Bromsgrove U3A (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Bromsgrove U3A

5:00pm Wednesday 2nd May 2012 in Club & Society

A LIVELY talk was given to Bromsgrove U3A by Paul Norris, treasurer and foundation member of the Bromsgrove Astronomical Society.

The society has been thriving since its inception four years ago. Projected animations took the audience through the comparative sizes of the planets and the distances between them. Our sun, a yellow dwarf star, was shown to be extremely small compared with other stars. Paul then provided useful tips on observing the night sky.Hepointed out that astronomy can be completely free.

The naked eye can distinguish a great deal, particularly meteor showers, for which he recommended lying on one’s back ona sun-lounger, wellwrapped up. To identify what one sees, a cardboard planisphere or a star-chart is helpful. Identifying one constellation can lead to another. The next stage is to use binoculars, fixed to a tripod if necessary. Finally, for the keen viewer,a telescope,which may also be used for astrophotography.

Of particular interestwasthe mention of two websiteswhichshowthe sky in real time. Bromsgrove U3A meets at the Spadesbourne Suite on the first and third Thursday afternoons. More information on this and on the study groups can be obtained by ringing 01527 559231 or by visiting bromsgroveu3a.org.uk.