The Astronomy group is now up and running, writes Geoff Saunders. We are fortunate in having a number of members with their own telescopes and our initial task was to make sure they were all set up and working. I am delighted to say that this has been achieved.
We now have two immediate objectives: first of all, to put the telescopes to good use. This is entirely dependent on the weather and on the willingness of the telescope owners to take them to a suitable location. So our plan is that when the weather conditions are right any telescope owner who is willing will email the group suggesting a time and place to observe. Anyone wanting to participate, please let me know your email address and I will include you on the circulation list.
The second objective is to explore theoretical astronomy/cosmology further. My suggestion is that we follow the series of the excellent MOOCs [online courses] developed by the Australian National University and available from EdX as self-paced courses. Meeting on a regular basis to discuss and explore these will probably be the focus of regular sessions, apart from the observing. I will be contacting group members seeking suggestions in the near future.
If you would like to join us, please get in touch with me at geoff.m.saunders@gmail.com.