Megalithic Standing Stones and Astronomical Alignments ~ Dr. Leslie Morrison (RGO retired)

From the Orkneys to Cornwall, there are hundreds of stone circles and other structures dating from the Neolithic period around 4000 years ago.

Some were burial chambers, but the precise reason the circles were constructed is still a mystery. However, it is suggested that at least some of them had a connection with the seasonal motion of the Sun and Moon relative to the horizon.

Dr. Morrison will discuss the putative astronomical alignments of several megalithic structures and assess whether these alignments could have arisen by chance rather than have been an integral part and function of the monuments.

Imaging the analemma: Theory and Practice ~ Bob Okines and Simon Allen

In astronomy, an analemma is a diagram showing the deviation of the Sun from its mean motion in the sky, as viewed from a fixed location on the Earth. Due to the Earth's axial tilt and orbital eccentricity, the Sun will not be in the same position in the sky at the same time every day. The north–south component of the analemma is the Sun's declination, and the east–west component is the equation of time. This diagram has the form of a slender figure-eight, and can often be found on globes of the Earth. (courtesy Wikipedia). Bob abd Simon will explain the theory and the practice of observing the analemma.

Some interesting things in this month’s night sky (time permitting) ~ David Pulley