25th April - See the Sun in a new light

SheffieldAS · April 22, 2009

75th Anniversary For Local Stargazers

Astronomers from the Sheffield Astronomical Society are inviting the

public to observe the surface details of the Sun this Saturday 25th

April. Running from 2:00pm till 6:00pm, visitors can drop into the

event at Mayfield Environmental Centre on David Lane at any time to

see the Sun directly through a safely filtered telescope. The event is

completely free to attend and is a little more special than usual. It

is not just the International Year of Astronomy in 2009 but it is also

the 75th Anniversary of our local Sheffield Astronomical Society.

The Sheffield Astronomical Society was founded on the 24th April 1934

by Mr. Reginald Cox, a Mathematics Lecturer at Sheffield University.

The first meeting at was held at the W.E.A. House, Western Bank and

was attended by 15 people. The subscription was fixed at 2/6d (or

12½p) per year and it was decided they would meet once a month except

for June, July and August. 75 years later membership is still a modest

£28 a year, there are almost 100 members and events are held several

times every month.

The Sun is currently at a very unusual minimum level of activity. In

fact some astronomers believe we are entering an extending period of

solar minima. When this previously took place in the mid-17th Century

it lasted 70 years, and led to a "mini ice-age". The astronomers warn

that you should never look directly at the Sun without such special

equipment and supervision. There will be plenty of free information

and astronomers to answer any questions. Refreshments and a small Astro-shop will be available.

Our special telescope filters out all the harmful rays and the

extreme brightness - you actually get to see the bubbling surface with your very own eyes.

For more information please ring the astronomy hotline on

Membership of the Sheffield Astronomical Society gives you free

entrance to all events and is only £28 a year for adults and £6 for

under 18's.

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Please see related new story about the Sun shown in national press

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