The Sussex Newspaper is told October 12 sees the return of the International Observe The Moon Night (InOMN). On this night amateur astronomers around the world will be observing the Moon with each other and, hopefully members of the public.
As part of Worthing Astronomers ongoing public outreach programme and to celebrate their Fifth Anniversary Year, Worthing Astronomers will be holding two moon free observing evenings on October 11 and 12 at Splash Point Worthing Promenade – about 300m east of the Pier, not to be confused with the new swimming pool complex of the same name further along the seafront and from about 8 p.m onwards.
The Moon will be first quarter on October 12 and so will present a half-moon in the sky that will contain many features of interest for members of the public to look at.
To make it more hands-on for those attending Worthing Astronomers will be holding a competition for members of the public each night to see who can capture the best photograph of the Moon using their camera-phone and anyone of the telescopes at the venue.
There will be a prize for each of the two evenings with submissions being entered by October 18 for judging. The winning pictures with credits to the photographers, may be used by Worthing Astronomers to promote the hobby of Astronomy on its website, newsletter and elsewhere.
Prizes of binoculars have been kindly donated by the The Sussex Astronomy Centre in Goring Road, Worthing. There will also be a certificate for the winners. A guide to competition rules is available on request or downloadable from the Worthing Astronomers website from the beginning of October.
Naturally these events are dependent on weather conditions and may be cancelled at the last minute due to adverse observing conditions. Check for updates on the society website – www.worthingastronomers.org.uk.
Worthing Astronomers has a membership of over 270 and is not only the largest and fastest growing astronomical society in Sussex but one of the largest in southern England. Free membership is open to anyone with an interest in astronomy and at any level of experience – from beginner to experienced.
The events are weather dependent so please check via their website – www.worthingastronomers.org.uk – for weather and observing availability information closer to the time.