June 2017

25TH June, 2017. Seeing the stars.

The telescope invented and constructed by Galileo (1564-1642) achieved a 30x magnification (about the same as a modern, medium-priced pair of binoculars), this enabling him to make ground-breaking discoveries about our solar system. Galileo had the advantages of a Mediterranean climate, little atmospheric pollution and minimal light pollution, compared to the 21st century. Both Copernicus and

25TH June, 2017. Seeing the stars. Read More »

21st June, 2017. ‘Sammy’ squirrel and Felix Mendelssohn.

Currently walking dog along section of ‘Middlegate’ before breakfast, the section immediately west of the chalk quarry has overhanging trees on both sides. Like most dogs Molly chases squirrels when on the ground, but not only can they ‘gallop’ surprisingly fast they can also climb vertically up the tree-trunk and into the canopy, and, in

21st June, 2017. ‘Sammy’ squirrel and Felix Mendelssohn. Read More »