Sun, 17 Mar
|Talbot Place
CONFIRMED ON: Blackheath Observing Event - 17 March 2024
THIS EVENT IS CONFIRMED ON FOR SUNDAY 17 MARCH We are running a free public astronomy observing event on Blackheath Common. All members and non members are welcome.
Time & Location
17 Mar 2024, 19:30 – 22:30
Talbot Place, Talbot Pl, Blackheath, London SE3 0TZ, UK
About the Event
We have decided to go ahead with this event, despite the risk of cloud cover, given that this is the last observing event of the season before the clocks go forward. It should, at least, be relatively warm and the risk of rain is low... so we should all get a chance for a good chat if weather conditions are not in our favour.
We will meet in our usual spot, just north of Talbot Place, at around 7.30pm.
This is a public event so you are welcome to bring non member guests if you wish. There should be at least three scopes available to take you on a tour of the sky but if you are able to bring a telescope or binoculars then please do, the more the merrier!
Those of you who are into Astrophotography are also welcome to try that with your gear and perhaps submit your best results for inclusion in our main lectures' members astrophotography opening video.
Observing Targets:
- Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks: Visible in Andromeda. Key target early in the session.
- Jupiter: Last clear view until Autumn, featuring an Io shadow transit.
- M42 Orion Nebula: Stellar nursery in the Orion constellation.
- Garnet Star (Mu Cephei): Deep red supergiant star.
- La Superba (Y Canum Venaticorum): Deep red carbon star.
- 55 Cancri: Star system with at least 5 exoplanets.
- M81 and M82: Twin galaxies.
- M48 & M50: Open clusters in Hydra and Monoceros, respectively.
- M44 (Beehive Cluster): Located in Cancer.
- Leo Triplet (M65, M66, NGC 3628): Group of galaxies in Leo.
Our viewing area on Blackheath is quite exposed, so don't forget to wrap up warm! We recommend to wear warm head covering and gloves too.
Parking is free after 6.30pm. A map of the site can be found here