MONTHLY RADIO SHOW

Uckfield 105 FM

Friday 7 February 2014

 

Feel free to listen in to Friday's radio show where, with radio presenter Tony Williams, we share Supernova 2014J which exploded 'recently' - some 11 to 12 million years ago in 'nearby' irregular galaxy, M82 in Ursa Major - but which is currently visible in larger amateur telescopes.

 

Supernova 2014J (circled) in M82: (NASA/Swift)

 

We also share the delights of February's night sky:  mighty Jupiter, beautiful Venus and her conjunction with the Moon on 26 February, the occultation by the Moon of the star Lamba Geminorum on 11 February, and much more.

 

To tune in just click the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.

 

 

THE GREAT DEBATE

Astronomy vs Astrology

Tuesday 25 February 2014

at 1130 hrs

 

Join Tony Williams, Uckfield 105 FM's resident Astrologer, Sharon, and me, for a live debate, or 'battle' as Tony would say (!), where astronomy goes head to head with astrology.

 

 

After much negotiation, Tony has thrown down the gauntlet and Sharon and I have picked it up!  So please do join us for what promises to be lively discussion and much debate about these two fascinating subjects.  I can't wait!

 

UPCOMING ASTRONOMY EVENTS

 

Due to the recent wet and windy weather - why am I using the word 'recent', it feels as if it's been around forever (!) - a number of astronomy events in which I was due to be involved have been cancelled.  I will update with new info as and when it becomes available.  In the meantime, watch this space!

 

Keep looking up ... those skies will clear ... eventually!

 



Stargazing LIVE in the Pub

 

EVENT CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
Re-scheduled to Saturday 5th April 2014
Details to follow.
 

The Star Inn, Pevensey, East Sussex

Saturday 8 February 2014

1400 - Midnight

Organised by the East Sussex Astronomical Society

 

The Star has a great southerly view with an array of telescopes for viewing the Sun and the night sky; all are welcome to come and view its wonders.

Observing will start at 2.00pm with the Sun, then early evening, the Moon, and, as it approaches dark, the ESAS will have laser guided tours of the constellations along with telescope viewing through a variety of provided scopes.

 

Talks will also take place throughout the afternoon and evening, of which I shall be one of the guest speakers.  If wet, still come along as we shall be presenting, whatever the weather!

 

Here's hoping for clear skies!
Follow link for full details and directions.

 

 

 

Horns Lodge Inn, South Street, South Chailey, BN8 4BD

Saturday 22 February 2014

1800 - Midnight

Organised by Richie Jarvis of South Common Observatory

 

South Chailey turns off the lights to view the night sky in one of the darkest corners of the country, with a full supporting cast of astronomers and telescopes to help out.

Following the success of last year's event, feel free to join us for an evening of viewing and presentations, including mine.  It was really great fun last year and I am sure it shall be again.

 

Again, let's hope for clear skies!
Follow link for full details and directions.

 

Hopefully see you there.

Uckfield 105FM Radio

 

Friday 10 January 2014

 

Feel free to listen in to this morning's show where, with radio presenter, Tony Williams, we share a journey into the realms of the Northern Lights and what can be seen in the January night sky.

 

Yours truly with radio presenter, Tony Williams

 

This local radio station is hugely popular with listeners, both young and old, numbering in the tens of thousands.  Uckfield 105FM is ranked third highest after BBC national radio and Heart FM.  Little wonder because everyone in the team is enthusiastic, energetic and works really hard to serve the local community.  They do a great job.  My monthly astronomy slot, since my initiation as Royle's Astronomer over two years ago, has gone from strength to strength. 

I feel I must thank Tony, Mike Skinner and Gary King for all their support, genuine interest and, above all, fun.  Astronomy is now well and truly on the map ... and I love being a part of their team.

To listen in click the Uckfield FM icon at left.

Happy listening and look out for those Northern Lights!

 

 

ASTRONOMY IN THE PUB EVENT

 

A note for the diary: on 22 February 2014 astro-imager, Richie Jarvis, will be hosting another 'Astronomy in the Pub' evening at the Horns Lodge Inn in South Chailey.  I have been invited along as a Guest Speaker.  Last year's event was really well attended and was terrific fun.  More details to follow, but hope to see you there!



Uckfield 105 FM

Friday 6th December 2013

 

Feel free to listen in to my monthly radio show by clicking the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.

Along with radio presenter Tony Williams, we discuss the 'spectacle or speck' that is Comet ISON, the giant planets Jupiter and Saturn and all things wondrous in the winter night sky.

 

 

BIBENDUM EVENT

Thursday 14 November 2013

 

 

This was such a fun evening!

After my presentation at the BBC's Sky at Night National Astronomy Festival 2013 at the Herstmonceux Science Centre and Observatory, I was approached by double BAFTA Award winning television presenter, Neil Buchanan, to give a private presentation to a small group of astronomy enthusiasts.  What a terrific night!  The Herstmonceux 'Space Cadets', as they are known, are a fabulous bunch of people who genuinely love astronomy and meet regularly to study, share their passion and enjoy the night sky.  I knew from Neil's intro that the evening would be informal which enabled me to share my earlier Winchester Planetarium lecture, 'The Wonder of the Universe' in a more relaxed, leisurely manner ... which seemed to hit all the right notes.  After a short break, we then naturally slipped into the second half which took the format of a question and answer session, followed by lively open discussion and debate which proved very diverse, interesting and always laced with copious laughter. 

It was just so lovely to be with fellow astronomy enthusiasts, who know and love their subject, in a venue that was equally warm and welcoming.  A really great night.  Thank you Neil.  Thank you Sarah Morgan for getting it organised and making me feel so welcome.  And thank you to everyone who turned up to help make this a genuinely unforgettable event.

 



UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO

Friday 8 November 2013

 

Feel free to tune in to my monthly radio show where I join presenter Tony Williams to discuss Comet ISON, the Andromeda Galaxy, the conjunction of Saturn and Mercury and the Winter constellations.  Also shared is my presentation at the INTECH Science Centre and Planetarium at Winchester where significant sums for Cancer Research UK were raised.

Don't forget my next appearance at BIBENDUM in Eastbourne

on Thursday 14 November at 7.30pm. 
See below for booking details.

 

 

Listen in by clicking the Uckfield 105FM icon at left.