Torbay Astronomical Society

2011/2012 Programme

(Now in our 56th year! - the first TAS meeting was on August 29th 1956)

Welcome to the Torbay Astronomical Society Programme ...

The TAS generally holds two meetings per month through the astronomical 'season' from September to April (the timing is largely governed by the availability of sufficiently dark evening skies).

All meetings are held at: Torquay Boys' Grammar School, Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay TQ2 7EL

For directions to the TBGS (in a new window) see map.

All meetings are on Thursday evenings. One meeting per month is primarily an 'observational' event. Observational meetings are practical and informal, involving basic astronomy; informal mini lectures; questions and answers; video, photo and slide presentations, etc. A variety of astronomical instruments are available, including a 19.2 inch (0.5metre) computer-controlled Newtonian Reflector telescope equipped with CCD and video cameras, housed within the TBGS observatory. The TAS also has the use of two 8 inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes, and has recently purchased a SkyWalker 102mm GOTO scope.

The other monthly meeting is a 'lecture' event. Lecture meetings (A.G.M. excepted) have an illustrated talk, informal discussions and observational reports, etc.

Lecture meetings are held in the Business and Enterprise Suite (room BE1). To get to the lecture room without going through the school:

  • 1. Enter the school grounds via the main gate and continue straight ahead to the far end of the single lane road. On reaching the car park in front of the Manor House immediately turn sharp right up the concrete road through the gates (which will be open and remain open all evening)

  • 2 Go up this road with the Language Centre on the right and a green area on the left: you can park from here on, and there is also parking further up nearer the venue.

  • 3 To get to the venue, go through the second gates and the Business and Enterprise Suite is immediately on your right

  • 4 The entrance door is set back into the building and we will put up signs

  • 5 Enter the building and turn right immediately into the room for the lecture. (If you find yourself at the Observatory you have gone too far!)

    The picture below shows the route.

    For observational meetings go into the main school building and follow the "Torbay Astronomical Society" signs that will direct you to lab PL4 on the first floor at the back of the school near the observatory.

    Both observational and lecture meetings commence at 7.30pm and finish at around 10pm, although observational sessions may last longer if observing conditions are good!

    We welcome non-members at all of our meetings

    Our observational evenings in particular offer an excellent opportunity for younger visitors to experience the night sky 'close up' - often for the first time. Just make sure they've done their homework first!

    Non-members are asked to pay a small visitor's fee (see below) which is fully refundable against any subsequent membership fees.

    • 2011 September 15Professor Bernard Carr (Queen Mary College, University of London): "Universe or Multiverse?"
    September 29Observational evening - focus on Cygnus / binary star Albireo (beta Cygni)
    October 13Professor Ian Morison (Jodrell Bank and Gresham Professor of Astronomy) : "Black Holes"
    November 3Observational evening - focus on Jupiter / Moon
    November 17Jason Heales (TAS): "Particles and Forces in Astronomy"
    December 1Observational evening - focus on the Pleiades Open Star Cluster (M45)
    December 15Quiz vs North Devon AS (at TBGS!)
    2012 January 12Observational evening - focus on the Orion Nebula (M42)
    January 26Dr Jennifer Hatchell (Exeter University): "Sub-millimetre Astronomy"
    February 9Observational evening - focus on Ursa Major / binary star Mizar
    February 23Mini-lectures
    March 1Observational evening - focus on 1st quarter moon / Hyades open star cluster
    March 22Chris Lee (Bristol AS): "Beagle 2 - a Personal Reflection and a Look Forward"
    April 12Observational evening - focus on Mars
    April 26Chairman's Annual Address
    May 17Annual General Meeting and Summer 2012 preview
    June 21Summer Social Evening (venue to be decided)

    Also see a list of the society's previous meetings

    Subscriptions and Visitors' Fees: (2011/2012)

    Adult: £15 annual membership or £3 per lecture meeting / £2 per observational meeting;
    Senior Citizens: £10 annual membership or £3 per lecture meeting / £2 per observational meeting;
    Students (under 16): £5 annual membership or £1 per meeting; Visitor's fees are refundable against subsequent membership fees.

    Annual membership fees become due on 31st October.