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
**February 2024**
Date:
Speaker:
2nd
Alex Hall
Subject:
Exploring the dark Universe with
the Euclid space telescope
The expansion of the Universe is accelerating, and we do not understand
why. To 'explain' this acceleration, cosmologists have theorised the
existence of a substance called Dark Energy. If it really exists, Dark Energy
must have properties completely at odds with standard matter.
Furthermore, it must make up around 70% of the Universe. Add in Dark
Matter - also poorly understood - and 95% of the present-day Universe is
made from invisible, 'dark' components - a highly unsatisfactory
situation! To address these mysteries, the European Space Agency has
created the Euclid space telescope. Euclid was launched in July 2023 and
is expected to revolutionize not just cosmology but many areas of
astronomy. In the talk, I will describe the Euclid mission and its core
science probes, and present early results.
9th
Robert Law
Skylab 50th Anniversary
Join us tonight as Robert Law from Mills Observatory tells us all there is to know about Skylab on it's 50th Anniversary.
16th
Andy Nairn
Inspirational people and discoveries
23rd
Gordon McKay
No end to anything... the Multiverse
Is the Universe really doomed to a Big Rip?
It’s more complicated than that and current Cosmology theories may tell a different story. Always willing to see the other side of an argument, join Gordon for a talk that never ends.
**March 2024**
Date:
Speaker:
1st
Douglas Cooper
Subject:
Technical Advances in Amateur Astronomy
Awaiting information.
8th
Roy Bryce
Planet of the Month - Jupiter
Join AAA member, Roy Bryce, as he takes us on a tour of the largest planet in our solar system. Meet the planet Jupiter, learn about it's many moons and what makes it the planet that we all know.
Dr Matteo Ceriotti
15th
Solar Power from Space
Space-based solar power is the idea of harvesting power from the sun using satellites, and then deliver it to Earth. Large solar power plants in space have the potential to provide renewable green energy to Earth 24/7, to fulfil the ever growing demand.
While appealing, there are challenges to be overcome, and also risks to be considered. Are recent developments in space technology sufficient to push this concept to become viable?
This talk will explore the main concepts of space based solar power, including photovoltaics and reflectors, explore some of the designs, and address some of the challenges, proposing ways to overcome them.
AAA Members
22nd
Short Talk Night
Join us tonight for one of our popular Short Talk Nights. AAA members will be taking to the floor to share short talks on a wide range of subjects. Always a fun night, make sure you don't miss it!
Easter Break
29th
Easter Break
There are no meetings on the following dates as we are closed for our Easter Break.
March 29th
April 5th
April 12th
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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