The BSF is being hosted by Aston University this year so on Saturday 18 September, we will be holding an event entitled: ‘Life, the Universe and Everything....’

From 1pm onwards, we will have a display in the Upper Foyer in the Main Building at Aston and solar telescopes outside the Main entrance, weather permitting, with three talks scheduled for G11, the Byng Kendrick lecture theatre, from 1.30pm – 5.30 pm. Our keynote speakers will be:

• Br Guy Consolmagno,the 'Pope's astronomer'from the Vatican Observatory
• Prof Ian Morison, Gresham Professor of Astronomy: Manchester University: Jodrell
  Bank Radio Observatory
• Mike Frost from the British Astronomical Association (BAA)

We will also have sidewalk astronomy outside in the evening, if skies are clear.

We are delighted to contribute to what we all hope will be a very successful Festival so put this date in your diaries and come along to support this unique and exciting event.

THIS YEAR'S SPRING SKYWATCH AT LICKEY HILLS proved a little disappointing both in terms of weather and visitor numbers. Despite a sterling turnout by members and a planetarium show, attendance was fairly low although all three talks were well received with our ‘panel of experts’ question and answer session proving especially popular. Unfortunately, due to Birmingham City Council cuts, the future of some of the staff at the Centre is under threat; indeed, the existence of the venue, itself, might possibly be at risk. Let’s hope that we will be able to continue to enjoy this valuable amenity for a while longer yet….

Today saw a successful day at the Birmingham ThinkTank. The Birmingham Astronomical Society brought a range of telescopes to the science museum, showing the public how to use the telescope they got as a Christmas present.

The exhibits were popular all day, with both children and their parents, as they were shown how to set up and use the scopes. On display were freely available software and pictures that caught the imagination of youngsters.

Last year's International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009) saw the Society deliver a whole host of monthly events under our banner theme ' The City-Dweller's Guide to the Galaxy'. Included were sidewalk astronomy events, star and solar parties plus international guest speakers, exhibitions and displays at various locations around Birmingham. A huge commitment made possible by a core team of enthusiastic and supportive members!

We would like to thank all our partners for their support over the last twelve months ;particularly, Tony Fox from Friends of Cannon Hill Park, Mario diMaggio from Birmingham Thinktank Science Museum, staff of Soho House Museum, the wardens from Lickey Hills Visitors' Centre and Sutton Coldfield Park and, also, the Events staff at Aston University.