Speaker: Nick Hewitt Venue: An online (Zoom) presentation

About the talk: "The Great Debate" was the meeting in April 1920 in Washington where Heber Curtis and Harlow Shapley talked about the scale of the Universe as understood a century ago. The talk outlines the background to the debate, looks at the bones of contention, and how it was resolved.

About the speaker (Nick Hewitt introduces himself): "I have been a keen amateur for many decades. Although my strength has been in the Deep Sky (Director of the BAA's Deep Sky Section 1992 to 2003), I am also an enthusiastic eclipse chaser, imager of Mars (when not too low!) and enjoy all aspects of astronomy. I joined the BAA in 1967 - 1974, lapsed during my wine, women and song years but rejoined in 1983 and have thoroughly enjoyed the support and friendship of so many great amateur and professional astronomers. I served as President of the BAA from 1999-2001."

"I retired from General Medical practice in 2016, hoping to become more productive regarding observing and imaging. I currently chair the local society's Astronomy Section (Northamptonshire Natural History Society)."

Vectis Astronomical Society hosts talks on the 4th Friday of most months (December excepted). Visitors are always welcome, and a suggested donation for attendance is £2.50