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Alex Pratt
ParticipantFirst chords observed across asteroid (7102) Neilbone
The European SODIS database (Stellar Occultation Data Input System) now lists two observations of chord timings across asteroid (7102) Neilbone. They were obtained from Switzerland on August 19 and France on September 7. This main-belt asteroid has a diameter of ~22 km, so it’s a challenge to obtain multi-chord observations of the same event.
These chords will help to confirm its diameter and will provide high-quality astrometry to refine its orbit.
Neil (1959 – 2009) was well-known in UK astronomy as a keen and knowledgeable observer and a publiciser of many branches of astronomy, and in particular aurorae, NLC and meteors – he served as BAA Meteor Section Director (1992 – 2009).
Alex.
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This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by
Alex Pratt. Reason: First chords
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Alex Pratt
ParticipantSpecial Webinar: Recurrent Nova T CrB Coming Soon to a Sky Near You – Dr. Brad Schaefer, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy at LSU
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8116929086840/WN_Pn59ESvzQOiSQzLHULi4Ig#/registration
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This reply was modified 10 months, 2 weeks ago by
Alex Pratt.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantAlex Pratt
ParticipantThe comet’s elongation from the Sun is <35 degrees, giving amateur searchers an advantage over the big surveys. Objects ‘coming out of the Sun’ are a challenge.
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantI pay my Digital Subscription via Direct Debit. I have just received an annual e-mail from the BAA Office that my membership subscription will be automatically renewed on or shortly after 31st July. Members can further support the BAA via Gift Aid.
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantMany thanks, Andy! 🙂
Alex Pratt
ParticipantI’m getting an early morning train from Leeds. If that’s affected then “Expect me when you see me”. If my return train isn’t on time it causes problems getting back home. If so, “I predict a riot!” 🙂
Cheers,
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantSky & Telescope’s Bob King has provided a simple overlay of M101 and the supernova onto the AAVSO chart, if it helps visual observers
https://skyandtelescope.org/wp-content/uploads/SN-2023ixf-chart-AAVSO.jpg
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantHi Gordon,
AS discussed, most meteorite specimens in the NHM are not on public display because they need to be maintained under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. Also they are able to store their most valuable specimens in a dedicated lab facility with a controlled atmosphere, such as the Winchcombe meteorite. A nice example is on display:
https://britastro.org/observations/observation.php?id=20210612_184807_7b10976de4db0fd7
I visited The Vault last year and it is disappointing that few meteorites are available for public viewing.
Alex.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
Alex Pratt.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantThanks Andy,
A lot of work. Much appreciated by those of us who couldn’t attend.
Cheers,
Alex
Alex Pratt
ParticipantHi Andy,
Any of the Cardiff talks made available on the BAA YouTube channel will be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex.
8 May 2023 at 1:49 pm in reply to: Two interesting occultations within 24Hrs: evenings of May 06/07 #617221Alex Pratt
ParticipantThat’s the challenge of occultation work – right place, right time, right weather.
Alex.
8 May 2023 at 11:07 am in reply to: Two interesting occultations within 24Hrs: evenings of May 06/07 #617213Alex Pratt
ParticipantRichard – yes, my C11 had a clear view of the 29P field until 3 minutes before the predicted time of occultation. IERS tell us that the Earth’s rotation is currently speeding up, which they measure to microseconds, but last night it seemed to ‘put on a spurt’ when the field stars faded as they slipped behind a rooftop. 🙁
Most likely I would have recorded a negative (miss) observation from my location (outside the predicted shadow zone), but very frustrating to be thwarted in that manner!
Alex.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
Alex Pratt.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantThanks Paul.
I think Charles’ Wain predates our monarchs of that name but it’s most appropriate for this weekend.
Alex.
Alex Pratt
Participant…and there is Cor Caroli…
https://earthsky.org/brightest-stars/cor-caroli-heart-of-charles/
Now well-placed for images of the starfield.
Clear skies,
Alex.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
Alex Pratt.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantI never eat anything as substantial as a pie during a night’s observing, perhaps just a hot chocolate drink to warm me up. I’ll go get a slice of humble pie…
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantAs a youngster I liked a Mars bar, a Galaxy or a Milky Way…
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantI’ve just watched the BBC1 lunchtime news about this flyby. Under the name of each astronomer interviewed about this NEO, the BBC gave them the title ‘Astrologer’.
Argh! 🙂
Alex.
Alex Pratt
ParticipantThis topic is a good incentive to attend the BAA Spring meeting in Cardiff
https://britastro.org/event/baa-spring-meeting
Alex.
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This reply was modified 10 months, 1 week ago by
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