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Sorry! Me too. But even as a chance alignment, it was something I hadn’t seen before and very convincing.
I can still dream.
Yes, thanks. I don’t doubt it. The Unistellar offers involvement in several ‘citizen science’ projects co-ordinated, as I understand it, by SETI, including asteroid occultation and exoplanet transits. I may well get involved with these or BAA projects at some point. But I am nearing my mid-70s and am on ‘catch up’ at the moment, seeing, often for the first time, a multitude of DSOs. I think once I have been indulging myself for a full year, I may take on some more serious observing. But that’s enough about me . . . 🙂
I must confess that I rather like ‘pretty pictures’, regardless of their scientific value. For me, Astronomy has always been about more than science. In fact I see it as a meeting ground for the sciences, engineering, technology and the humanities (history, biography, mythology – even philosophy).
While I obviously support members who are willing and able to make significant scientific contributions, I do not expect to be able to do much work of that kind myself. I would assume though, given the considerable sum available, that some kind of formal submission process might be needed for the disbursement of funds to support special interest research projects. This would facilitate transparent decision-making and (hopefully) reduce the likelihood of rumblings and grumblings among the disappointed.
I think that apart from spending to support members interests, it would be desirable to invest in the future by fostering interest in Astronomy among the wider public, and especially younger people. Perhaps we could consider something similar to Professor Catherine Heymans’ proposal (the new Astronomer Royal for Scotland), who intends to install telescopes at all Scotland’s remote residential outdoor activity centres for young people.
Just a few thoughts from an even more humble (as more recent) ordinary member than Grant Privett!
Alan
I watched a recording of the AGM here in the wilds of Warrington this morning/afternoon. A good experience.
Thanks to all the people who put in the hard work to run the Association and to the organisers of the live stream.
Excellent presentations on the various topics too.
Alan
The skeptics could be reminded that nature organised the distances and diameters of the Sun and Moon so as to yield total solar eclipses – a seemingly highly improbable coincidence.
Alan
Stan – If our two observations are indeed of the same event, that would be very interesting indeed! I am rather hoping that some BAA member who specialises in meteors might be able to identify the event in ‘the records’, if such there are.
Until 1959 I was living just a few miles from Wembley, in Ruislip.
As for the Cuban Missile Crisis, the night of Kennedy’s ultimatum to Kruschev is the only night of my life that I have gone to bed and genuinely wondered if I would wake up the next morning. Fortunately (for all of us) I did!
Alan
I have just watched it. Very interesting. Also the presentation on the Unistellar eVscope.
Thanks
Alan
What is the source document for the record for Ann Blethin 1614? It does not appear to be in the Ancestry database.
Jack
There is a marriage record showing Philemon Blethin married Susana Godwin on 21 April 1610 at Mathern, Monmouthshire. Source: Monmouthshire, Wales, Anglican Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1551-1994 accessible via Ancestry.co.uk.
Alan
Jack.
Do you have a date for the last known telescope he produced? That would narrow down the search for his year of death.
Alan
Glad to be of help. I’ll see if I can find a burial record next week. I’ll probably have to go through the appropriate parish register if I can find it, as many of the entries have not been digitised. But it’s worth a try.
Alan
Yes, Mark, it was great to watch, very exciting and a brilliant achievement. Good to see how NASA involves the youngsters in their work – one of them spoke more sense than I have heard in a while.
Switching on my averted imagination now!
Alan
Here’s a better match: Theodore Blethin, b. 14 Mar 1616, bap. 23 Mar 1616, Mathern, Monmouthshire, Wales. Father: Phileman.
Source: Monmouthshire, Wales, Anglican Baptisms, Marriages and Burials, 1551-1994.
And this looks very likely to be his daughter: Anne Blethen, d. 1657, buried 22 Feb 1657, St Andrew’s, Holborn, London. Father: Theorder Blethen.
Source: London, England, Church of England Baptisms, Marriages and Burials 1538-1812 (London Metropolitan Archive).
Alan
Jack
The data are from England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975, which you can access via Ancestry.com.
It’s an unusual name so they could be related – and it is the only close match in the database, although records are, of course, incomplete. On the plus side, the location seems good and Holborn was in an area where opticians businesses gathered. Possibly a grandson? Or possibly the date from which Blethyn is believed to have been active is awry?
All worth further work. I’ll have a root around and see what I can find if it will help – though I’ve no wish to get in your way.
Alan.
There is a birth record for Theodore Blethin, born 12 May 1701, Holborn, London. Parents Thomas and Anne Blethin. Could this be your man?
Have you tried a little ‘impact engineering’ (thumping it with a rubber-headed hammer)?
It may not work but it could make you feel better.
