Hello

I'm Andy Sawers and have been a member of the Flamsteed since last summer. My interest in astronomy probably goes back to when I was 8 and the launch of Apollo 7 - so waaaay before Mike Meynell was 10 years old!

My telescope experience is almost negligible but I was recently shown how to properly manipulate my Celestron 130 so am now waiting for the return of dark skies (but am in no rush to rush through the current G&T summer evenings).

Mathematics and Astrophysics are definitely not in my CV - but since last September I've been studying GCSE Astronomy at the Royal Observatory. What I lack in knowledge I try to make up for in enthusiasm about the thrill of learning so much new stuff recently - an enthusiasm I'll be endeavouring to share here.

Planetary motion and Galileo/Kepler are particular interests of mine. I got very excited recently when I realised I was starting to understand Cepheid variables. I know, I should get out more - with a telescope.

Hello there! I'm Christina Chester, and have been a member of the Flamsteed since 2012. I am part of the committee here and also a Volunteer Observing Assistant up at the ROG.

I love astronomy and all things 'space'. I enjoy learning and take great enjoyment in sharing knowledge with others (though my background is in the arts). Learning new things is one of the reasons that I joined the Flamsteed - I've not looked back since!

When the night skies are clear I enjoy looking up at the heavens with my 5" reflector or bins. I like looking at planets mostly. Saturn and Jupiter are the best objects I've seen through my own 'scope… I'm currently searching for a cure for aperture fever!

"Hello There!". I'm Tej, second person to mimic Obi-Wan on here but probably first to sound suspiciously like a Star Wars fan (quiet R2, they might hear you) ...

I became a member of Flamsteed in Jan 2013, same month I started to be an "amateur astronomer" (very strong emphasis on the "amateur") as I bought my first ever telescope in which I was blown away by the sight of many wonders of the Solar System for the first time in my life. Seeing my first galaxy particularly took my breath away (you know how bloody far away those are?!? huh?)...and to think I was seeing all this from heaviest light polluted city in the world, London. I had no idea before then, that it was possible. I am a lover of Scifi and time travel and I wonder why it took me so long to find this new, soul reaching hobby. A quick glance at my abused bank account probably answers that question as I had since become so addicted, I bought two more telescope systems and countless accessories. However, the knowledge I gained from my stargazing, my astrophotography (which I am also seriously addicted to), the invigorating Flamstead lectures/workshops/stargaze events and conversing with other members...well it has been priceless and I look forward to learning so much more and sharing knowledge with each other here.

Hi
I become a member of Flamsteed in 2013 and have attended quite a few meetings, lectures etc etc and met a few of you already
I also run a parent led enrichment at my kids school 11/13 yr olds on Astronomy which has been going really well and I couldn't have done any of it without some help from the society Mike has been a great help in answering my questions and other members have even been down and had a small chat with the kids which they enjoyed a lot 🙂

Haven't got a telescope yet but hopefully will have one in a few weeks time 😀

Hello
My name is Brian Blake. I joined Flamsteed in 2011. I too like Tej have abused my bank account for kit etc. I first became interested in astronomy after Yuri Gagarin was launched into space, I got the chance to see him in person, this sparked an interest in finding out about the stars and planets. My areas of interest are varied as the whole subject excites me but if forced I suppose Cosmology gets most of my attention. I love finding out how the universe works.

Hi, I'm Stuart, I've been a member since 2011.

I'm a very keen, though strictly amateur astrophotographer, which is a tremendously expensive hobby to have ! Some of my best photos are on here, hope you enjoy.

I'm lucky enough to have access to a dark sky site at our little place in Spain, which although I don't get out there nearly as much as I'd like, does give some cracking skies. I have a Celestron 150mm reflector scope and DSLR for imaging.

Cheers,

Stuart

Stuart, those photographs are wonderful. A fabulous range of deep sky stuff and some earth-bound nightscapes. I'm definitely going to the next astrophotography course - after raiding the piggy bank, I guess.

Great stuff, Stuart. What DSLR are you using?

I love the "Colour of the Moon" shot!

Wow, Stuart, that is an awesome gallery and well done for making the most of your short stays in Spain! I too like the colour moon shot as well as you virgo galaxies image.

I am yet to learn how to do DSO imagings. So far I have only done planetary...so watch out, I might be prodding you for some tips in future once I begin my deep space imaging journey 🙂

Thanks guys !

Mike, sadly it's a ratty old Nikon D80 - noisy with serious amp-glow issues. I wish I had a nice HEQ6 mount and cooled full-frame CCD, but I have to get the kids through school first ! One day...

Tej, more than happy to help 😉

Hi Stuart... well now I'm even more impressed! Really well done with that equipment!!

Hi All,

The forum has been running for a while now and I thought I better make an appearance and introduce myself.

My name is Nick Phillips and I have been a member for a couple of years now, I have also been on the committee for the past year. I have always been interested in science and astronomy and decided a few years ago to by my first scope, like many others here I then found the path to the addiction of astronomy. I enjoy my role on the committee and have been pleased to of been part of some of the great events we do. I do not profess to having the knowledge of some of our other members and do not specialise in any one subject, but I enjoy all aspects of astronomy and am learning all the time.

I particularly enjoy Solar observing and have found although I am also looking forward to the night sky I am happy for the summer to stay a bit longer.

Nice! pictures Stuart very impressive.

Hi this is the 1st astronomy society i have joined (this week) and so far it looks great 🙂  I have always been interested in the stars and all the fields relating to them although never actually studied any of them (philosophy, psychology and IT in college).  I recently got an 8" reflector telescope which I'm very happy with although still a beginner using it.  I joined to learn more and meet like minded people as probably most members do, hope to see you soon 🙂

David