[cpastro] Next meeting Wednesday May 6th 2026: "Southend's first Pier" Andrew Summers.

Hi All

This week we have an off topic talk about building Southend’s first pier.

Southend’s world famous pier is nearly 200 years old and is reputed to be the longest pleasure pier in the world. Over its life span the pier has suffered several fires, severe damage from ships crashing into it and come close to being scrapped on more than one occasion on the grounds of cost by the local authority. Getting the pier built was no easy task very much like any major building project throughout the ages.

Andrew summers will be at the club to tell the story.

[cpastro] Next meeting Wednesday 29th April 2026: "Atmospheric optics" Nik Szymanek

This week we welcome back an old friend and previous member of the club Nik szymanek. Nik will be talking about atmospheric optics and showing us some of his amazing images.

Nik is best known for his deep sky CCD images, and his contributions to education and public outreach surrounding amateur astronomy. He collaborates with professional astronomers and works with research-grade telescopes located at La Palma in the Canary Islands, and at Mauna Kea Observatories at the Hawaiian Islands. He publishes his pictures in astronomical magazines and has written books on astrophotography called Infinity Rising.

This will be an excellent, must see, event for everyone.

[cpastro] Next meeting Wednesday 22 April 2026: the great debate "Visual or imaging" Mike and Ken

Hi All

This week we have Mike and Ken debating what is best "Visual observing" or "Astrophotography".

Its going to be quite a clash. The members will decide. Who will win? find out on Wednesday.

we also have a starter.

It will be fun, don't Miss it