A Life Time of Astronomical Observations

[Dawson]

In recent years I’ve got to know Alan Heath who also lives in Nottingham; Alan has been a long standing member of the BAA and former Saturn Section Director amongst other posts. Despite being in his late 80s, he continues to observe, submit observations, collate facts and figures, and looks for patterns in his and other peoples’ data. I love going to see him to have a cup of tea and listen to his latest exploits. He makes me feel incredibly lazy! I’m going to see him tomorrow and I know he will be quizzing me on what the various speakers form the Winchester Weekend had said.

He has given a few talks to our local society, Nottingham Astronomical Society, on planetary observations, and filters, and we are preparing a talk he is going to give at Nottingham Trent University as part of their physics and astronomy public outreach programme. I’ve been converting Alan’s 35mm slides into digital images to run on PowerPoint, and the title of his talk is going to be “A Life Time of Astronomical Observations”. It is a mixture of his life, his observations, the people he’s met, the changes in amateur astronomy he’s observed over the last 65 years or so, and the discoveries which amateur and professional astronomers have made in his life time. We had so many slides, we’ve had to be really ruthless in which to use which is such a shame.

Even though I’ve seen all the slides and know roughly what he will say, I am still looking forward to the talk immensely. It will be a great talk.

If anyone is interested in attending the event you can book online for free through the university website with this link. The talk will be at 8pm on Wednesday 24^th April 2019 at the CELS Building on the Clifton Campus of Nottingham Trent University (NG11 8NS).

James Dawson

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[John Cook]

I have been in touch with Alan regarding his solar observations and also an interest in the radio work. Perhaps you could say hello from me, and appologise for my delay in responding to his updated solar activity longitude charts. They are of great interest, but I am very busy at the moment and have not had much time to compare with my own. I’m afraid that I would not be able to get to any Nottingham meetings.

Thanks.

[Dawson]

Alan’s talk last night was a great success. A fascinating trip through the solar system and what the amateur astronomer can achieve, with a number of stories from Alan’s life. Both educational and enchanting. I’ve shared many cups of tea with Alan and heard many of his stories, but he still managed to share some new ones last night. He captivated the lecture theatre which consisted of young and old, experienced observers and interested members of the public. It was a privilege o hear him speak again. Dr Dan Brown who is the Associate Professor in Physics and Mathematics at Nottingham Trent University has recorded the lecture and this will hopefully be available online in the coming weeks once he’s had chance to slice the audio and video together.

After the talk we all went down to the university’s observatory for a tour and marvel at their 16″ Meade on a Paramount – makes me envious every time I see it. 

[Jeremy Shears]

Glad to hear Alan’s talk went down well and to see him looking so well. Wonderful to hear his experiences of a lifetime in astronomy – I’m looking forward to the video.

[Dawson]

Dr Dan Brown of Nottingham Trent University has uploaded the talk by Alan Heath to You Tube, so everyone can enjoy it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Srx6VE8UfGY&app=desktop

James

[Author]

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