Author Archives: Martin Kennedy

17th September Lecture: When Gateshead Ruled the World: The Curious story of the Newall Telescope

In the 1870’s Gateshead was one of the world’s most famed astronomical destinations.

The reason was the 25inch telescope, the largest refractor in the world (at that time), owned and run by the wealthy Scottish engineer and amateur astronomer Robert Stirling Newall  FRS FRAS on his estate located next to the present day Saltwell Park.

Newall’s telescope was a magnet to the most famous astronomers, scientists and artists of the day.

This presentation by our SAS President Dave Newton tells the curious history of the telescope and some of the characters associated with it.

19th August: SAS Starbeque

From humble beginnings and as a pre-season event, the annual SAS Starbeque event has now become the stuff of legend and it was our largest attended Starbeque to date.

Held usually on last Saturday in August, but due to the nearest new moon phase.

• Date:  Saturday 19th August 2017,
• Time: From 7 pm until very late, observing afterwards if weather is favorable.
• Venue: Will take place at at Derwent Reservoir located at our Millshield dark sky site.

This is our traditional celebration of the return of darker nights and, as in previous years, 

The event is free to attend (members,  invited guests & the public) though you will need to supply your own barbeque goodies (for e,g, food, disposable barbies, etc), scopes, etc.

Note: There is now a car parking charge of £1.50 for the night Millfields Car Park.

6th August: Image Processing using PaintShop Pro / Lightroom (For Members)

Astro Image Processing using PixInsight.

This is the 4rth SAS members workshop as part of series of workshops/tutorials over the summer period.

Larry Bedigan, renowned Photographer and Sausage maker, will talk us through the use of these two classic Image manipulation packages including the latest features which benefit the Astrophotographer

• Date:  Sunday 6th August 2017,
• Time: 7p – 9pm.
• Instructor: Larry Bedigan
• Venue: Will take place at the Cygnus Observatory (Discovery Room).

This event is free to attend for SAS members. 

30th July: Astro Image Processing using PixInsight (For Members)

Astro Image Processing using PixInsight.

This is the 3rd SAS members workshop as part of series of workshops/tutorials over the summer period.

John Lynch will discuss his experience with the PixInsight software package, its benefits and techniques to deliver exceptional images.

• Date:  Sunday 30th July 2017,
• Time: 7p – 9pm.
• Instructor: John Lynch
• Venue: Will take place at the Cygnus Observatory (Discovery Room).

This event is free to attend for SAS members. 

16th July: Astro Image & Processing Workshop (For Members)

Image Capture & Processing workshop.

Sunderland Astronomical Society is all about giving.

This is the 2nd SAS members workshop as part of series of workshops over the summer period now on the 3rd Sunday of the month, until new season starts in September on Image Capture and/or Processing with instructions, tips & gotcha’s given throughout by some of our more experienced SAS astrophotographers.

• Date:  Sunday 16th July 2017,
• Time: Setup from 6:15pm, workshop(s) starts from 7pm until late, observing/imaging afterwards if weather is favorable.
• Venue: Will take place at the Cygnus Observatory.

The event is free to attend for members.