Formed in 1890, the British Astronomical Association has an international reputation for the quality of its observational and scientific work. Membership is open to all persons interested in astronomy.
Objectives
The encouragement of all aspects of observational astronomy and the association of observers at all levels for mutual help.
The promotion of a general interest in astronomy for beginners as well as for the more advanced.
The circulation of current astronomical information and observational material.
The support of modern advanced techniques for observation, data handling and scientific presentation of results.
The presentation of medals and prizes in recognition of outstanding contributions to astronomy.
Exhibition Meeting 2009 - A Grand Day Out
Saturday 27 June 2009 saw the annual BAA Exhibition Meeting open at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London. Fantastic weather for a great day out.
Video reports of the Exhibition will appear soon on the Member's Only area of the website, but thanks to Maurice Gavin for making this short overview video. Still pictures of the award presentations with thanks to Ron Arbour.
Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 June 2009 )
Noctilucent Cloud Season Well Underway
Beautiful displays of electric blue noctilucent clouds (NLC) have been seen
right across Europe for the past two nights - June 16/17 and 17/18, and
clearly visible even from the very south of England. Over the past two
nights the displays have been extremely conspicuous, with sightings reported
from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland and the
British Isles. These mysterious clouds are known to flourish during years of
solar minimum - and 2009 is such a year.
(Picture of noctilucent clouds taken by James Weightman from Gloucestershire on morning, 2:30UT, of 2009 June 16)
Tom Boles has added to his supernova discovery count, with SN2009es which is located in IC 1525. The supernova was discovered at magnitude 17.7 on May 24 and was also present on a followup image on May 25.
It is with great sadness we have to report the passing this week of Neil Bone after a long fight with cancer.
Neil was a true star in the firmament of UK astronomy.
Neil's funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Apuldram, near
Chichester on Tuesday 5 May at 2pm. Neil wanted any collection made in
his name to go to St Wilfred's Hospice, who nursed him to the end.