Airdrie Astronomical Association
& Airdrie Observatory
Registered Charity Number SC041014
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5 past curators from Airdrie Observatory
5 past curators from Airdrie Observatory
Come and Join us - Visitors Welcome!
Observing the Night Sky
Airdrie Observatory is a fully-functioning and unique facility, and AAA are delighted to manage the facility on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council. It is a great place to visit for all types of groups, societies and clubs and we use it throughout the year. Our dedicated Curators can provide advice, hints and tips on all manner of space-related questions. Whether you are a complete beginner or have an existing interest in astronomy, a visit to the Observatory can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.
What's on
**September 2023**
Date:
Speaker:
1st
David Woods
Subject:
'The 50th Anniversary of Apollo 15'
In July and August 1971, Apollo 15's crew of David Scott, Al Worden and Jim Irwin flew to the Moon and explored the Hadley site on the rim of Mare Imbrium. Half a century later, Scott worked with Apollo historian and video editor David Woods to produce a film commemorating the mission and its accomplishments. David Woods presents the fruits of that labour; a 56-minute film that combines footage from the mission itself, along with the training and preparation. Almost exclusively, only Apollo 15 footage is used and it is combined with music of the period and after, selected by Scott for the film.
8th
-- No Meeting Tonight --
15th
Dr Andrew Wilson
'The Space Sustainability Paradox:
What is space sustainability and how can it be achieved'
The recent growth of the space sector, spurred by a surge in private actors, has led to a sharp increase in our ability to address societal challenges through space data. However, this has exacerbated an already critical situation in space: the proliferation of space debris and a critical expansion of space traffic which is leading to high levels of orbital congestion. In parallel, increased levels of spacecraft production and orbital launches are also heightening the environmental footprint of the sector. This might lead to a paradoxical situation whereby the use of space to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) becomes unsustainable from the perspective of both the Earth and space environment. This situation can be described as the ‘space sustainability paradox’. This talk will explore the consequences of such a scenario playing out and present methods/actions for ensuring the continued sustainable use of outer space.
22nd
-- No Meeting Tonight --
29th
Robert Law
Monitoring and recording Space Missions
From Sputnik to ISS
Robert will look at technology developments from the beginning of the Space Race to the present day. The technology that helped to make Yuri Gagarin the first man in space has changed dramatically over the decades and Robert will be exploring the changes and the differences from Sputnik in 1957 right up to the present day and the Artemis program, as NASA once again sets its sights on the Moon.
Don't miss one of our most popular speakers as he visits us from Dundee Observatory.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN AAA?
Our Friday night meetings are a great opportunity to meet like minded people with an interest in astronomy and spaceflight. Enjoy the weekly space news and a range of guest speakers who are experts in their subjects. We also offer the opportunity for members to give presentations on subjects that interest them. You don't need to be a member to come along.
New members are always very welcome so come along, join in and meet like minded people.
We meet at New Wellwynd Parish Church, Wellwynd, Airdrie ML6 0AG.
FRIDAY EVENING AGENDA:
7:30 - 8:00pm - Space News
8:00pm - 8:30pm - Tea Break
8:30pm - 9:30pm - Main Talk
Become an AAA Member
Becoming a member is easy, simply pick up a membership form at any of our weekly meetings.
Benefits of becoming a member include• borrowing books and equipment• opportunity to participate in observing the night sky• access to Airdrie observatory outside library opening hours and many more!
Fees are as follows:
Full Member (Waged / Working) : £15 per annum
Full Member (Unwaged / retired) : £10 per annum
Junior Members (Under 18) : £5 per annum
Family Membership : £25 per annum (Up to 2 Adults and all children under the age of 18)
We ask for a donation towards the room hire of £1.00 from members, £2.00 for visitors, children under 18 are free. We supply tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits for the tea break.
“Fantastic time – thanks for your warm hospitality and enthusiasm!.”
Dr Nicolas Labrosse, Glasgow University
"I was hugely impressed with both your meeting (the Space News section was fantastic!) and with the fabulous observatory"
Dr. David McKee, Strathclyde University
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