Observing the Planets By Mark Radice

This talk will explain the basics of planetary observing and show how to make stunning, high resolution images that reveal the secrets of our planetary neighbours.

Mark Radice lives near Salisbury Wiltshire, a few miles from Stonehenge. He has been active in Astronomy since watching Comet Hykutake cross the sky while working in Canada in 1996. This sparked off an interest that led across the moon, through the solar system and out into deep space.

Most of his observing is done with a C11 on an EQ6 (a 280mm f10 Schmidt-Cassegrain) and a pair of 100mm APM binoculars from my roll off roof observatory. A 60mm Lunt H-alpha solar scope is used in the daytime.

His website (www.refreshingviews.com) and YouTube channel are well worth looking up.

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Please note that this talk may also be viewed at Newchurch Pavilion (adjacent to the IW Observatory) where it will be projected onto a large screen.

For viewers in the Newchurch Pavilion ONLY, the talk will be followed by the next Beginners Session:

How to Use the HEQ5 Mount (Part 1) By Dudley Johnson

The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Mount is probably the mount most recommended to someone wanting to begin astrophotography. Not many VAS members may be familiar with this kit, but after the two introductory sessions, which will cover both theory and practical, you should be able to set up and use it yourself.