Staff at the Hutton Institute kindly let us know that there seemed to be some damage to our observatory caused by the recent high winds. I have visited the observatory and found that the wind has blown our rain deflecting aluminium extension causing it to tear the fibreglass of the opening section. I have made a temporary repair but further work will have to be done to secure and waterproof the dome. As this will involve fibreglass work, the weather will have to be a bit milder than it has been recently.
Because of this the observatory will not be open on Tuesdays until repair work has been completed. It's difficult to say how long this will take at this time of year as the temperature will have to be high enough to allow the resin to set and the dome will have to be free of dampness.
We will give you news of progress made on repairs at DAS meetings and by updates here,
Ken
DAS meeting Friday 25th November.
DAS welcomes the new members who have joined since the start of the season. The Society has a healthy membership at present but this means that at meetings there may not be many free seats for visitors to Mills who are non members. We regret if it is not possible to invite non members to any of the Society meetings this season but we may allow a number of visitors to Mills access if there are spare seats after all members have been accommodated.
A member of the committee will check names of members prior to each meeting to ensure all members receive priority. Please accept this slight inconvenience. It is felt that this is the best way to ensure our members have access to meetings.
DAS Committee
Sandy Mackenzie Observatory
As mentioned at the last DAS meeting we are hoping to be able to let members use this facility on Tuesday evenings (from 18th October). At present there are only three 'supervisors' and there may be occasions when none is available. The supervisor on duty will be at the observatory at about 7pm. The finishing time will be variable depending on conditions (cloud and cold). The use of the observatory is for members only and will depend on clear sky conditions. High wind may also force the observatory to remain closed.
Whether the observatory is open or not will be posted here between 4 and 5pm on the Tuesday in question so that members will know by that time whether someone will be there or not. This will be posted whether conditions are good or bad. It may take a few weeks to iron out any problems we may find but hopefully the observatory will be fully functional later in the year, then members can decide what they want to view.
Members of staff of the Hutton Institute will be welcome as guests. Bear in mind that the observatory is not very big inside and if numerous members arrive, some may have to wait outside until the telescope is available. Members bringing their own telescopes would be very welcome.
Ken Kennedy Director of Observations
Meetings for 2011 - 2012 season
David Paterson has produced a very interesting programme for the Society for our 2011 / 2012 winter season. There is a wide range of subjects by speakers from far and wide together with presentations from a few of our own members. Have a look at the programme by clicking here and I think you will agree that it is the best for many years.
Welcome
The Dundee Astronomical Society was formed in 1956 and is affiliated to the British Astronomical Association BAA (to whom we send observations). In addition the Society has a number of honorary members throughout the country.
We hold member meetings once or twice a month at the Mills Observatory, Balgay Hill, Dundee in the months October through to March. The first part of the meeting consists of a talk lasting about an hour from a guest or member, followed by a short tea break, then a shorter session for members to make their contributions.
Society members provide talks open to the public, also at the Mills, in the months April, May, June, August and September. These talks aim to provide introductory level information on astronomy suitable for beginners with a bias towards practical observing.
The Society holds a range of astronomical equipment which members may arrange to borrow. Many of our members own their own telescopes and are available at meetings to offer advice to members where required. The Society also has a library available for members. Some books are available for viewing at our meeting place the Mills Observatory. For space reasons other books are kept elsewhere but an up to date list is kept in the members area of our website. By coming along to meetings people have the opportunity to meet others interested in astronomy as well as enjoy the varied lecture syllabus.The list of speakers includes professional and amateur astronomers.
Weather permitting some members occasionally meet for informal observing at the society observatory near Dundee. Any member is welcome to join in these activities.
