Previous Club Meetings

Moon–Mars Conjunction (Beehive Cluster)

Saturday, 03 May 2025
21:30-22:30

The Moon (43%-illuminated) is once again close to Mars which is itself now making a close approach to the Beehive Cluster at the heart of the constellation of Cancer.

Image credit: Stellarium

We'll also take another look at minor planet Vesta.

Vesta (Asteroid) Opposition

Friday, 02 May 2025
21:30-23:00

Vesta (mag. +5.7) reaches opposition tonight. We'll try to track it down from the park using binoculars.

Image credit: Stellarium

Stellarium will be our guide. We'll pick out nearby stars and use them to guide us to Vesta low in the southern sky.

April Full Moon (Pink Moon)

Sunday, 13 April 2025
21:30-22:30

Cancelled due to cloud cover

The cloud cover for Sunday is looking better. The Full Moon will be low in the south east at 21:30 – best seen from the park.

Image credit: Stellarium

Tonight could be a good time to try the astro camera through the telescope with the focal reducer.

Full Moon–Spica Conjunction

Saturday, 12 April 2025
21:30-22:30

Cancelled due to cloud cover

The Full Moon will be low in the south east and close to Spica, the brightest star in Virgo.

Image credit: Stellarium

Tonight could be a good time to try the astro camera through the telescope with the focal reducer.

Moon–Mars Conjunction

Saturday, 05 April 2025
21:00-22:30

Mars will lie 2 degrees south of the Moon at first quarter. The bright stars, Castor and Pollux in Gemini, will also be close by.

Image credit: Stellarium

Tonight will be a good time to observe the Moon at first quarter and identify some of the major craters on its eastern side.