BBC Stargazing live

Over the past three nights the BBC has ran live shows from Jodrell Bank in the UK. Called Stargazing live.

The first night started a bit shaking, which was to be expected as it's a live broadcast with Brian Cox, who probably never really presented a live show on TV, and I felt sorry for Dara O'Briain by the end, who himself has a degree in physics was force to ask simple questions.

Although I didn't really learn anything new, it was brilliant to get a chance see some UK research being shown live on the BBC at prime time in the evening. For example to see images of the Andromeda and the uses of the UK's merlin radio telescope network.

Hopefully, this series of programs has helped the general pubic see why investment in the UK's space research is vital, as shown in Hawaii, the UK is world leader in this field. We can not let this disappear.

Another point of the in the final program was the importance of space exploration beyond the moon, however with the current economic problems in the World, see I it hard for one country ie USA to do is alone with before, and therefore more likely to be a group of countries working together to achieve in my eyes man's greatest achievement to date, to step on to another planet in the solar system.

I do however have some criticism, I thought there was possibly slightly too much stock and pre recorded features for a live show. Also what was the point of the feathers with Jonathan Ross, were they intend to make him look like a complete fool... however I am probably slightly bias as I don't find him funny and fact he had expensive telescopes, yet not a clue on how to use them, or what he was looking at.

However overall it was great to see the BBC recognising the importance of British science and have a live show at prime time to cover it. Hopefully in the future there is more shows like this and less pointless reality TV dribble.

Now back to revision for my upcoming exams.

Until next time.

Persied meteor shower

Last night, was the peak activity for this year's Persied meteor shower.

This year I was at home and able to go and sit my garden and look at the skies in wonder. The cloud cover during the day was less than promising, grey and overcast... I wasn't holding up much hope for seeing much of nature's firework display.

However, whilst walking home last yesterday clearing skies, re-engaged my hope of see some meteors.

So at about 10:30pm I ventured into the garden in slippers and shorts...yes in hindsight probably not a wise choice.

Between 10:30 and 11pm I saw only a few faint meteors. One of the main problems for star gazing in the Medway towns is the light pollution.
But slowly as time passed, there was more noticeable meteors, travelling at a great speed across the skies night. It was all pretty magical. Probably counted over 15 meteors that I was sure of over the in hour and quarter I was outside.

However, due to the poor choice of clothing and a stiffening neck, I was forced retreat back to the house. As I got the patio door I noticed an object too bright to be a star, therefore it was most likely to been a planet, from a bit of research it transpired the object was most probably the largest planet in out solar system, Jupiter.

Overall a successful night watching the night's sky.

In other news I have started a Photobox gallery selling my photography work... link is www.photoboxgallery.com/huntphotography. There is a cracking star trail photography for sale on it.

Also on Monday I will be the photographer for my uncle's wedding, which will hopefully be a valuable and useful experience.

Until next time.