[BAA-ebulletin 00781] National Astronomy Week 2014

[BAA electronic bulletins service]

National Astronomy Week, 2014 March 01–08

The sixth National Astronomy Week (NAW) occurs from March 01–08. NAW is organised and promoted by a committee representing all the main astronomical organisations in the UK, including the BAA. Its purpose is to stimulate public interest in astronomy and space science through the organisation of events country-wide. The BAA is supporting NAW financially, and encourages all its members and affiliated societies and schools to organise, or otherwise take part in, events and activities aimed at bringing astronomy to the general public, particularly including observing activities.

The theme of this year’s NAW is “Target Jupiter”, drawing attention to the fact that Jupiter will be ideally placed for observation during the evening in early March, at more or less the highest altitude it can obtain from the UK. Towards the end of the week the waxing crescent Moon will also be an attractive evening target, and of course the impressive winter deep-sky objects in Taurus, Auriga, Gemini and Orion will still be visible.

There will be an associated Star Count project to assess light pollution levels across the country, in collaboration with the BAA Campaign for Dark Skies and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, plus educational projects, including an attempt to reproduce Rømer’s measurement of the speed of light using phenomena of Jupiter’s satellites, in association with Orwell Astronomical Society. 

NAW should be well-supported by national and local media. The main source of information will be the NAW website:
http://astronomyweek.org.uk
This contains a calendar of events and a map showing where they are taking place in the country, as well as other information. Event organisers should register here (the process has been made as simple as possible) and input details of their events. Many events are already on there.

If you have any queries or require any further information, please contact the NAW Project Co-ordinator Mrs Laurie Marsden:

E-mail: naw2014 at the-observatory.org
 
Phone: 01323 832731
Fax : 01323 832741

The Observatory Science Centre
Herstmonceux
East Sussex
BN27 1RN

E-bulletin issued by David Arditti, Council Member of the BAA, representing the Association on the NAW committee
E-mail d at davidarditti.co.uk