The Minutes of the NWGAS meeting held at the Pex Hill Observatory, on Saturday 28th January 1995, were accepted by those present. There were no matters arising. It was reported that Altrincham AS and Gwynedd AS had become full members of the group. It was a pleasure to welcome reps from both societies.
The results of the BAA survey were discussed at length. Most NWGAS members attended local societies for reasons, other than to make 'serious observations', given the BAA questionnaire. Copies had been sent to all member societies and to the BAA. It was also published here on the WWW. A vigorous response from the BAA had come via a letter to Kevin Kilburn from their president, Dr Richard McKim. Following a frank exchange of letters discussed by the NWGAS representatives, it was apparent that the BAA were aware that a falling membership was occurring (less than 8% of the 500+ NWGAS society members were also in the BAA). There was a willingness by the NWGAS to explore ways of stabilising the situation but this had to be a two-way effort, perhaps by hosting BAA section meetings in the region.
Kevin will continue his correspondence with the BAA although the NWGAS reps felt that enough had been said already and that the BAA were now reaping the rewards of failing to keep in touch with local societies in the northwest.
Regarding the BAAs NETWORK publication, it was felt that the original intention to publish main events organised by provincial societies had not been fulfilled. Many societies had sent in their full list of monthly meetings and it was felt by the NWGAS that the present content did not justify its purchase.
There were 87 letters of complaint from the RAS and amateur astronomers, including the BAA, regarding a BBC's Blue Peter program which had invited children to design suitable lighting for a public building. The BBC had 22,000 entries: But astronomers had subsequently convinced the BBC that they had actually done a disservice to UK astronomy.
Gerard Gilligan said that if any petitions were being raised by NWGAS members regarding any subject of interest to the EEC, but particularly dark skies and street lighting, etc., they should be addressed to :-
Mr Eddie Newman MEP (Lab). Chairman European Petition Committee 7th Floor, Graeme House Wilbraham Road Chorlton-cum-Hardy Manchester M21 1AQ Tel. 0161 881 2144
For Astrophotographers wanting to reduce the effect of low pressure sodium street lighting, the so called Didymium filters can be obtained from the following company at reasonable cost:-
Precision Optical Instruments Ltd. Shirley Solihull West Midlands B90 4AE
They are available in pieces several inches square from which circular filters may be cut by local opticians to the sizes required to fit camera lenses. The ON16 filter used commercially by glassworkers to filter out the yellow sodium glare from molten glass is particularly recommended for astrophotography.
It was accepted that public lighting was responsible for increased light pollution but it was also noted that poor air quality was to blame for backscattering. This factor was often overlooked but was particularly noticeable when clear skies were accompanied by high pressure, as was often the case.
Don Utton of Altrincham AS was congratulated for his success in obtaining the agreement of his local council lighting engineers to follow the ILE (Institute of Lighting Engineers) recommendations when installing public lighting. Few councils enforce the ILE guidelines which take into account adverse effects of lighting on the environment. NWGAS recommend that all good lighting installations should be reported with commendations to the appropriate local lighting engineers until they, too, 'get the message'.
Gerard Gilligan is on the organising committee. Publicity has been very good; with local TV, radio, local and some national newspaper coverage when the project was launched on 15th February. (NB: Gerard is a Lassel freak and is even reported to have a lock of his hair) :-)
John Berry is the project co-ordinator now drawing up plans for the reconstruction of Lassel's telescope to modern safety specifications. Lassel's original designs would not comply owing to the brittle nature of his cast iron mixture and inadequate cross sections. The project is to be described in a book by Allan Chapman. BBC's Horizon programme makers are interested, and it will be featured on the Sky at Night. It has also been proposed that a Lassel Medal be struck to award notable astronomical activities by individuals - preferably amateurs.
Cherry Moss (Macc AS) asked societies to let her know if they intended to be present at the Jodrel Bank Science Centre on the Bank Holiday weekend, Sunday and Monday 28-29th May. Space is at a premium. Kevin Kilburn will enquire about the possibility of making a suitable permanent NWGAS display for the Science Centre to hold society handouts. Those should be typed on A4 paper with the top 3" showing boldly the society logo and district represented. i.e. Furness Astronomical Society.
The Astro Day to be held at Sashas Hotel, Tib Street, Manchester, c/o the Manchester AS on Saturday 29th July now has afternoon guest speakers in Dr Allan Chapman, Dr Eric Strach and Paul Doherty. Other NWGAS members willing to give 20 minute talks in the morning session should contact Tony Cross on 0161 202 2940.
Manchester AS were the first NWGAS society to have a home page on the World Wide Web. You can now do a virtual tour of the Godlee Observatory. This was facilitated by Mike Oates (MAS) and UMIST. He will now include a NWGAS Home page so that NWGAS Minutes and reps telephone numbers (only with their express permission) can be broadcast via the electronic medium. The MAS have already had interest from astronomical societies in Canada and Finland. The Internet and the WWW is an ideal way in which to communicate with astronomers globally. Mike has been elected as the NWGAS WWW contact. Send him (e-mail or snail-mail via the MAS) reports and observations, especially pictures and drawings. Email:
Ron Kelly reported on the present FAS meeting. Contact Ron for details. The RAS were represented, too, and recognised that amateur astronomers have a very important role to play in the education of teachers who are now obliged to include astronomy in the national curriculum. The RAS will define requirements in due course but it is thought that local A/Ss could give valuable assistance with teacher training.
The RAS also want our help to quantify light pollution. They will advise on how sky brightness should me measured.
The FAS strongly advise that member societies availing themselves of their insurance scheme SHOULD NOT allow their FAS membership to fall into arrears. This could negate any insurance cover.
Pex Hill Observatory,
Cronton (south of Jn.7 M62)
C/o Liverpool Astronomical Society.
K J Kilburn
Manchester Astronomical Society
14th June 1995