UCKFIELD 105FM RADIO

Astronomy Interview

Friday 4 April 2014

Shooting Stars and Mars!

 

It's that time again!  Feel free to listen in to this month's radio show where, with radio presenter, Tony Williams, we share the secrets of April's Lyrids meteor shower, the delights of the planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn ... and a few thoughts on the Big Bang.

 

 

Simply click the Uckfield 105 FM icon at left and follow the link.

 

Happy stargazing and join us again at 1030hrs on Tuesday 13 May.



Uckfield 105FM Radio

Astronomy Interview

Friday 7 March 2014

1030hrs

 

Feel free to join radio presenter, Tony Williams, and me, for our monthly astronomy show.  This time we share the wonders of Jupiter, currently perfectly placed for viewing in the night sky, the Moon's impending conjunction with the gas giant planet, Saturn, a close shave by asteroid DX110, the winter constellations, and much more besides ...

 

 Tune in by clicking the Uckfield 105FM Radio icon at left.

 

See you next month!

 



ASTRONOMY IN THE PUB

Saturday 22 February 2014

The Horns Lodge Inn

South Chailey

 

 

Yet again, this was a really fun evening, enhanced this year by the fact that we actually enjoyed clear skies too!  As a result, Richie Jarvis took a crowd outside The Horns Lodge Inn to witness the passing of the International Space Station, as well as sharing the stunning views of Jupiter and Orion against the darkest skies in Sussex.  A raft of telescopes were also set up and members of the public enjoyed some amazing views of the gas giant planet as well as the Great Orion Nebula.

 

 

To complement the practical viewing sessions, astronomy author and broadcaster, Ninian Boyle, joined Richie and me in offering astronomy presentations.  Ninian shared the perils of Near Earth Objects, Richie, the latest rover activities on Mars and me, a journey from a speck of cosmic dust to the observable Universe, and beyond!  The pub was packed for its entire length, and was at least three people deep along the bar.  Subsequent feedback has been amazing.

It truly was a fantastic night - a gathering of like-minded people who clearly loved the subject, and a gathering of those who had very little idea about the great 'out there' but were possessed of an enormous thirst to know!  I felt privileged to play a part.

A big thank you to Richie, as ever, for organising the event and an even bigger thank you to all the lovely people who came along and made it so enjoyable.  Here's to another one next year! 

 

And a few more photos ...

 

 

 

 





 

 

DON'T FORGET ...

 

ASTRONOMY IN THE PUB

organised by

The East Sussex Astronomical Society

The Star Inn, Pevensey

Saturday 5 April 2014

 

Hope to see you there.  More details to follow.

 



THE GREAT DEBATE

Astronomy vs Astrology

Uckfield 105FM Radio

Tuesday 25 February 2014

 

 

Well, this was an idea of radio presenter, Tony Williams, with whom I share my monthly broadcast on all things astronomical.  He teamed me up with Sharon, Uckfield 105FM's Astrologer, for what became a lively discussion about the stars and planets, agrarian beliefs and the mysticism of horoscopes.  Tony led us way back into the realms of ancient Babylonia, Egypt, China and Australia, and great fun was had by all. 

Don't take my word for it, click the link below and listen in!

The Great Debate on Uckfield 105 FM

 

From left to right: Sharon, Tony and Me

 



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!