Welcome to the web site of the Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group (CNAAG) we hope you find it interesting and informative. The group was formed in January 2005 to act as a focal group for local astronomers and anyone with an interest in the universe. We started in 2005 with just 4 keen observers and, to date (April 2008)  have over 35 enthusiastic stargazers on our list. We meet indoors regularly on the third Monday of each month to talk astronomy and usually present an illustrated astronomical talk or demonstration. We also observe from several exclusive locations one of which is close to the ancient Rollright Stones,  part of which is included on our group logo. After three years of operation and growing membership we now are starting to become part of the national astronomical society listings and our plans are to continue to improve our operation for the benefit of its members.All of our meetings are open to everyone  - no equipment , experience or skill required,  just bring along your enthusiasm ( and a warm coat if outdoors ),  the stars and universe will do the rest. Whatever your level of interest we invite you to get in touch and it will be great to meet you .

 

CNAAG welcomes everyone to all of its meetings and since July 2008 we have moved to a subscribed statusWe  have some ambitious plans which will require some funding which that subscriptions will go towards as well as funding regular activities . 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy and 400 years since Gallileo first raised his telescope to the heavens . CNAAG is planning to fully participate in the year long celebrations , offering the best in astronomy we can , both to its members and the public . Join us for a tour of the universe .

 

SUBSCRIPTION RATES:-
MEMBERSHIPAs of Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 02:26 PM:

Full individual membership is £8.00 for the yearFamily membership £12.00 for the year

Note that anyone joining the group from January to end of June will only be required to pay 50% of the joining fee

Note that all memberships are valid up until 30^th June every year 

Membership Form : Download PDF file Now! (17.3kb pdf)

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In a email from Callum Potter President of the Federation of Astronomical Societies, writes:
Attached is an invitation from Steve Owens the UK IYA 2009 Co-ordinator to discuss your ideas for IYA2009. The events generated through this process will form the core of the grassroots activities for the year. Your involvement will be crucial in ensuring that the objectives for are met, and that 2009 is a year to remember.

Invite for Participation in IYA2009 pdf file: Download file Now! (54kb pdf)

EVENTS  DIARY  - Weather permitting as appropriate - A BUSY TIME AHEAD

NEXT CNAAG MEETING:
Monday 18th August.

AUGUST 1^st – partial solar eclipse . CNAAG on site to record & display – venue TBC

Event starts – 09:33 , Midpoint 10:19 , Ends 11:03

PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE – Friday 1^st August - CNAAG to be observing

Beginning at 09:33 , the Moon will brush past the solar disc from top to lower left over a period of approx an hour and a half . This will not bring about any obvious change in light levels for us so it is very important NOT TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN WITH OR WITHOUT ANY OPTICAL INSTRUMENT . Project the image onto a white shaded surface and observe the event in safety . Make the most as we wont see another one until 2011. If you happen to find yourself on a line anywhere from Iceland down through Siberia and into China on 1^st August you will observe a total solar eclipse

 

AUGUST 2^nd – Society for History of Astronomy Summer Picnic at Marlborough Coillege, Wilts.
Talks & tours – a grand day out at a fantastic venue .

 

AUGUST 16th - Partial Lunar eclipse

PARTIAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

On the evening of 16^th August the Moon will rise , already partially eclipsed , over the ESE horizon . The mid point will be at approx 22:07 and the moon will leave the umbra at approx 23:41 .  Partial luna’s are a subtle affair and not as spectacular as a full blown eclipse but worth observing if clear. Much more frequent than solars with about 2 a year - CNAAG at it again with luck

 

SEPTEMBER 20^th – FedAstro meeting at Institute of Astronomy , Cambridge

Federation of Astronomical Societies Convention at the Institute of Astronomy , Cambridge - a fascinating day out in a fantastic facility  - definitely a CNAAG delegation required . Contact Robin direct if you can come .

NASA & MARS PHEONIX UPDATE LINK:-
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/phoenix/news/phoenix-20080620.html


Note1:
For Links to other web sites See: "LINKS PAGE"

Note2:
Jenny and Bob still have their house in Cyprus for rent and a CNAAG delegation would be at favourable rates.Contact Bob and Jenny on 01608 642737.

Please note that all text and pictures on this web site are copyright of the Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group unless stated otherwise .

Robin Smitten,founder member

CNAAG starwatchers set up on a warm summer evening - somewhere in North Oxfordshire , U.K.