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BASIL June 2023
The front cover of BASIL shows an image of the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) with supernova (SN) 2023ixf taken recently by BAS member Jane Clark. Jane's M101 image and acquisition details were featured in the 'Sky at Night' magazine, along with a similar image taken by BAS member Chris Lee (Amateur astrophotographers capture bright supernova in galaxy M101 | BBC Sky at Night Magazine). Jane was also interviewed about the supernova by the BBC's 'Science Now' radio programme.
More astro images taken by members are shown in this month's BASIL - lunar images by Andrew Grasemann (p3 & p18), M101 with SN 2023ixf by Ryan Parle (p20) and the Black Eye Galaxy (M64) by Jane Clark (p20).
Predicted solar activity, solar cycle progression, lunar phases and events, solar system finder charts and rise / set times are reported for June.
Also included are the monthly observing calendar, highlights of the monthly night sky, observable comets and asteroids, and the calendar of astronomical events for the month.
Constellation of the month is Ophiuchus, which is well-placed for observing its deep sky objects, including a number of interesting globular clusters.
Visible transits of the ISS for June are listed - only 4 passes this month will be visible from the Bristol area.
18 observing targets for the month are listed and more details are given for the following targets:
- M10, M12 and M14 - globular clusters in Ophiuchus.
- M13 and M92 - globular clusters in Hercules.
- Rasalgethi - a variable double star in Hercules, which is a red supergiant star with a beautiful blue-green companion.
- M5 - a globular cluster in Serpens Caput.
- Xi Boötis - a double star in Boötes, which is a double star with relatively easy separation and vivid colours.
Society News gives details of the 2023 programme of talks and events up to the end of the year, including the Annual Presidential Address by Professor David Southwood on 9th June.