Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of queries about the club and our meetings. Some of your questions might be quickly answered here:
Can you recommend a good telescope for a beginner?
That's as problematic a question as "Can you recommend a good car for a beginner?" Every astronomer will have their own opinions on this but there are some broad principles we all agree on. A good starting point is to read Dr Jeurgen Schmoll's PDF on Choosing a Telescope. Join our Facebook group, Facebook page or Google+ page if you can and ask the question there. Even better - defer your telescope purchase and come to one of our observing sessions. You'll not only be able to have an informal chat about your choice, you'll be able to try out different kinds of telescope first hand.
I've just bought/been given a telescope. Can you show me how to use it?
Absolutely! Bring it to a meeting or observing session and we'll help you set it up and use it.
Can I come to the observatory see that bright star/planet/comet?
Yes, you are welcome to attend our observing sessions. No appointment is necessary. To find out if the observatory is open to public viewing see our events calendar or join our Facebook group, Facebook page or Twitter feed. Observing sessions are usually organised (and cancelled because of bad weather) at short notice so it's essential that you're in the loop if you want to attend! (Hint - The Twitter feed is also on our Home page!)
How much does it cost to come to a public observing session?
We don't charge people attending observing sessions.
Can I book a private session at the observatory?
Possibly. If you have small group wishing to book supervised time in the observatory then contact us for availability and rates. It's easier to do this as a subscribing member of NASTRO.
Can you offer a talk to our school/group?
Yes. We've got a very active and ongoing outreach programme and we'd be happy to organise an event with you - just contact us. The earlier you speak to us the more likely it is that we'll be able to organise an event. We are all volunteers and many of us have day-jobs so it might not be possible to make it to schools during term time. It's worth asking though!
Are your meetings suitable for children?
At meetings where a lecture is being delivered we'll try to make the subject accessible to everyone. Sometimes the subject material might be quite technical; you'll have to make your own judgement on whether it is appropriate to their own knowledge and education.
Children are welcomed to observing sessions at the observatory but must be accompanied at all times by an adult. The observatory and surroundings are likely to be filled with telescopes, mounts and other trip hazards. Responsible behaviour in this environment - especially in darkness - is essential to avoid injury and damage to equipment.
Children are welcomed to observing sessions at the observatory but must be accompanied at all times by an adult. The observatory and surroundings are likely to be filled with telescopes, mounts and other trip hazards. Responsible behaviour in this environment - especially in darkness - is essential to avoid injury and damage to equipment.
What's that bright star I can see in the sky?
You may have to be more specific...
What's that bright, slow moving star I saw last night?
OK, a bit better. There's a lot of traffic in the sky. If it was flashing it was probably an aircraft of some kind. If it wasn't then it might have been a satellite orbiting the Earth. The International Space Station (ISS) is often visible from the UK. It rises in the west, climbs into the southern sky and sets in the east. It takes about 10 minutes to cross the sky but is quite fast moving by the time it crosses the meridian. It can be brighter than any star in the sky. You can get times when the ISS is visible from a suitable app on your smartphone, or from a website like www.heavens-above.com.
The bright star I saw wasn't moving. What was it?
Well it may have been a star or a planet. The planets Venus and Jupiter and pretty bright whenever they're visible. Mars is occasionally very bright. Saturn looks like a bright star. Mercury can be bright too but only before sunrise or after sunset close to the Sun. Did it look like it was twinkling? If yes, then it was probably a star. Planets have a larger apparent size (although it's not noticeable to the naked eye) and light from them appears less influenced by atmospheric distortions; so they tend not to twinkle so much. There are some nifty smartphone apps which allow you to identify stars, planets and constellations in the night sky. Go out the same time tomorrow and see if you can see it.
Could it have been a UFO that I saw?
Well, technically since you didn't know what it was....then yes. If you mean was it an alien artefact/flying saucer? Then I recommend getting a copy of the book "Demon Haunted World" by Carl Sagan and setting aside some quality reading time :-)
I've got evidence that aliens built the pyramids. Would you like to see it?
No.