Gwynedd Astronomical Society
Established 1974
Welcome to the website of the Gwynedd Astronomical Society. Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of every month at the University Botanical Garden at Treborth at 7.30pm. There are parking spaces there. Turn left just before the Menai Bridge.
Croeso i wefan Cymdeithas Seryddol Gwynedd. Cynhelir cyfarfodydd ar Nos Iau gyntaf pob mis yn adeilad Gardd Fotanegol y Brifysgol, Treborth am 7.30. Mae llefydd parcio ar gael yno. Trowch i'r chwith ar y troad i fynd ar y Bont Fenai.
On 2nd November we listened to a talk by our treasurer, Clive Morris whose subject was the Vatican Observatory. Clive had, earlier this year been on a family visit to Rome and the Vatican. From high up in the Vatican he saw, 25 kilometers away, the observatory at Castell Gandolfo, the summer palace of the Pope.
This inspired him to research the place and learn of its history. He told us about the telescopes located there and of the Jesuit, Father Angelo Secchi whose passion for astronomy was an important feature in the early history of the observatory. Secchi pursued his special interest in the sun and astronomical spectroscopy.
The present director of the observatory is Brother Guy Consolmagno, co-author of the popular book, "Turn left at Orion".
For our meeting on 7th December we invite our members and interested parties to bring along a telescope and talk about it.
Fancy joining us?
If you have an interest in astronomy, be it as an armchair enthusiast or an outdoor type, keen to see whatever is in the night sky, you would be very welcome. The night sky is a fascinating subject, one to share with friends. The universe is growing all the time. Exoplanets are being discovered. Black holes continue to fascinate us. The International Space Station continues with its amazing work. We now seem able to defend planet earth from possible rogue asteroids. Hubble Space Telescope has produced fantastic pictures of what lies in deep space. The James Webb Space Telescope has started to enthuse us with some wonderful pictures. Plans are afoot to establish a base on the Moon ready to visit Mars.
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All this is exciting, so why not share the excitement with us as we continue our fascination with the night sky? Snowdonia is a designated dark sky area, as is most of our region. We have many benefits over and above the observers who have to endure light pollution in the cities and conurbations.
Call Keith Alexander on 07958 497210 for more information.