12/5/2017
Speaker -Dr. Alan Cayless
Smith Museum Lecture Theatre 7.30
Topic : The Open University remotely operated Telescopes on Tenerife
Dr.Cayless is a member of the Stirling Astronomical Society, and was a former President.
He is currently employed by the Open University with a remit as lecturer and also
with special responsibility for the University's telescopes.
The Open University has recently commissioned two remotely-operated
telescopes at the Observatorio del Teide in Tenerife - a 14 inch
Cassegrain and a 17-inch Dall-Kirkham. Both are used by Open
University students and researchers on projects such as measuring the
ages and distances of star clusters and monitoring transiting
exoplanets. The telescopes will also be available for use in projects
in conjunction with local schools. The talk will describe the
telescopes, their operation and instrumentation and also detail the
varied observing projects being carried out.
Discover the benefits of membership...
Discover the benefits of membership...
Stirling Astronomical Society (SAS) is open to anyone aged 11 years or over and who has an interest in astronomy. At the SAS we welcome total beginners, experienced observers, or those with an interest in a particular topic, such as variable stars, comets, aurora or meteors.
The Society meets from September to May during the year. Lectures are held generally on the second Friday in each month during that period, beginning at 7.30 p.m. The venue is the lecture room of the Smith Museum and Art Gallery, Dumbarton Road, Stirling.
Meetings are free and anyone with an interest in astronomy is welcome to attend, whether a Member of the Society or not. Lecturers come from a wide range of backgrounds, all with specialist knowledge in their chosen subject. There is also the opportunity to chat with members informally over tea and coffee.
The Society regularly runs a series of Evening Classes in Stirling. These are open to anyone over 11 years old with an interest in Astronomy and topics vary in each course, covering all the basic information to develop a good understanding of modern astronomy. Classes run once a month on Thursday evenings at the Stirling Highland Hotel (click here for map), Spittal Street, 7:00 to 9:00pm.
The current evening classes will start in October and run to March, on 1st Thursday of the month in the Highland Hotel, £5.00 per meeting, (members of SAS have a £10.00 discount. If you would like to take part or learn more about the classes, please Contact Us
In recent years the Society has received two awards from the National Lottery under the Awards for All scheme. The funds have been used to acquire a wide range of observing and teaching equipment to encourage interest in Astronomy in the Stirling area. Also, the Society has the use of a 12.5 inch reflecting telescope, built in 1889 and located on the roof of the Stirling Highland Hotel.
Members also hold informal meetings on the last Friday of each month to discuss recent developments and observations.
