Our main speaker for the 1st September meeting was Dr Jonathan Shanklin. His talk entitled 'An Astronomer in Antarctica' reviewed his experiences working in the British Antarctic Territories. He began with a description of the many atmospheric effects that can be seen in this region of the world. There were photographs of Noctilucent Clouds (more frequent now - particularly after Space Shuttle launches), Fogbows, Plate Clouds, Sun Dogs and Halo Displays. He spoke of the 'Green Flash' that is sometimes visible at sunset, Sun Pillars and of the Aurora. The weather is suprisingly variable. At different times of the year, temperatures can drop as low as -50C and sometimes be warm enough for Shorts and T-Shirt.He spoke of his concerns for Global Warming and although this is still controversial, of the 3C average rise in temperature over the last 20 years. His measurements of the Ozone hole, Glacial Collapse and levels of CFC's in the atmosphere (fortunately this is levelling out) give cause for concern. Political and financial constraints mean that evidence for damage has to be unequivical but it is difficult for Scientists to give difinitive answers. They are forced to be conservative in their estimates in relation to both ther observations and computer models. Dr Shanklin has visited Antarctica fifteen times and each time he says, there is something new to see and learn.
The next meeting will be the A.G.M. In the past, the formalities have been dealt with rapidly leaving the rest of the meeting to cover topics of interest. A video of the 'History of the Hubble Telescope' will be shown.The next meeting will be held as usual at the 'Friends Meeting House' in Granville Road, Clacton on 6th October