Event Programme (Current Year)
The programme for 2023 is below.
Check back regularly in case any dates or times change. Note that event cancellations will be marked by scored through text.
With Covid-19 being less of a concern CAG have resumed holding in-person events again, complimented by occasional online meetings via Zoom.
The use of online meetings has been invaluable over the past few years and as well as allowing us to have guest speakers from farther afield it has allowed CAG to collaborate with, and occasionally join the meetings of other astronomical groups in the north of Scotland (HAS, SIGMA, AAS & NRAG).
CAG Programme of Events for 2023
Programme under development (remember to also check our Facebook page for further details and short notice announcements relating to our public events)
20 Jan - Members Event & Observing Session - views of winter constellations, Jupiter, Mars & Comet C/2022 E3 ZTF.
21/22 Jan Members Observing Session - cancelled due to poor weather
28/29 Jan - Public Observing Session (Castlehill Heritage Centre, weather permitting) cancelled due to poor weather
Fri 17th Feb - The OU Astronomy Course - CAG member Dr David Orr will talk about this online course for those wishing to learn aboout astronomy in more depth - CAG members event to be held online via Zoom
Fri 3rd March - Caithness Stargazing Sights - Using a selection of members night sky images from recent years we'll show what can be seen and imaged from Caithness using amateur equipment, and also give a bit of background behind the objects and phenomena. This public event has been cancelled due to illness and the talk will be rescheduled to a later date.
Sat 4th March - AGM. Due to an important attendee having Covid, the AGM will now be held virtually via Zoom instead of in-person at the Castlehill Heritage Centre. Meeting is still scheduled to start at 10.30am. CAG members will receive an email with joining instructions. Anyone else wishing to join the meeting should contact the CAG secretary by email or via the contact page to get the joining instructions/link.
25th March - “Earth Hour” event - Seadrift Centre, Dunnet at 7pm. In conjuction with Highlife Highland Countryside Rangers join Caithness Astronomy Group for a guided tour of the solar system that will illustrate how unique and special the planet Earth is, and why it is imperative that we look after our home. The tour will take you on a journey through our solar system using stunning images from space missions & if the weather permits there will also be the chance to observe the Moon, some planets and even more distant objects through telescopes.
No rocket ship or spacesuit required for the tour, but remember to bring warm clothing for the outdoor observing! Booking essential.
3rd April (tbc) "What can be seen in Caithness Skies after Dark" - joint event with the Highlife Highland Countryside Rangers at the Norseman Hotel in Wick This public event has been cancelled. We will look to hold it at a later date.
19th May - "Non Professional Comet Observing & Discovery" - Denis Buczinski, a highly respected award winning amateur astronomer, will give a presentation on the techniques of comet observing by amateurs, the science that can be achieved and the (still possible) attraction of comet discovery by amateur astronomers. - 7.30pm at the Castlehill Heritage Centre
June - Tba
Summer months - Public "drop-by" solar observing sessions. Dates, times and locations to be announced.
Sept - CAG at the Orkney International Science Festival and the Caithness International Science Festival
8th Dec - "Meteors & Mince Pies Event” - annual end of year event for CAG members. CAG members event at Castlehill Heritage Centre.
Members observing sessions will take place at various weekends during the darker winter months. This will be weather dependent and members will receive notification shortly beforehand if each session will take place. The venue will normally be at the Castlehill Heritage Centre Dark Sky Discovery Site, but some sessions may utilise even darker locations.
Weekends pencilled in for the above sessions are yet to be announced.
