Image by Bryon Tuck-Martin
WELCOME TO THE WALTON ASTRONOMY GROUP
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
Transit of Mercury!
11th November 2019
Success! Read the observing report here
Starting at around 12.36pm and still in progress when the sun sets (it actually ends at around 6.03pm)
This is a relatively rare event, happening only around 13 or 14 times per century although much more frequently than transits of Venus. The previous transit was in 2016 but the next chance after this is not until 2032.
During the transit, Mercury passes between the Sun and the Earth, appearing as a jet black dot against the solar surface. The images below were taken using a smartphone during the transit in 2016.
Please do NOT try to observe this unless you have the correct equipment to protect your eyes; looking directly at the sun, especially with binoculars or a telescope which is not correctly protected can cause instant blindness.
With correct knowledge and equipment however, it can be perfectly safe, so if you would like advice about how to view this event, please contact WAG at wag_chair@aol.co.uk
11th November 2019
Success! Read the observing report here
Starting at around 12.36pm and still in progress when the sun sets (it actually ends at around 6.03pm)
This is a relatively rare event, happening only around 13 or 14 times per century although much more frequently than transits of Venus. The previous transit was in 2016 but the next chance after this is not until 2032.
During the transit, Mercury passes between the Sun and the Earth, appearing as a jet black dot against the solar surface. The images below were taken using a smartphone during the transit in 2016.
Please do NOT try to observe this unless you have the correct equipment to protect your eyes; looking directly at the sun, especially with binoculars or a telescope which is not correctly protected can cause instant blindness.
With correct knowledge and equipment however, it can be perfectly safe, so if you would like advice about how to view this event, please contact WAG at wag_chair@aol.co.uk
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Next meeting:
21st November 2019, 8pm
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!
21st November 2019, 8pm
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!
Next dark sky trip:
22nd or 23rd November 2019, 8pm til Late!
We will have over eight hours of full astronomical darkness by the latter part of October, so a dark sky trip will be well worth while, plenty of nice targets to go after. Fingers crossed for clear skies! We have not had a trip for a while so hopefully we will get lucky this time.
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!!
22nd or 23rd November 2019, 8pm til Late!
We will have over eight hours of full astronomical darkness by the latter part of October, so a dark sky trip will be well worth while, plenty of nice targets to go after. Fingers crossed for clear skies! We have not had a trip for a while so hopefully we will get lucky this time.
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!!
West End Village Newsletter
The following article appears in the Autumn Edition of the West End Village Newsletter, with grateful thanks from WAG!
Using Night Vision for astronomical observing
Plenty of information and images here about using Night Vision technology for observing and imaging the night sky
Plenty of information and images here about using Night Vision technology for observing and imaging the night sky
Here is the latest weather forecast for West End, Esher. Click here for more weather information
You can also join in the chat on Facebook
