How Far Away are the Stars
(posted August 2026)
The regular monthly meeting for August was swelled following the excitement of the recent partial solar eclipse. Regular visitors were interspersed with first timers, inspired or just inquisitive as to what our local astronomy society is all about. They were addressed by Professor Rob Jefferies from Keele University, who has spent his career exploring and measuring how far stars are away from us. His presentation led the attentive audience through the various challenges and solutions of taking on such a daunting task. His conclusion was that the task is not easy and there are many issues, both theoretical and technological, that need to be overcome, but, progress is being made. Rob stayed to discuss questions, while the kitchen was the main focus of attention, must have been the tea and cake. Unfortunately the skies were grey and murky discouraging any observing, hence the meeting dispersed only to reconvene next month.
ECLIPSE 26
(posted August 2026)
About a 1000 (one thousand) sun seekers descended on Rodington Village Hall, home to the Shropshire Astronomical Society, to share the celestial event of a generation. Preparing for an expected attendance of around 400, a band of SAS volunteers put together, Eclipse 26, a programme to welcome and entertain locals and their guests. The main event was of course the partial eclipse reaching over 90% just after 7pm. To complement their experience a mobile planetarium was acquired, together with various activities and workshops, as well as complementary organisations, including the Shropshire Geological Society and TDARS (Telford & District Amateur Radio Society). Following a media bonanza locally and nationally the numbers swelled to provide an eerie but emotional experience in what can only be described as surreal. Many of the visitors remained to continue the experience during the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, hence conclude a positive, heartwarming community event. See a full report in the next issue of ‘Event Horizon’ the monthly magazine of the SAS
YOUNG ASTRONOMER AWARDS
(posted July 2026)
To encourage and reward, budding young astronomers, which are our future, the Shropshire Astronomical Society present a series of medals at bronze, silver and gold levels. Awarded at the discretion of the committee the achievement(s) reflects the recipients enthusiasm, knowledge & commitment in the field of Astronomy. Each recipient receives a medal of the appropriate colour together with a certificate.
The most popular route is by submission of a ‘journal’ or completion of appropriate tasks. They are designed to encourage an active amateur astronomer and are awarded to individuals under 18 years of age who demonstrate involvement with various events or activities. Standards and demands are aligned with national youth groups such as Brownies and Scouts but there are no restriction on variety.
July 2026 medal winners:
Suralya E SAS Member Bronze
Anya K Southall School Bronze
Previous medal winners
Christopher N-C SAS Member Gold
Jack T Southhall School Bronze
July Meeting: Sketching Workshop
(posted July 2026)
Following the now well established Introduction To Astronomy sessions, the main room filled with anticipated members, all intrigued as to what lay ahead. Mary McIntyre FRAS, who hails from Oxfordshire, and an accomplished amateur astronomer, astrophotographer, speaker, author and podcast co-host with a life-long interest in Astronomy. led the evening proceedings. Building on her previous session via zoom, it was enlightening to be guided through the steps needed to approach astronomy sketching using readily available materials . The skills advocated gave the group practice and confidence in helping obeserving and sketching at the eyepiece. Alonside drawing equipment tables were littered with an array of nibbles brought by members as part of the 'bring and share' summer social. With the mind and body gratified the members and guests disappeared into the night eager to blend and blur their images, next time spent observing at the eyepiece. A most enjoyable evening was the common feedback. and I look forward to reviewing a wide range of sketches in the near future.
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