1. THE STORY BEHIND UK NATIONAL ASTRONOMY WEEK By the Originator Robin Gorman

2. Origin of NAW in the UK Aim of NAW The seven events to present Future NAW’s

3. Origin of UK NAW NAW originated from a proposal made by Robin Gorman, then Chairman of Hampshire Astronomical Group, to a meeting of the Southern Area Group of Astronomical Societies in Chichester during the Autumn of 1979. The January 1980 inaugural meeting of NAW was subsequently held, with a small number of representatives from various UK astronomical bodies, in the clubroom of HAG’s Observatory near Fort Nelson, Fareham. The aim to bring an awareness of astronomy to the general public. The first NAW event took place just over one year later.

4. First - NAW 1981 March 7 to 14 The date selected was the 200 th anniversary of the discovery by William Herschel on 13th March 1781 of the planet Uranus. Steering committee meetings chaired by Robin Gorman were held at the then London Planetarium – part of Madam Tussauds. Don Miles was secretary. A major event was held at Greenwich which also included music written by Herschel performed at the Royal Naval College with Caroline Herschel present – a direct descendant. Both amateur and professional bodies held various events around the UK during the week. HAG opened Clanfield Observatory - which at that time just had the 20 inch observatory and a few portables. Locally the Queen Elizabeth Country Park took up the suggestion of having a Space Trail – which continues to the present day!

5. Made by Mike Tabb member of the steering committee. Replica of 6.5 inch telescope made by William Herschel to Discover Uranus

6. Second – NAW 1985 November 8 to 15 This historic event was chosen during the most favourable dark observing week for Halley's Comet return, as viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, when it was 58M miles distant. The comet reached perihelion in February 1986 and closest approach to Earth some 38M miles in April that year but was only favourable in the Southern Hemisphere! It was chaired again by Robin Gorman and proved to be an outstanding success with the media and societies funds. Visitors were queuing for up to 4 hours to view the comet through the HAG 20 inch - in sub zero temperatures!

7. Halley’s Comet first predicted return 1759 Painted by Samuel Scott at that time.

8. Enter Centre Stage - Brian Harpur Written in 1984

9. Brian Harpur’s tremendous contribution to NAW 1985 Funding from The Daily Telegraph Events with the Halley Comet Society Success was assured.

10. NAW 1985 Press Launch aboard HMS President moored on the Thames Robin Gorman

11. Commemorative Plate commissioned by Halley’s Comet Society

12. Third – NAW 1990 November 17 to 24 This was chosen to commemorate the centenary of the British Astronomical Association and was chaired by Nigel Henbest. By this time NAW’s had become quite well established with various bodies throughout the UK responding by arranging events. It was also becoming a significant means of raising funds for astronomical societies which by then were numbering over 150 across the country!

14. Fourth – NAW 1996 September 21 to 28 This event commemorated the 150 th anniversary of the discovery of Neptune in 1846 and was chaired by John Mason. It enabled the public to observe this faintest planet in the solar system, with Uranus positioned close by. Jupiter and Saturn were also available.

15. Night Sky for September 1996

16. Fifth – NAW 2003 August 23 to 30 The closest approach of Mars for arguably 60,000 years was a highly successful week. The media loved it and the weather was good. The red planet showed distinct surface details achieving a disk diameter of 25 arc seconds. The public were very enthusiastic and attendance was high around the country.

17. Extract from Mathematics Today

18. BBC Outside Broadcast with Fergus Walsh science correspondent during National Astronomy Week in 2003 – Mars closest for 60,000 yrs- at Clanfield Observatory - home of Hampshire Astronomical Group during National Astronomy Week in 2003 – Mars closest for 60,000 yrs- at Clanfield Observatory - home of Hampshire Astronomical Group

19. Sixth – NAW 2009 July 26 th This was different from all previous events and was chaired by Teresa Grafton. Although the steering committee had identified, with plans already under way, that Thomas Harriot had made the first recorded use of a telescope with a drawing of the Moon on July 26 th 1609 at Syon House, London. The International Astronomical Union, some what belatedly, declared the First International Year of Astronomy 2009 - linked to Galileo! The RAS were placed in charge of the UK events and quickly accepted the NAW committee should continue with the Syon House event, which proved to be a very memorable and successful event.

21. Syon House – Brentford, Middlesex

22. Seventh – NAW 2014 March 1 to 8 This was chosen to focus on Jupiter in Gemini at the time of its highest declination in the Northern Hemisphere for 12 years. Thus providing the best possible observing conditions near the meridian during the mid-evening. The steering committee meets at the RAS and is now chaired by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr Robert Massey. Members include: Robin Scagell (since 1980), Ian Ridpath, Teresa Grafton, Geoff Burt and many others.

24. Steering Committee Meeting RAS Council Room – January 2014

25. Future NAW’s No firm plans are currently in place but having selected the timing of the vast majority of events so far, I am constantly being urged to come up with something as quickly as possible! Not an easy task – but someone has to do it! However this is my very recent proposal…

26. Proposed Next (Eighth) NAW 2020 Feb 29 – March 7 Target Venus Venus elongation to Sun 45 deg. Venus sets 22:00. Phase 62% Moon Phase 33% on Sat. Feb 29 Sunset 17:44 GMT Map for 29th Feb Looking West

27. NAW Legacy There is no doubt that NAW has achieved its aims – by helping bring astronomy – the oldest science - to the public. Very many thousands of people from up and down the country, have attended events over the past 33 years, often for the first time. NAW has at the very least helped bring about this awareness.

28. Keep Looking Up