Observing Sessions

Observing Sessions & Maps

The Leicester Astronomical Society holds regular observing sessions (weather permitting!) to which everyone is invited. These are normally held at Mill Lane, Blaby, south Leicester. The dates given are chosen when the Moon is not full so the sky is dark and away from rural/urban light pollution.

Dates: (all Saturdays in 2011)

Phone 0116 2394481 to check if session is still on or if unsure about weather.

Click here for maps

Lunar Phases

	Wed 1st June - 22:03 (BST)
	Thurs 9th June - 03:11 (BST)
	Wed 15th June - 21:13 (BST)
	Thurs 23rd June - 12:48 (BST)
	Fri 1st July - 09:54 (BST)

OBSERVING HINTS

Wrap up warmly - hat, scarf, gloves and don't forget your feet! If you are going any great distance away from your house, it might be a good idea to take a flask with a hot drink.
Find a dark spot as far away as possible from house and street lights. Ideally your observing site should have a good horizon i.e. not too many trees, buildings etc. to block your view.
Use a star map. If you are not sure as to which direction is which from your observing spot, find out during the day in which direction the sun rises (this is east) and where it sets (this is west). If you then stand with west on your right and east on your left, you are looking south. The opposite of course holds for north.
Allow your eyes some minutes to become accustomed to the dark. If you need to illuminate the chart then use a red torch - this will not dazzle you and ruin your dark vision.
Take a notebook along to record your observations and remember to note the date, time, place and conditions - was there any cloud or haze? Was the Moon in the sky? If so, what phase (i.e. full, first or last quarter etc.?)

What is the weather like for the observing area? Check out AccuWeather for an accurate forecast!

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