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Not for profit website/blog on astronomy, space and my writing

Transit of Venus and the Great British Story

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The last hour of so of the transit of Venus on 6th June 2012 will be visible during sunrise from northwest of England. The following links should answer most if not all your queries.

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Listen to a short interview above on Radio Merseyside with Roger Phillips today. For details of the Yuri Gagarin talk download this flyer. Liverpool Astronomical Society Venus transit event see bottom of page and details about the Great British Story event at Liverpool Museum where Roger Phillips and Michael Wood will be present. I hope to attend too.

Details about the transit of Venus from Royal Astronomical Society

This animation illustrates how the transit would look if you you could see it from your location.

Want to see it from the comfort of your armchair – NASA will carry a live coverage here.

Carl Barry and Lillian Fletcher from Salford talk about their research in episode 9 on William Crabtree’s observation in 1639  of the transit of Venus from.. Salford.

If you are wondering what the Transit of Venus looks like – see below. My video from 2004.

 

Free public event in Liverpool – yes it really does say 4.30am!

Contact Name: Gerard Gilligan Liverpool Astronomical Society
Liverpool Astronomical Society
Time: 04:30:00
Date: 06/06/2012
Location: Holt Playing Field, nr. Sudley House Art Gallery
Town: Liverpool
Post Code: L18 8BX
Public observing event
Email: ggastro@liverpool.ac.uk
Website: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/sudley/visit/getting-here.asp

7th June 2012 Yuri Gagarin in Manchester – Chorlton History Group

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I will be speaking at the Chorlton History Group about Gagarin’s visit to Manchester on 12th July 1961.  On his drive from the airport, Gagarin drove through Chorlton in his open top car – in the rain.

Invitation for Joyce Baines who worked at the AUFW

The presentation will include a rare video (originally cine) film of Gagarin in Manchester and several unpublished photos.

In attendance will be Joyce Baines who worked at the Old Trafford HQ of the Amalgamated Union of Foundry Workers, which was Gagarin’s first stop in Manchester. The AUFW invited him to the UK and presented him with a gold medal making him their first honorary union member.

 

Time and Date: 13:30 – 14:30 Thursday 7th June 2012

Venue: St Ninian’s United Reformed Church, Egerton Road South, Chorlton, Manchester  M21 0XJ

Cost: £2 charge for tea & biscuits

Organised by: Chorlton History Group – BTLeach@gmail.com

 

BIS Northern Meeting 19th May 2012,York – Final Update

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This is the final post before Saturday’s event.

Currently there are about 35 of the 50 seats sold. You can still buy on line or take the chance and just turn up.

I have “partnered” with the BBC and this event is now part of “The Great British Story“.

If you have purchased a ticket online – no need to print anything out to bring with you. The BIS will supply a list of names that we will check against during registration. Please arrive around 09:30 for the 09:50 start.

A short discussion, about 10 minutes will take place during the lunch break to consider/plan the “next” BIS northern meeting. All welcome to participate.

There will be a raffle. I will be donating a copy of my book “Yuri Gagarin in Manchester and London” – other donations welcome.

Do bring a packed lunch if you like. Lunch has not been organised as part of this event although hot drinks will be available.

David Woods will have copies of his book “How Apollo Flew to the Moon” for sale on the day.

There has been a change to the running order. Download, print and bring this pdf with you for Saturday. It containing the updated program and other details.

Remembering the Manchester Interplanetary Society

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From L to R - Tony Cross, Tony Llyod MP, Frank O'Rourke and Alistair Scott

A plaque was unveiled by the Right Hon. Tony Lloyd MP in front of a packed room at the Clayton Vale Visitors centre yesterday. President Elect Alistair Scott from the British Interplanetary Society traveled up to Manchester to participate in this unique event to celebrate the contribution in rocket development made by the Manchester Interplanetary Society, 75 years ago.

Plaque unveiled by Tony Lloyd MP 14 May 2012

Kevin Kilburn spoke about the MIS’s founder, Eric Burgess who he last met in 1978. Burgess left the UK for the US in 1956 and was based there until his death in 2005. Other guests included Colin Rowe – a real life rocket scientist and Philip Turner, son of MIS member Harry Turner. Dave and Leslie Wright traveled up from Liverpool and members of Salford and Manchester Astronomical Society also attended.

Earlier in the week, I had spoken to Eric Burgess’ daughter Janis who continues to live in California. She was delighted that this event was taking place and shared the following words about her farther.

Eric Burgess was a great scientific thinker and philosopher with ideas that were ahead of his time. He was a many faceted man with a great variety of interests and hobbies.

As I continue to learn more about Eric Burgess, I am increasingly aware that he was of a man of gentle quiet nature and may not have received proper recognition for all his achievements.

Clayton Vale Visitors' Centre

Thanks to all who came and made this a memorable event especially the hospitality and assistance of Friends of Clayton Vale.  The plaque is located inside the visitors’ centre which is not open on a daily basis. More details about the Clayton Vale Visitor’s Centre via their website www.friendsofclaytonvale.org.uk