NEXT TALK
Thursday 17th October 2024 at 7.30 p.m. "Clusters of Galaxies" presented by Prof Ben Maughan, University of Bristol
Talk Description:
Galaxy clusters are enormous cosmic structures containing thousands of galaxies that are bound together by gravity. They are filled with a gas atmosphere that glows in X-rays, but their main constituent is the mysterious dark matter than makes up about 90% of their mass. The number of massive galaxy clusters that can form depends on the conditions in the early Universe, and how the Universe has expanded since then - both factors depend on dark matter and on the equally mysterious dark energy that drives the current cosmic expansion. In this talk I will describe how the study of galaxy clusters led to the discovery of dark matter and gives insight into its properties, and the present efforts and future prospects for using galaxy clusters to probe the nature of dark energy.
Biography:
Ben did a degree in Astrophysics at Cardiff University, graduating in 2000 before going on to a PhD as the University of Birmingham. Following this, he was awarded a Chandra Fellowship to pursue his research into galaxy clusters at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics in Cambridge Massachusetts. He returned to the UK to become a lecturer at the University of Bristol in 2007, where he continues to work, now as a Professor of astrophysics.
Fortnightly CAS Social (Tuesday Evening) via Zoom (Members Only)
Once a fortnight (same week as Thursday talk) on a Tuesday evening from 19:00 to around 21:00 we hold a social get together on zoom where we chat about both astronomical and non-astronomical subjects, have a quiz and have presentations by members. The presentations are usually on either member's hobbies or their travels but can be on anything they think others will find interesting.
Why not come along one week to see what you think. You do not need to stay for the whole session and people often arrive late or leave early because of other commitments. It is very informal!
To register your interest complete the ContactUsForm. Please include your Membership Number and you will be sent a link to the next session.
Recent Public Events
To see older events and to look at our testimonials please click here
HOVAS 5th October 2024
Well a bright and sometimes sunny day - if only we could have swopped the weather for an outdoor event at Bannau with this one!
However, an enjoyable day was had by all; a very interesting talks programme and a good variety of stands to keep us interested, entertained and wowed!
An good opportunity for some retail therapy and lovely to meet up with fellow enthusiasts from HOVAS, Bridgend Astro Soc, Usk AS, Astro Cymru, Gwent Rocketry Society, The Society for Popular Astronomy and the BAA.
A busy day to fit all that in, plus the trade stands and man our own stand as well.
It was hard work but it had to be done!
Dark Skies Festival/Sep 21st 2024
Or could be rebilled as Singing in the Rain!
Though seriously, the CAS Outreach team made the most of the day, and we helped a good number of people with their beginners' interest in the event.
When the Sun did finally make an appearance, Stephen Webber set up a solar scope quickly followed by Mike our Treasurer with another.
There were lots of oohs and wows from adults and children alike and that made the damp start all worthwhile.
We had some very keen children who were handed the very colourful project booklets about the Sun with some other goodies and discussed what they had seen in more detail with Bob Love, Mike and Stephen.
Everyone was given a pocket star chart with the hope of clearer days to come, and Joan demonstrated to a family how to set their phone screens on night view to retain their dark adaption whilst using their Apps.
And don't buy a telescope to start with, get these binoculars!
All very good and practical information which we hoped has sparked or encouraged the interest of some future astronomer and given adults a new and fascinating interest.
Tiffany's Treasures were once again the main draw to our table! Well done Tiffany as the items on offer continue to grow in variety and interest.
Phill and Stephen gave their talks in the dryness of the smart new classroom and the Ukelele Band acquired 2 more members which may have set a precedent for our Star Parties at Dyffryn!
No-one seemed to be stressed going home with thoughts of Armageddon, and lines and circles in the sky means more than just technical jargon
Not a perfect observing day, but much worthwhile community work completed and importantly - we had good fun!
The night sky this month
(Courtesy of BBC Sky at Night Magazine)
Day-by-day guide to this month's night sky
- text and photos
PART 2: THE SOCIETY'S UPCOMING EVENTS
Next Star Party - Details to be confirmed
Next Observing Session
Please see our Observing Sessions page for dates
PART 3: THE CARDIFF ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Introduction to CAS
The Cardiff Astronomical Society (CAS) is a thriving society located in South East Wales. It has been in existence for over 45 years and is one of the largest amateur astronomical societies in the UK. CAS provides a range of facilities for both Society members and the public at large including a varied programme of talks on Thursday evenings (except in August) at the Physics and Astronomy Department of Cardiff University. In addition, regular night sky (and occasional solar) Observing Sessions are held at the Society's own Observatory at Dyffryn Gardens.
Our members come from all walks of life and their knowledge of astronomy ranges from complete beginner to advanced. You don't need any specialist knowledge to join us and neither do you need to own a telescope or binoculars. It's also possible to try us out before joining!
More details about the Society and what it does are available here
We are keen to get more Society members on board to assist with the running of CAS events - please see here how you can Help Us
JOIN OR SUPPORT CAS
Come and join some of the Society's members at one of our talks or observing events. We promise a warm and friendly welcome for all. Only £18/£3/£24 per annum for Adult/Junior/Family membership also means you can make use of our Library
Gift Aid
CAS is registered for Gift Aid. This means that, if you are a UK taxpayer, we can claim back the standard rate tax on subscriptions (and on any donations) giving an effective 25% boost to the amount the Society has received. However, in order to reclaim these monies from HMRC, we need all members who pay tax to complete and return a Charity Gift Aid Declaration form. Please note that if you have paid your subscriptions by PayPal, you will have already been asked if you would consent to those subscriptions being Gift Aided - but we still need a completed Charity Gift Aid Declaration form in order for us to reclaim the tax paid as Gift Aid.
If you are eligible, please take a form (using the button opposite) and then complete it and pass it to us at one of the fortnightly talks or send it to CAS by post or email (see the bottom of the form). Thank you for your help!
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Cardiff Astronomical Society outreach for schools, colleges, businesses & organisations.
We welcome all invitations from schools, colleges, businesses, scouts, guides and other organisations in providing outreach. We can host events our our observatory in Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan. We can also discuss events with your organisation to include stargazing, talks and activities. We do not charge a fee for this but would kindly request that expenses are covered as we volunteer our time.
We have a wide range of expertise & can offer events to all ages and knowledge levels.
If you would like to discuss outreach with us please use our ContactusForm and someone will contact you.
It should be noted that CAS has a formal Policy on Child Protection and the Protection of Vulnerable Adults
