All regular meetings are open to members and visitors, held on the second and last Friday of each month, except August and at Christmas, when there are no meetings. Unless otherwise stated, meetings normally open at
7:50pm for an 8pm start, finishing around 10pm.
Covid precautions:• Please do not to attend if you have tested positive in the last week or have COVID symptoms
• We strongly recommend the wearing of masks when not seated wherever practical, please
• Please use the hand sanitisers that will be provided
• Please respect other Members' requests regarding social distancing
We will also be maximising the ventilation in the hall for your added protection.
Click here for further details
Print | DATE | DETAILS |
| 09-Sep
| Speaker - TBC
Bredhurst Village Hall
|
| 30-Sep
DETAILS
 | Will Joyce - The outer planets
Bredhurst Village Hall
In this presentation Will summarises our current understanding of the outer planets in our Solar System and their most interesting natural satellites using recent imagery from telescopes and spacecraft. The atmospheres, interiors and local space environments of the gas and ice giant planets will be discussed along with their roles in the evolution of the Solar System. A major surprise of the early Space Age was the discovery that several outer planet moons are, or were, active worlds in their own right, and this talk will also explore some of these fascinating objects.
William Joyce Bringing astronomy and space to the public is William Joyce’s passion. He has been fascinated by astronomy since the age of six, and enjoys sharing the wonders of the cosmos with the public, amateur and expert astronomers, and schools. William has spent time as an astrophysicist, a spacecraft engineer, and until recently a planetary scientist. He provides outreach talks and short courses for astronomy societies, the public, schools and special events in the UK, overseas, and on-board cruise ships. He is a Chartered Physicist and a STEM Ambassador. William is always delighted to share his enthusiasm for astronomy and diverse knowledge and experience with people of all ages and backgrounds who wish to learn more about fascinating areas of modern science, so please do ask him any burning questions you have on anything to do with space.
|
| 14-Oct
DETAILS
 | MKAS Tribute to Peter Parish and Chris Sherwood
Bredhurst Village Hall
Tonight we will be paying tribute to two much loved and respected former Members - Peter Parish and Chris Sherwood who passed away in 2020 and 2021 respectively. We are delighted that their family members will be attending. We will be sharing photos, videos and anecdotes to celebrate their contribution to MKAS.
|
Regular Meetings (virtual)
Regular meetings are held on the second and last Friday of each month, except August and at Christmas, when there are no meetings. Meetings normally start at 7:50pm for 8pm.
All Regular meetings are held on Zoom unless otherwise stated.
These meetings are open to members as part of their annual subscription, and also available to non-members who are welcome to attend, for a fee of £3. Everyone of all ages and levels of expertise is welcome, including complete beginners.
Following the presentation there will be a short comfort break followed by the main speaker answering your questions.
After the questions have been answered, we then have a "Chit-Chat" session for all present who wish to stay on, where we have the opportunity to discuss any astronomical topics or ask any questions to those present.
Non-members who wish to attend can make their request by emailing us by no later than noon on the day before the event, at MemberSec@midkentastro.org.uk
Regular Meetings (in-person, at Bredhurst)
Regular meetings are held on the second and last Friday of each month, except August and at Christmas, when there are no meetings. Meetings normally start at 7:45pm for 8pm.
All Regular meetings are held at Bredhurst Village Hall unless otherwise stated.
Bredhurst Village Hall : Hurstwood Road, Bredhurst, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3JZ
Bredhurst is close to J4 off the M2. There is a car park on site.
These meetings are open to non-members who are welcome to attend and everyone of all ages and levels of expertise is welcome, including complete beginners. There is a small entrance fee for each meeting to cover costs for tea and coffee.
Following the presentation there will be a tea break giving a chance to talk with other MKAS members and then an observing session in the field behind the hall (weather permitting) and a telescope workshop in the hall, so if you are having problems with your telescope (or just want to show it off) bring it along.
Please dress appropriately for the weather, and be ready for observing, if it is clear. Remember that it can get very cold, especially in winter, so bring several layers or your warmest winter coat, as you feel appropriate.
Observatory Open Evenings
The James Irwin Observatory is
Confirmed CLOSED
It will remain closed until further notice.
On the Fridays when we do not hold our regular meetings at Bredhurst, and depending on the weather, we open our James Irwin Observatory in Canterbury for those who wish to do some observing.
We first meet at the Victoria Hotel from 8pm (Oct-Mar) / 8.30pm (Apr-Sep). Thirty minutes later, you will be escorted to the Observatory. Venue details are found on the left of this page.
Outreach Events
MKAS often get asked to hold Astronomy events for various schools, councils, scout groups and other groups. The committee and other supportive members are very actively organising and holding events from small shows or talks to Spectacular Events where several thousand members of the public typically attend.
Member Events
We organise various astronomy-related events and trips for our members. These are often subsidised.
Other Events
Members may also be interested in other astronomy-related events, run by other groups and societies, that our members are welcome to attend.
All persons under 18yrs must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or responsible adult.
If you wish further information on MKAS or any of the meetings, events and activities of the Society, please contact us, using the details on the CONTACT page.
