From: TerryMosel@aol.com Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 19:43:26 EDT Subject: Planets & New Astronomy History Soc Hi all, Have you seen all the five naked-eye planets together yet? I got a super view from a local hill with a a good NW horizon on Tuesday: I was able to see Mercury with the naked eye from 21.30 to 22.20 BST - one of the longest spells ever in my career. The other planets were easy, of course, although Mars is disappointingly faint compared even to Saturn. I tried some photos; hope they come out OK. Also another view from my garden the next evening, but not so good due to restricted horizon. But the best views are still to come, in early to mid - May, particularly after the Moon leaves the evening sky. So keep looking. All you need is a good W to NW horizon: start looking from about 9.45 p.m. Some of you may be interested in the following announcement, via Dr Ian Elliott of Dunsink (still?): NEWS RELEASE ------------ SOCIETY FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY A new national Society for the History of Astronomy is being formed, with the support of noted astronomy historian Dr. Allan Chapman of Wadham College, Oxford. The Society will welcome equally amateur and professional historians and astronomers, and enthusiasts with a general interest in the subject. The objectives of the Society will include encouraging new research into the history of astronomy, especially amateur research at the local level, and facilitating its collation, publication and dissemination both by conventional means and through the internet. It is planned to develop a close working relationship with the Royal Astronomical Society and the British Astronomical Association Historical Section, with the aim of contributing research material and publications to both of their Libraries as well as maintaining a central Archive and promoting the preservation of such research in local, county and national record offices. Stuart Williams of the SHA said "Astronomers know well the major contribution that amateurs can and do make to the study of the great science, both making new discoveries and supporting the major research programmes of the professionals. Amateur and local historians can make an equally important contribution to the history of astronomy, especially its local history or in those aspects of history which are not always covered by professionals, such as that of the scientists assisting the 'big names', the local and university observatories, the amateur astronomers and societies, the telescope makers and publishers, etc. The SHA will have as one of its primary aims the encouragement and support of amateur research in these areas especially, but will also encourage professional research and the widest possible general interest in the subject" The Society for the History of Astronomy will be founded at a special meeting organised for the purpose at Wadham College, Oxford, on Saturday 29th June 2002 at 1pm. A light lunch will be available at modest cost before the meeting, at 12 noon. Anyone interested in joining the new Society and contributing to its work is very welcome to attend that meeting, and for further details and a formal Invitation should indicate their interest by sending an A4 first class stamped s.a.e. to: Stuart Williams FRAS LRPS, Society for the History of Astronomy, Flamsteed Villa, 26 Matlock Road, Bloxwich, West Midlands, WS3 3QD. Stuart Williams can be contacted by email on flamsteed@v21mail.co.uk Good luck, Terry Moseley
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