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
**April 2024**
Date:
Speaker:
19th
Professor Lyndsay Fletcher
Subject:
Solar Flares
Join us tonight as we welcome guest speaker, Professor Lyndsay Fletcher from the University of Glasgow. Her research interests are in solar flare and coronal physics, and tonight she will be sharing her knowledge and expertise in solar flares. An evening not to be missed.
26th
John Davies
Runaway Rockets and other Space Exploration Disasters
John Davies from the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is our guest speaker tonight and will be looking back at failures over 50 years of rocketry and space travel, describing how chance, engineering error and unforeseen circumstances can turn success into failure in the blink of an eye.
**May 2024**
Date:
Speaker:
3rd
Aileen Malone
Subject:
15th Anniversary of Airdrie Astronomical Association
AAA formed in May 2009 and tonight's talk celebrates 15 years of the AAA and our work promoting space and science in our community.
Join club secretary, Aileen Malone, as she takes us back in time over the past incredible 130 years of observing in Airdrie. Discover when and how the observatory was first created and all AAA have accomplished in the past 15 years.
10th
Professor Alex Murphy
The Dark Universe
The direct detection of Dark Matter is one of the key scientific goals of modern physics. The term ‘dark matter’ has become a favourite of Sci-Fi, appearing in numerous books, TV shows and films. But what is it? Join us tonight to welcome guest speaker Professor Alex Murphy from the University of Edinburgh as he explores and explains our Dark Universe.
Professor Ian Robson
17th
The Pluto Story
Tonight's Guest Speaker is Professor Ian Robson, Royal Observatory Edinburgh Fellow. We will learn all about Pluto, how it was discovered and how discovery and observations of KBOs eventually led the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006 to declassify Pluto from being a planet.
Although the question of ‘what is a planet?’ might seem easy to answer, the ensuing debate by professional astronomers has been both complicated and fractious. The twists and turns of how Pluto finally came to be demoted by the IAU will be revisited on a personal basis – astronomical democracy in action – or not, and the legacy from the decision will be discussed.
AMG - Members Only
24th
AGM - MEMBERS ONLY TONIGHT
Tonight we host our annual AGM.
This meeting is only open to current AAA Members but we will see you all next week for our final meeting before the Summer Break.
Richard Shaw
31st
Texas 2024
Join us for our last meeting before we take our Summer Break. Join AAA Chairperson, Richard Shaw, as he shares pictures and stories from his recent adventure to Texas.
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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