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Dr. Chapman gives a lecture on the life of Johannes Hevelius and the contribution he made to astronomy using telescopes
This talk also forms part of the YAS 40th anniversary events, more details can be seen here
At last! We get a meeting on...
Star Wars Day! (May the fourth be with you)
York Astronomical Society 40th Anniversary Spectacular
5th May 2012 - Priory St.
You're only 40 once and YAS are celebrating in style! A special full-day event, packed with lectures from Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Prof. Monica Grady, Paul Money FRAS, FBIS and Nik Szymanek.
Full details of the days events can be found here
The Kielder Observatory – its first years... by Gary Fildes FRAS, Kielder Observatory
18th May 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Kielder Observatory was a glint in Gary's eye over 10 years ago, just as he was thinking about star camps, his attention turned to bigger things. This talk is about the evolution of an idea that began as a concept and has emerged as a tremendous visitor attraction and platform for astronomy. Now, the Kielder Observatory has had over 25,000 visitors in 4 years and is officially recognised as the top visitor attraction in Northumberland! This is the story so far...
The Life Cycle of Stars by Mark Dawson, Whitby AS
1st June 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Awaiting talk details
Informal Evening by members of York Astronomical Society
15th June 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
An informal evening, where members of the society are invited to step up and give a short presentation on an astronomy-related subject that interests them.
Active Galactic Nuclei and why Amateurs should observe them by Nick Hewitt, BAA
6th July 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Awaiting talk details
Stars of Life and Death – the biggest explosions in the Universe by Tom Boles, BAA
20th July 2012 - 8pm Priory St.
Awaiting talk details
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YAS Free Public Star Party
7th September 2011 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: Saturn, the Moon and if we're really lucky, some star clusters, and galaxies once the Sun has well and truly set
NYM National Park / YAS Public Star Party
1st October 2011 - 6pm-late (weather permitting), Sutton Bank Visitor Centre, Sutton Bank.
Exploring Dark Skies at the North York Moors National Park Visitor Centre, Sutton Bank, YO7 2EH, on the A170 East of Thirsk. Saturday 1st October 2011, from 6.00pm until late. The National Park and the York Astronomical Society will be presenting an evening of Astronomy. Clouds permitting, telescopes will be available for viewing the Moon, Jupiter, Star Clusters, Galaxies, Double Stars and other wonders. Wear warm clothes!
The Tea room will be open from 5.00pm; illustrated talks will be held at 6.30 and 8.00pm. Celestron equipment will be on display from Grovers of Northallerton with David Hinds also attending. If it's too cloudy outside, YAS telescopes will also be displayed in the Tea Room.
Cost: Adults £3; Children £1.50; Under 5's free. The visiting public must book for this event: phone 01439 772738, or call in at Sutton Bank or the Danby Centre to book your tickets.
YAS Free Public Star Party
5th October 2011 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, Neptune, star clusters, and galaxies.
YAS Free Public Star Party
2nd November 2011 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, planets (Uranus, Neptune and Jupiter), various star clusters, and galaxies.
Leeds Astromeet
12th Nov 2011 - doors open at 9am, first lecture at 10am sharp; The Clothworkers Hall and Foyer, School of Music, Leeds University
Leeds AS' annual get-together, featuring many eminent speakers and selected traders. More details from the Astromeet website.
YAS Free Public Star Party
30th November 2011 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, planets (Uranus, Neptune and Jupiter), various star clusters, and galaxies.
St. Peter's School & YAS Public Star Party
13th January 2012 - from 5.30pm-9.30pm. To be held at St. Peter's School, York
As part of the BBC's Stargazing Live 2012 season, St. Peter's School and YAS have joined forces again to put on an observing spectacular with plenty of telescopes for everyone to look through. For more information, please look on the BBC Stargazing Live website and St. Peter's website. Admission to this event is by ticket only.
YAS Free Public Star Party
25th January 2012 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon (very briefly as it is setting), planets (Venus, Uranus and Jupiter), star clusters (Pleiades, Hyades, M35), nebulae (M1, M42) and galaxies (M31, M110, M33).
YAS Free Public Star Party
29th February 2012 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, planets (Mercury and Uranus setting, Venus, Jupiter and Mars will be rising), star clusters (Hyades, Pleiades, M44, M67), and galaxies (M31).
YAS Free Public Star Party
28th March 2012 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, planets (Jupiter, Venus and Mars), star clusters (Pleiades, M35, M44), and galaxies.
YAS Free Public Star Party
25th April 2012 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, planets (Venus, Mars and Saturn just rising), star clusters, and galaxies.
YAS Free Public Star Party
23rd May 2012 - 7pm-9pm (weather permitting), Knavesmire.
YAS Free Public Star Party on the Knavesmire. From 7pm till late (around 9pm), weather permitting. We will be there, even if it rains, for about half an hour for a chat. Observe through our telescopes, or feel free to bring your own along for help and advice if needed. Objects on show should include: the Moon, planets, star clusters, and galaxies.
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