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BASIL August 2023
The front cover of August's BASIL shows progress with the installation of the foundations for the Star-Chair 3000 - an electrically driven, joystick controlled large binocular (6-inch) observing chair. Since this photograph was taken, the concrete pour has taken place and preparations are being made for the installation of the shed which will house the equipment.
Members' astro images and observing work are shown in this month's BASIL, as follows:
- 13-day (nearly full) Moon by Chris Lee (p18).
- M57 in Lyra by David Bennett (p30)
- Observing Cepheid Variables by Jane Clark (p 31).
Monthly updates are given for the following:
- Predicted solar activity, solar cycle progression, lunar phases and events, solar system finder charts and planetary rise/set times.
- Observing calendar, highlights of the night sky, observable comets and asteroids, and the calendar of astronomical events for the month.
- Visible transits of the ISS.
Dates and locations are given for solar observing events in August and September.
Highlights of the month include:
- Perseid meteor shower, which has a favourable orientation, and peaks on 13 August (see p20).
- Saturn at opposition on 27 August and the Seeliger Effect (see p28-9).
Constellation of the month is Vulpecula, which is well-placed for observing the Dumbbell Nebula (M27) and the elliptical galaxy NGC 7052.
18 observing targets for the month are listed and more details are given for the following targets:
- The Dumbbell Nebula (M27) in Vulpecula.
- Globular Cluster M56 in Lyra.
Society News gives details of the 2023 programme of talks and events up to the end of the year and a reminder to renew your BAS subscription in time for the start of the new programme year in September.