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X-WR-CALNAME:South West Herts Astronomical Society
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for South West Herts Astronomical Society
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TZID:UTC
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DTSTART:20220101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260327T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260327T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20260319T215211Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T224520Z
UID:4759-1774641600-1774648800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting March 2026
DESCRIPTION:Full Moon by Dr Mike Foulkes \nMike is the director of the British Astronomical Association’s Saturn\, Uranus and Neptune Section. He is a keen observer\, particularly of the Moon and planets. Professionally he has worked in the spacecraft industry on both communication satellites and scientific spacecraft. \nThe Moon is a fascinating object to observe both with small and large telescopes. However the time around the full Moon can be frustrating for many observers as its brightness can make observing many objects in the sky more difficult.\nAfter briefly describing out nearest neighbour\, this talk will make a case for observing the Moon when it is close to or at full perigee. It will describe some of the features that can be seen including lunar eclipses. \nThe meeting will also include a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you. \n  \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-march-2026/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260227T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260227T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20260211T172743Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T172743Z
UID:4751-1772222400-1772229600@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting February 2026
DESCRIPTION:An Astronomer’s Guide to Strange Things in the Sky  \nby Andrew Mowbray BSc (Hons). MSc. \nThis fascinating talk covers lots of different things and includes some audience participation! \nAndrew Mowbray is a former IT Professional who worked mainly in local government as well as teaching IT for several years. Having retired early he is a fully qualified tour guide who gives walking tours in the City of Colchester in Essex. Andrew has numerous interests\, one of which has always been astronomy. He has been a member of Castle Point Astronomy Club for many years and served fifteen years as the Secretary and Webmaster. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-february-2026/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260130T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260130T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20260120T182246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T182246Z
UID:4746-1769803200-1769810400@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting January 2026
DESCRIPTION:‘Rocky Planet Formation in the Outer Solar System’ by Dr. Ben Rider-Stokes \nJoin us for this fascinating talk at our first monthly meeting of 2026. \nDr. Ben Rider-Stokes is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at The Open University\, specialising in planetary materials and asteroid science. His current research integrates laboratory spectroscopy with meteorite microanalysis to interpret the mineralogy of asteroids\, providing ground truth for astronomical observations and supporting ongoing and future space missions. His focus is on linking differentiated planetesimals and their meteorite analogues to asteroid spectral properties\, with implications for planetary formation\, resource utilisation\, and the evolution of the early Solar System. \nLooking ahead\, Dr. Rider-Stokes aims to build an academic career that advances our understanding of planetary bodies through chemical and spectroscopic techniques\, while contributing to the teaching and mentoring of the next generation of planetary scientists. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-january-2026/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251212T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251212T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20251212T183720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T183720Z
UID:4741-1765569600-1765576800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting December 2025
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFor our last meeting of 2025 we will be showing a selection of members images in the Cadogan House Hall\, Royal Masonic School For Girls\, Rickmansworth. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-december-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251128T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251128T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250616T165605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T173333Z
UID:4723-1764360000-1764367200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting November 2025
DESCRIPTION:In Search Of The Aurora by Andrew Ritchie Green BSc (Hons) FRAS \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAndy is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society has been actively involved in astronomy and space for over 48 years becoming interested in astronomy & space aged 7. He has travelled the world many times to promote astronomy and give presentations and lectures far and wide\, talking to varied groups including those at the University of Cambridge\, Sheffield Hallam University and visiting observatories as far afield as Hawaii\, mainland USA\, Europe\, Australia\, and Chile. He has visited several space agencies and their facilities including those at NASA and the European Space Agency\, ESA. He was involved in grass roots astronomy for many years\, and he has seen astronomy at all levels from the local astronomical society level to the public understanding of science and space to professional astronomy. \nAndy’s particular interest is in the Auroras and has spent over 16 years researching\, observing and photographing them in Iceland\, he has many friends in the country. He has a degree in Geo-Science / Planetary Geology from the University of Sheffield. He is also a freelance space journalist/photographer and has had articles published in several magazines both in the UK and USA. Andy recently wrote on Space Flight for the US Navy’s training manual for the ROTC Programme. An accomplished photographer his images have been published in many publications and used online in addition to many hard copy publications and books worldwide. One of his Aurora images was used on the title page of the 2021 Philips Stargazing Guide \nAffiliations Director & Senior Lecturer – StarDome Astronomy & Astronautics Fellow – Royal Astronomical Society Director – AAAEP Astro Education – Australia Aurora and Eclipse Travel Guide and Astronomer Freelance Space Journalist & Broadcaster Cunard “Insights” Lecturer \nThe meeting will also include a news item and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-november-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251031T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251031T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250616T164003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T164003Z
UID:4721-1761940800-1761948000@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting October 2025
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Paul Fellows: Once Around the Sun’s Sisters \nA talk which looks at the question of whether the Sun was born as a solitary star and if not how we might find its sisters! \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nPaul leads the public observing events at the University of Cambridge and presents lectures on Cunard Queen Mary 2 and other ships on a frequent basis\, his talks are always popular. Having borrowed a small telescope and seen the rings of Saturn for the first time aged 13 Paul went on to build his own 8in reflector and do the O-level in astronomy the following year. His undergraduate studies were in Natural Science at the University of Cambridge specialising in Spectroscopy after which he joined the university Computer Laboratory for his postgraduate degree. He worked on the first generation of home computers and lead the design of the RiscOS operating system for the ARM processor\, including inventing the apps and icon bar user interface that has since spread to phones and computers across the world. \nPaul was a pioneer of streaming video across the internet and twice a winner of the Queens award for Technology. In 2005 he was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology and was recently given a lifetime achievement award by Emmanuel College Cambridge and was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the public understanding of science and technology in the new years honours of 2025. Through this time he maintained his interest in astronomy and has lead the public observing events at the University for over 20 years giving hundreds of live presentations\, lectures and planetarium shows. He teaches the introduction to astronomy course and leads the monthly “Cambridge young astronomers” events for younger children. He is also an elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Since 2016 he has been a lecturer on board Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and other ships and frequent presenter to clubs and societies as well as at the international astronomy show. \nThe meeting will also include a news item and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-october-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250926T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250926T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250616T162643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T162643Z
UID:4717-1758916800-1758924000@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting September 2025
DESCRIPTION:In Search Of The Aurora by Andrew Ritchie Green BSc (Hons) FRAS \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAndy is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society has been actively involved in astronomy and space for over 48 years becoming interested in astronomy & space aged 7. He has travelled the world many times to promote astronomy and give presentations and lectures far and wide\, talking to varied groups including those at the University of Cambridge\, Sheffield Hallam University and visiting observatories as far afield as Hawaii\, mainland USA\, Europe\, Australia\, and Chile. He has visited several space agencies and their facilities including those at NASA and the European Space Agency\, ESA. He was involved in grass roots astronomy for many years\, and he has seen astronomy at all levels from the local astronomical society level to the public understanding of science and space to professional astronomy. \nAndy’s particular interest is in the Auroras and has spent over 16 years researching\, observing and photographing them in Iceland\, he has many friends in the country. He has a degree in Geo-Science / Planetary Geology from the University of Sheffield. He is also a freelance space journalist/photographer and has had articles published in several magazines both in the UK and USA. Andy recently wrote on Space Flight for the US Navy’s training manual for the ROTC Programme. An accomplished photographer his images have been published in many publications and used online in addition to many hard copy publications and books worldwide. One of his Aurora images was used on the title page of the 2021 Philips Stargazing Guide \nAffiliations Director & Senior Lecturer – StarDome Astronomy & Astronautics Fellow – Royal Astronomical Society Director – AAAEP Astro Education – Australia Aurora and Eclipse Travel Guide and Astronomer Freelance Space Journalist & Broadcaster Cunard “Insights” Lecturer \nThe meeting will also include a news item and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-september-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250530T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250530T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250519T135115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T135115Z
UID:4709-1748635200-1748642400@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting May 2025
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nJoin us for our AGM & Members Images Meeting. \nThis is your chance as a member of the SWHAS to have your say on how the society is run\, elect the committee members and make suggestions as to how to improve the way things are done. \nIn addition we hope that you will be inspired by the astrophotography images captured by our members. \nThe meeting will also include a news item and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you. \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-may-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250425T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250425T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250421T193102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250421T193102Z
UID:4704-1745611200-1745618400@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting April 2025
DESCRIPTION:Spaceship Earth: A Journey in Time and Space by Dr. Mike Leggatt \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nDr Mike Leggatt\, a founder member of the South Lincolnshire Astronomical and Geophysical Society in 1976\, has been an active presenter and lecturer in astronomy for various organizations across the UK. He serves as General Secretary and Council member of the Society for the History of Astronomy (SHA)\, and coordinates SHA surveys for Buckinghamshire\, Lincolnshire\, Norfolk\, and Rutland. He is a Fellow of both the Royal Astronomical Society and British Interplanetary Society\, and a member of several other astronomical and space societies. Dr Leggatt holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham\, is a Chartered Chemist\, and a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He also possesses a Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Authorship and Communication. \nAffiliations \n· Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society (since 1986) \n· Fellow of the British Interplanetary Society (since 1984) \n· Founder member\, Council Member\, and General Secretary of the Society for the History of Astronomy \n· Member of the British Astronomical Association (since 1993) \n· Member of the Planetary Society (since 1996) \n· Member of the Society for Popular Astronomy (since 2013) \n· Member of the Herschel Society (since 2014) \n· Member of the National Space Society (since 2016) \n· Member of the Milton Keynes Astronomical Society (since 1993) \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you. \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-april-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250328T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250328T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250108T135435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T135435Z
UID:4686-1743192000-1743199200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting March 2025
DESCRIPTION:Mechanics of Solar Eclipses by Sheridan Williams \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAs there are 3 central solar eclipses through Spain in 2026 this will be the focus of the talk. \nSheridan Williams is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society\, recipient of the British Astronomical Association’s Lydia Brown medal\, secretary of the Open University Astronomy Club and former professional ‘rocket scientist’ for the UK Ministry of Defence. He watched his first total solar eclipse through smoked glass from his school playground in 1954. Since then\, Williams has travelled the world – from Antigua to Australia\, Mexico to Madagascar\, Siberia to Sumatra – to see 18 total solar eclipses. He has written extensively about total solar eclipses\, including authoring previous Bradt guides to the total solar eclipses of 2006\, 2008/09\, and 2012/13. He lectures widely to astronomical societies\, is an astronomy-travel consultant\, and guides groups to see astronomical events such as aurorae and meteor showers. He initiated education tours at the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park\, where attractions include Colossus\, the world’s first programmable digital computer. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-march-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250228T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250228T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20250108T134941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T134941Z
UID:4682-1740772800-1740780000@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting February 2025
DESCRIPTION:Black Holes & Exploding Stars – The Cosmic Life Cycle by Dr Chris Crowe \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nJourney inside a black hole and through the centre of a star like our Sun. Discover how exploding stars provide the seeds for life on Earth. \nExplore the most energetic phenomena in the Universe from exploding stars\, to the immensely powerful black holes that power the centre of almost every galaxy. We are all made of stars. \nDr Chris Crowe is a professional astronomer\, teacher\, elected fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society\, and received degrees in theoretical physics and mathematics from the universities of Nottingham and Cambridge. He is currently the Head of Astronomy and Director of The Rayleigh Observatory in London where he teaches astronomy. He works extensively in public outreach at science festivals across the UK and hosts public observing evenings. Previously part of a research team at the University of Cambridge studying the relic radiation from the big bang\, he worked in the same department as the late Stephen Hawking while studying for his doctorate. Recently he has been part of a team designing a new state-of-the-art observatory in the Caribbean. His main research interests are cosmology and the early Universe\, and was part of the international Planck collaboration\, a European Space Agency project which uncovered light from the earliest moments of the primordial Universe. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-february-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250131T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250131T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20241213T155320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T155524Z
UID:4670-1738353600-1738360800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting January 2025
DESCRIPTION:Astronomers’ Tools: Choosing the right telescope by David Arditti \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nDavid Arditti has been observing the sky for 47 years. He took up astronomy at the age of 13 after reading a book by Patrick Moore that he found in the school library. After making a telescope by the method described in the book\, using spectacle lenses and cardboard tubes\, which did not work very well at all\, he joined a local astronomical society and became addicted after being shown views of Saturn and other objects through a 12-inch reflector. He now lives in NW London and uses an observatory he constructed himself in his back garden to observe a wide variety of objects\, but mostly the Moon and planets\, the imaging of which he is a noted expert on. \nHe is currently both Director of the Equipment and Techniques Section of the BAA and the BAA Vice-President. Also he is Observations Director and Vice-President for the West of London Astronomical Society. He has written for many magazines including Astronomy Now and the BAA Journal and has produced a book\, Setting-Up a Small Observatory\, published by Springer. He regularly gives talks on observing\, imaging\, astronomical equipment\, the history of astronomy\, cosmology\, and other topics\, to groups ranging from schools to professional conferences. He is also a classical pianist and composer and is Chair of London Composers Forum\, a group that puts on concerts of new music. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-january-2025/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241213T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241213T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20241203T133906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241203T133906Z
UID:4653-1734120000-1734127200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting December 2024
DESCRIPTION:Members Images and Bring & Buy Event \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFor our last meeting of 2024 we will be showing a selection of members images in the Cadogan House Hall\, Royal Masonic School For Girls\, Rickmansworth. \nWe will also be holding a Bring & Buy event. This is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain or a chance to find a new home for equipment or accessories that you no longer use. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-december-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241129T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241129T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240528T153243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241031T161544Z
UID:4607-1732910400-1732917600@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting November 2024
DESCRIPTION:“How to Build a Mars Rover” by Paul Meacham from Airbus\, Stevenage \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nPaul is the Spacecraft Chief Engineer for a major UK National Telecommunications project at Airbus\, and previously spent 14 years working in Systems and Chief Engineering on the ExoMars Rover Vehicle Project from inception to delivery\, including the build and test phases. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-november-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241025T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241025T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240528T151700Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241020T105731Z
UID:4602-1729886400-1729893600@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting October 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Mind of the Universe by Dr Fransisco Diego \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nBorn in Mexico City\, where he got his first degree in Mechanical Engineering. His career in Astronomy started at the Sociedad Astronomica de Mexico and the Planetario Luis E. Erro. He worked for several years at the Instituto de Astronomia\, UNAM and then came to University College London where he got a PhD in Astronomy. Currently\, he is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Department of Physics and Astronomy\, UCL\, vice president of the UK Association for Astronomy Education and a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He is a keen populariser of natural sciences and extensive experience as a planetarium producer/presenter\, lecturer\, author and broadcaster. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-october-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240927T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240927T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240528T151205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240926T140312Z
UID:4599-1727467200-1727474400@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting September 2024
DESCRIPTION:Astounding Tales and Cautionary Tales: Lessons Learned in a Lifetime of UFO Investigation \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nNeil Nixon is a writer and academic who has published 30 books and spent the final 20 years of his academic career founding and running the UK’s first full-time higher education program in Professional Writing. His published works cover a range of topics including a range of writing exploring sceptical viewpoints on claims of the paranormal. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-september-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240830T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240830T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240816T143247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240816T143625Z
UID:4631-1725048000-1725055200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting August 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Hidden Secret of Starlight \nJoin us for a very interesting 45 minute presentation by Richard Westwood. \nWithout spectroscopy we would know very little about the Universe we live in: in fact\, it is at the forefront of the science today; with the JWST\, in its task of revealing the very dawn of the Universe. \nOur discovery of spectroscopy is a fascinating human tale\, of experiment\, theory\, persistence and interesting characters: particularly the group of talented ladies who\, by studying glass plates\, gave us the stellar spectral sequence we use today \nThis presentation reveals the characters involved and how we learned to interpret these curious ‘lines’ in the spectrum\, we see their triumphs and struggles – and sense of humour\, as they carried out this painstaking work. \nThis talk also commemorates the bi-centennial of one of these pioneers – Sir William Huggins\, a silk merchants son\, who\, as an amateur astronomer\, became one of the leading experts in this field in the 1870’s. His observatory at Tulse Hill\, south London\, housed an 8-inch refractor\, which he devoted to spectroscopy. \nHe was President of the Royal Astronomical Society from 1876-1878. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-august-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240531T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240531T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240521T173608Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T095101Z
UID:4586-1717185600-1717192800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting May 2024
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our AGM & Members Images Meeting together with a talk on Astrophotography by Antonio Filippi. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAntonio’s presentation will give you a fantastic introduction to practical astrophotography as well as providing inspiration on what can be achieved. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nIn addition\, this meeting will include a BRING & BUY stall where you can sell your unwanted astro kit or find a great deal from what’s for sale from others. \nThe meeting will also include a news item and a tour of the night sky. \nFor those who cannot attend in person the meeting can be viewed on Zoom. Details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-may-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240426T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240426T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240204T131200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240420T172314Z
UID:4550-1714161600-1714168800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting April 2024
DESCRIPTION:FROZEN: ICY WONDERS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM by Karen Anne Devoil  \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nOn this journey we will encounter amazing landscapes\, exotic ice forms and hear about some of the processes involved drawing on the latest research and hear about the space missions involved in exploring these icy bodies. Ices are found from the innermost planet -Mercury\, right through to the icy far outer reaches of the solar system-the Oort Cloud\, these ices encompass not only water ice but also many other ‘volatile’ species including carbon dioxide\, carbon monoxide\, ammonia\, methane\, and nitrogen ice. Along the way\, we will explore some key questions such as how different ices behave\, what active processes are driven by ices and also consider their significance for Astrobiology and the search for life by exploring the potential habitability of some of these icy worlds. \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \nKaren Anne joined the Centre for Planetary Sciences at UCL/Birkbeck as the Marketing and Outreach Advisor. \nKaren has been studying Astronomy and Planetary Science for several years\, most recently at Birkbeck (Planetary Science) for 2 years and before that 2 years at UCL (Astronomy Certificate). She is also a Fellow of The Royal Astronomical Society and a registered STEM Ambassador. \nSome of you may have already met Karen through her work with UCL’s Your Universe public outreach festival\, where she has contributed for several years and run her own presentation stand (Is There Life on Mars) in 2020\, as well as assisting Mark Fuller and Francisco Diego in promoting the event using her professional marketing skills. She has also taken part in many other outreach events\, including International Asteroid Day 2021. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nFor those who cannot attend in person the meeting can be viewed on Zoom. Details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-april-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240322T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240322T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240204T130633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240204T130633Z
UID:4548-1711137600-1711144800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting March 2024
DESCRIPTION:Dr Francisco Diego – Details of talk to follow. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFrancisco Diego was born in Mexico City\, where he got his first degree in Mechanical Engineering. His career in Astronomy started at the Sociedad Astronomica de Mexico and the Planetario Luis E. Erro. He worked for several years at the Instituto de Astronomia\, UNAM and then came to University College London where he got a PhD in Astronomy. Currently\, he is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Department of Physics and Astronomy\, UCL\, vice president of the UK Association for Astronomy Education and a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He is a keen populariser of natural sciences and extensive experience as a planetarium producer/presenter\, lecturer\, author and broadcaster. \nFrancisco has appeared on TV series like Stephen Hawking’s Universe\, BBC’s The Planets and more recently\, Genius by Stephen Hawking (PBS)\, the world-wide version of BBC’s Wonders of the Universe\, The Seven Ages of Starlight and The Secret Life of the Sun. He is a regular contributor to BBC \, Sky and Aljazeera News channels. Veteran of 20 solar eclipse expeditions. Founder and director of Your Universe\, the UCL festival of Astronomy. Producing and delivering The Mind of the Universe\, a collection of public and school lectures and teacher workshops on astrophysics\, cosmology and life in the Universe. His most recent educational project is called Think Universe!\, a novel and ambitious idea to bring fundamental science to the primary and secondary classroom with initial support from the Royal Society and the Science and Technology Facilities Council. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nFor those who cannot attend in person the meeting can be viewed on Zoom. Details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-march-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240223T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240223T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240204T125642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240204T130206Z
UID:4541-1708718400-1708725600@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting February 2024
DESCRIPTION:“The Planet Mercury” \nBy Chris Hooker – Newbury AS \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nChris is the Mercury co-ordinator for the BAA Mercury & Venus section.\nJoin us for a fascinating talk about The Planet Mercury. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nFor those who cannot attend in person the meeting can be viewed on Zoom. Details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-february-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240126T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240126T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20240106T192713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240106T192713Z
UID:4527-1706299200-1706306400@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting January 2024
DESCRIPTION:A Universe of Infinities \nby Colin Stuart \nInfinity is a notoriously tricky concept to juggle with. It’s not even really a number and yet it seems to crop up time and again when\nastronomers try to understand our universe. \nDid the universe start from an infinitely small speck? Can the universe really be infinitely big? Can there be infinitely many universes in an\ninfinitely big multiverse? Find out in this talk. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nFor those who cannot attend in person the meeting can be viewed on Zoom. Details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \nWe look forward to seeing you.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-january-2024/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231215T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231215T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20231128T140037Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231128T145435Z
UID:4513-1702670400-1702677600@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting December 2023
DESCRIPTION:Members’ Images and Bring & Buy \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFor our last meeting of 2023 we will be showing a selection of members’ images in the Cadogan House Hall\, Royal Masonic School For Girls\, Rickmansworth. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nThis will also be presented on Zoom for those that cannot attend in person. Zoom details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting.  \nIn addition we will be holding a Bring and Buy event. This is a great opportunity to pick up a bargain or a chance to find a new home for equipment or accessories you no longer use. \nWe look forward to seeing you. \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-december-2023/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231124T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231124T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20231104T163554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231104T164221Z
UID:4501-1700856000-1700863200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting November 2023
DESCRIPTION:‘Meteorites’ by Professor Caroline Smith \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n“I am Head of Earth Sciences Collections and Principal Curator of Meteorites at the Natural History Museum and I have been researching meteorites since the late 1990s. My experience and expertise in curation and collections care has been recognised by the award of a prestigious Aurora Fellowship from the UK Space Agency and consultancy work with industrial\, academic and international space agency partners studying and planning for future Solar System sample return missions. \nIn 2011 I was selected as one of seven European scientists invited to participate in the ESA/NASA Joint Science Working Group planning for a proposed Mars exploration mission\, where I provided input and advice related to sample curation and containment during collection\, caching and on return to Earth. This work has continued and I have also been invited to participate in expert meetings on organic contamination by the US National Academy of Science. \nIn 2014 I was chosen to be the UK representative for iMARS Phase 2 and was selected to be the Co-Chair of the Science Team. Since 2014 I have been leading a team of Museum Researchers and Curators working with the European Space Agency to develop a collection of different rocks and minerals that are analogues of the surfaces of Mars\, Phobos\, Deimos\, Asteroids and the Moon and that can be used by engineers and scientists to develop technologies for robotic exploration missions. I was also the Co-PI of the European Commission Horizon2020 project EURO-CARES\, which has developed a roadmap for a future European Sample Curation Facility to curate samples returned from sample return missions. I am a member of ESA’s Human Spaceflight and Exploration Science Advisory Committee (HESAC) – the senior advisory body to ESA’s Director of Human Spaceflight and Robotic Exploration on all matters concerning scientific exploitation of human spaceflight\, microgravity and exploration programmes and also the UK Space Agency’s Space Exploration Advisory Committee. \nI have studied a wide range of different meteorite types and my research interests are planetary differentiation and extraterrestrial and terrestrial alteration processes. I regularly use a number of analytical techniques for studying precious meteoritic materials including electron and ion-beam instrumentation for sample preparation and analyses\, mass spectrometry and CT-scanning. \nIn summer 2018 I was greatly honoured to have asteroid (7635) Carolinesmith named after me.” \n  \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe will be meeting at the RMS as well as online via Zoom. \nZoom details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-november-2023/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20231027T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20231027T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20231006T114434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231006T114434Z
UID:4489-1698436800-1698444000@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting October 2023
DESCRIPTION:Infrared Astronomy by Dr Eric Dunford \nFind out more about Infrared astronomy from this fascinating talk by Dr Eric Dunford. \nMore details to follow. \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe will be meeting at the RMS as well as online via Zoom. \nZoom details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-october-2023/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230929T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230929T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20230829T211844Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230829T212254Z
UID:4474-1696017600-1696024800@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting September 2023
DESCRIPTION:The Sky At Night – By Gordon Rogers \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n“The Sky at Night\, with a Laugh” \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n“As a keen amateur astronomer this talk covers astronomical topics of contemporary interest both amateur and professional. I have a passion for Deep Space imaging and have built a state of the art observatory adjoining my house: I explain how this operates. Sir Patrick Moore filmed a whole “Sky at Night” programme at my observatory and asked me to write a book about it in his astronomy series. It is published by Springer and entitled “My Heavens”. I am a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. It is a staggering topic and there is plenty of room for humour.” \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky. \nWe will be meeting at the RMS as well as online via Zoom. \nZoom details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting. \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-september-2023/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230708T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230708T180000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20230513T122713Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230513T122713Z
UID:4447-1688806800-1688839200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:BAA Comet Section Meeting
DESCRIPTION:This is a face-to-face section meeting that will take place at the National Maritime Museum\, Greenwich. \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nThe meeting is open to anyone who has an interest in comets. \nFor further details about the talks and to book your place please visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/baa/889333 \n(£6 adult BAA members / £8 adult non-members) \n 
URL:https://swhas.org/event/baa-comet-section-meeting/
LOCATION:National Maritime Museum\, Greenwich\, Romney Road\, Greenwich\, London\, SE10 9NF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230526T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230526T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20230513T130210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230513T130210Z
UID:4456-1685131200-1685138400@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting May 2023
DESCRIPTION:Join us for our AGM & Members Images Meeting in the Cadogan House Hall at the Royal Masonic School for Girls\, Rickmansworth. \nThe Meeting will also include a BRING & BUY stall where you can sell your unwanted astro kit or find a great deal from what’s for sale from others. \nCome early to avoid disappointment ! \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky.  \nWe will be meeting at the RMS as well as online via Zoom. \nZoom details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-may-2023/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230525T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230525T190000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20230521T200157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230521T200356Z
UID:4466-1685034000-1685041200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:The JUICE Mission: Revealing the mysteries of Jupiter's icy moons
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nThe Centre for Planetary Sciences at UCL/Birkbeck is delighted to announce the third event in their Adventures in Planetary Science public engagement series ‘The JUICE mission: Revealing the mysteries of Jupiter’s icy moons’\, taking place on Thursday 25th May 2023\, starting at 5pm. This will be a virtual event held online with Zoom. \nESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission – JUICE – successfully launched on 14th April and is now on its way to make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three largest moons\, Ganymede\, Callisto and Europa all of which are believed to be harbouring subsurface oceans. But what is the mission hoping to discover? What secrets lie beneath the icy surface of Jupiter’s moons? Could they hold the conditions for life? \nThe event will feature talks from our panel of JUICE and astrobiology experts – Geraint Jones (UCL-MSSL)\, Nick Achilleos (UCL-P&A) and Grace Richards (OU) – followed by Q&A with the audience. Andrew Rushby (Birkbeck) will be our host for the evening. \nTo register for your free tickets on Eventbrite please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-juice-mission-revealing-the-mysteries-of-jupiters-icy-moons-tickets-625291392387 \nFor further information about the event please see the event webpage: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/planetary-sciences/events/2023/may/adventures-planetary-science-juice-mission-revealing-mysteries-jupiters-icy-moons
URL:https://swhas.org/event/the-juice-mission-revealing-the-mysteries-of-jupiters-icy-moons/
LOCATION:Online Event\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230428T200000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230428T220000
DTSTAMP:20260503T115218
CREATED:20230419T235024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230424T215053Z
UID:4403-1682712000-1682719200@swhas.org
SUMMARY:SWHAS Monthly Meeting Apr 2023
DESCRIPTION:Deep Sky Objects by Graham Marett\nMore information on our Astronomy Events page \nThe meeting will also include a news item of interest and a tour of the night sky.  \nWe will be meeting at the RMS as well as online via Zoom. \nZoom details will be emailed to members a few days before the meeting.
URL:https://swhas.org/event/swhas-monthly-meeting-apr-2023/
LOCATION:Royal Masonic School\, Rickmansworth\, Hertfordshire\, WD3 4HF\, United Kingdom
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END:VCALENDAR