WELCOME TO THE WALTON ASTRONOMY GROUP
Image by Bryon Tuck-Martin
Who we are
WAG members range from absolute beginners to established astronomers with many years experience in Astronomy and Astrophotography. We are a diverse, informal and friendly bunch, who enjoy welcoming new starters to the hobby; we can help you with any problems you may have setting up your new scope for instance. Our emphasis is very much on getting out there and observing or imaging whenever we can, and enjoying ourselves in the process.
Regular meet-ups take place at the Prince of Wales pub in West End Village, Esher generally on a Thursday, aiming for New Moon but watch this page for the confirmed date as we do change based upon other commitments or events.
The Green in West End Village, Esher has skies measuring around 19.2*, which means that stars down to around magnitude 5 are visible with the naked eye. Whilst not a dark sky, it is still possible to enjoy some worthwhile astronomy from the site, with the benefit of being still accessible from London.
Ad hoc observing is arranged subject to weather conditions.
Look out for our next meeting in the Observing and Events section or join us on Facebook to get updates from us.
Regular meet-ups take place at the Prince of Wales pub in West End Village, Esher generally on a Thursday, aiming for New Moon but watch this page for the confirmed date as we do change based upon other commitments or events.
The Green in West End Village, Esher has skies measuring around 19.2*, which means that stars down to around magnitude 5 are visible with the naked eye. Whilst not a dark sky, it is still possible to enjoy some worthwhile astronomy from the site, with the benefit of being still accessible from London.
Ad hoc observing is arranged subject to weather conditions.
Look out for our next meeting in the Observing and Events section or join us on Facebook to get updates from us.
Where to find us
*Magnitudes per square arc-second
Partial Lunar Eclipse
16th July 2019
We had an excellent meeting on 16th July for the Partial Lunar Eclipse, see the report here and pictures here
16th July 2019
We had an excellent meeting on 16th July for the Partial Lunar Eclipse, see the report here and pictures here
Next dark sky trip:
23rd or 24th August 2019, 8pm til Late!
We will have a good few hours of full astronomical darkness by the latter part of August, so a dark sky trip at this time should be ideal to view the Southern Milky Way and the lovely objects to be found in that area.
Visit the Dark Sky Trip page for more information; we put these dates in the diary as targets to get away somewhere dark, and then make a decision on the day as to whether to go or not, dependent on the forecast of course!!
23rd or 24th August 2019, 8pm til Late!
We will have a good few hours of full astronomical darkness by the latter part of August, so a dark sky trip at this time should be ideal to view the Southern Milky Way and the lovely objects to be found in that area.
Visit the Dark Sky Trip page for more information; we put these dates in the diary as targets to get away somewhere dark, and then make a decision on the day as to whether to go or not, dependent on the forecast of course!!
Next meeting:
29th August 2019, 8pm
We will be back to full darkness next month, with lots of Milky Way targets to go for
If you would like to attend the meeting, do drop me an email at wag_chair@aol.co.uk and come along , we will be happy to introduce you to the hobby and help you with any questions about either buying or using a scope. Experienced astronomers also welcomed of course!
29th August 2019, 8pm
We will be back to full darkness next month, with lots of Milky Way targets to go for
If you would like to attend the meeting, do drop me an email at wag_chair@aol.co.uk and come along , we will be happy to introduce you to the hobby and help you with any questions about either buying or using a scope. Experienced astronomers also welcomed of course!
Here is the latest weather forecast for West End, Esher. Click here for more weather information
Using Night Vision for astronomical observing
Following on from Gavin's Televue blog (see below), he has now collaborated with Mark Catterall to write an article on the use of Military-grade Night Vision kit for astronomy observing. Well worth a read if you haven't bought the May 2019 issue yet. Link here to the correct issue.
Following on from Gavin's Televue blog (see below), he has now collaborated with Mark Catterall to write an article on the use of Military-grade Night Vision kit for astronomy observing. Well worth a read if you haven't bought the May 2019 issue yet. Link here to the correct issue.
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Televue NightVision Blog
As a result of a discussion with David Nagler at AstroFest 2019, our very own Gavin Orpin was asked to write an article for the Televue Blog, link here or click the title.
This amazing technology allows spectacular views of the night sky which normally require pristine dark sites and large scopes. It is not an exaggeration to say Walton Astro Group is the probably only club in the country to have two members with Night Vision equipment and an excellent knowledge of the technology and how to use it.
Do come along to a meeting if you want to experience this first hand!
You can find images taken by Gavin here
As a result of a discussion with David Nagler at AstroFest 2019, our very own Gavin Orpin was asked to write an article for the Televue Blog, link here or click the title.
This amazing technology allows spectacular views of the night sky which normally require pristine dark sites and large scopes. It is not an exaggeration to say Walton Astro Group is the probably only club in the country to have two members with Night Vision equipment and an excellent knowledge of the technology and how to use it.
Do come along to a meeting if you want to experience this first hand!
You can find images taken by Gavin here
You can also join in the chat on Facebook
