[X] My Assistant

[Stu]

In the New Year, the BBC is showing a series of three programmes on BBC2, designed to introduce people to the wonders of the night sky and amateur astronomy. Hosted by Professor Brian Cox ("Wonders of the Solar System") the three programmes will explain how to "get into" amateur astronomy and give advice about how to observe the night sky, choose equipment, take photos, things like that. They will also look at the solar system, so I'm sure there'll be lots of things in them to interest members of this forum.

To support the programmes the BBC has invited astronomical societies across the UK to hold special events to tie-in with the shows, such as observing nights, exhibitions and lectures. Already many local AS's have started planning events, including my own here in Kendal, and other societies in Cumbria. Details of those events can be found here:

http://stargazinglivecumbria.wordpress.com

... and of course any UMSF members would be made very welcome at any of our Cumbrian events!

I'm sure that many of the members of UMSF will live in towns and cities with their own astronomical societies, so maybe members can post details of events being held near them in this thread, just to keep everyone up to date, and help people travel to any star parties etc that might be being held in their part of the country.

[ElkGroveDan]

After watching that show for the past few months I can do a pretty good impression of Brian Cox.