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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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
