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Welcome to the BAA
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.
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Recent Developments On Saturn |
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 The last few weeks have seen some interesting developments in Saturn's atmosphere. Although major storms rare, smaller spots do appear from time to time which can be observed with amateur equipment.
A white spot has been visible in the South Tropical Zone (STropZ) during this apparition. However over the last few weeks this has been joined by a second white spot at the same latitude. Both have been observed visually and recorded digitally with telescopes of 20 cm aperture or larger.
(Figures: Top - 28 April 2008. Image by Ian Sharp using a C11 Schmidt Cassegrain. This shows the two spots in the STropZ.Bottom - 2 May 2008. Image by David Arditti using a C14 Schmidt Cassegrain. This
also shows both of the two STropZ spots plus the fainter spot between
the components of the SEB. - Click on the image for a bigger view)
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 May 2008 )
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Read more...
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Members are invited to make nominations for the BAA Council Ballot for session 2008/9.
For your convenience download this form, print, complete and return to Ron Johnson as soon as possible.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 06 May 2008 )
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Meteor prospects Spring and Summer 2008 |
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Following early January’s Quadrantids, the opening months
of the year are generally regarded as a rather thin time for meteor observing,
with only minor shower and low background sporadic activity in evidence. Even the
most dedicated observers find the minimal rates - sometimes only one or two
meteors per hour - in February and early March rather a trial on their
patience.
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3 in One Night for Tom Boles |
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 Following Tom Bole’s discovery of supernovae 2008X and 2008af on February 7th and 9th respectively, he had even more reason to feel pleased with himself when he discovered 3 more and all within a single night.
(SN2008ai - Tom Boles discovery image) |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 21 April 2008 )
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Supernova 2008S Discovered by Ron Arbour |
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 Ron Arbour, General Adviser to the BAA Deep Sky Section, has a habit of discovering supernovae during the first 2 or 3 months of the year and his latest continues this trend, SN 2008S being discovered on the evening of 2008 Feb 01. Lying in galaxy NGC 6946, a magnitude 9 spiral straddling the border between Cepheus and Cygnus at RA 20h 34.8m and Dec +60o 09’ (2000.0), the 17th mag SN is offset 53.1” west and 195.5” south of the galaxy centre.
This discovery was made using his 30cm Schmidt-Cass. and Starlight Xpress CCD camera. It was announced on CBET (Central Bureau Electronic Telegram) 1234 and on TA Electronic Circular 2416, from which some of this information is taken. Confirmatory images were obtained by Tom Boles (Coddenham, Suffolk). To give some idea of the work involved in supernova searching; on this particular night Ron was patrolling from early evening until 02.30 the following morning and acquired over 900 images - each needing to be individually checked. For anyone wanting to carry out a supernova patrol on just one galaxy there are not many better choices than NGC 6946 as 9 SN have now been discovered here since 1917.
Congratulations to Ron on his 19th discovery.
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