We pick the best live and virtual astronomy events and resources this month
PICK OF THE MONTH
Cosmology: Galaxies and Stars
National Museum Cardiff, 13 May, 10am
How is a galaxy made? What happens when a star dies? And what is a supermassive black hole? For this year’s spring meeting, the British Astronomical Association will host a panel of experts, including Professor Mark Birkinshaw of the University of Bristol and Dr Ana Duarte Cabral of Cardiff University, for a full day of astrophysics, answering these cosmological questions and more. Anyone with an interest in astronomy or cosmology is welcome to come along, though the event is likely to be a little too in-depth for younger astronomers. Children £8, adults £12. For more details, visit britastro.org/event/baa-spring-meeting.
Little Astronomers morning
Armagh Planetarium, 26 May, 10am
In this under-5s dome show, budding astronomers can join astronaut George as he explores the Solar System, then head to the sensory room for toddler activities and exhibits. Children £5, accompanying adults free. armagh.space/planetarium/whats-on
Libby Jackson talk
Montpelier, Bristol, and online, 12 May, 7pm
In this talk for Bristol Astronomical Society, Libby Jackson, head of space exploration for the UK Space Agency, discusses the UK’s plans for going to the Moon. £3 for non-members. bristolastrosoc.org.uk/all-events
Stonehenge and Astronomy
Shurdington, Cheltenham, 13 May, 7:30pm
Stonehenge tour guide Simon Banton gives a talk for Cotswold Astronomical Society about the site’s astronomical associations, followed by refreshments and a discussion on observing the night sky in May. £2 for non-members. cotswoldas.org.uk/our-events
The Summer Sky
Swinton Bottom Club, Rotherham, and online, 18 May, 7:45pm
Join Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society to discover all there is to see in the night sky over the next few months, whether viewing through binoculars, telescope or naked eye. £2 for non-members. msas.org.uk/about/programme
Indigenous Australian Astronomy
Online, 19 May, 7:30pm
Aboriginal Australians are widely thought of as the first astronomers. In this talk, Dr Pete Kuzma shares stories of Australia’s first peoples and their beliefs about the night sky. Free to watch. astronomyedinburgh.org/events
Starting from Scratch Astrophotography Day
Humfrey Rooms, Northampton, 21 May, 11am
This one-day course covers everything a beginner needs to know to photograph the night sky, from setting up a tripod to image processing. £12 for non-members. popastro.com
13 Things to Improve your Lunar/Planetary Images
Standalone Farm, Letchworth, 31 May, 7:30 pm
A Letchworth & District Astronomical Society talk by Astronomy Photographer of the Year prizewinner Martin Lewis. £3 for non-members. ldas.org.uk/events/list