Derekscope

The Moon at apogee

• The Moon reaches apogee at a distance of 252,706 miles from Earth at 02:46 /2.46am.
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• The Ursid meteor shower is active from Wednesday 17th December to Friday 26th December, peaking on the night of Sunday 21st thru Monday 22nd December.
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Look up! The Moon and Venus shine side by side tonight.

• This pairing will be a treat for early risers in Milton Keynes and across the UK.
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• They’ll be close to the horizon, so find a clear, unobstructed view – like a hilltop or open field.
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• Use binoculars to catch the Moon’s earthshine.
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• The Leonid Meteor Shower reaches its peak on the night of Monday 17th to Tuesday 18th November 2025.
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• Best viewing after midnight until dawn, when the constellation of Leo (The Lion) rises higher in the sky.
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• Look toward the sickle of Leo, near the bright star Regulus — but meteors can appear anywhere.
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• This is one of the most anticipated meteor events of the year, especially for UK observers under dark skies.
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British Deaf Astronomical Association
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2026 BDAA Events
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Open to all who are
interested in practical astronomy.
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• 2026 February – European AstroFest, London (more information)

• Admission to the exhibition is £10.00 for adults and FREE for children under 16.

• Saturday 7th February 2026
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• Kensington Conference and Events Centre,
  The Town Hall,
  Hornton Street,
  London, W8 7NX
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• Doors open at 9am / events close at 6pm, afterwards, join us at The Prince of Wales pub for relaxed socialising.

• 2026 March – Practical Astro Show (more information)

• The show is free to attend, and a large spacious venue with free parking.

• Saturday 7th March 2026
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• NAEC, Stoneleigh
  Stoneleigh Park
  Kenilworth
  Warwickshire
  CV8 2LH
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• Doors open at 9am / events close at 4.30pm.

• 2026 October – Autumn Equinox Sky Camp (more information)

• Sorry – all places are now filled! We’re honoured by the interest and support – if you’d like to join the waiting list for 2026 or 2027, please get in touch and we’ll keep you updated.

• Monday 5th – Monday 12th October 2026
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• Kelling Heath,
  Weybourne
  Holt
  North Norfolk
  NR25 7HW
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• For the week or weekend, tell Derek you are attending Sky Camp to get the special reduced rate for deaf amateur astronomers’ group pitches for observing.
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• Published our report from last year’s outreach efforts – take a look at what we achieved together, here’s our 2025 retrospective report.

• 2026 November – International Astronomy Show (IAS)

• Please click here for more information.

• Saturday 1st November 2026
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• The Sports Connexion,
  Leamington Road,
  Ryton On Dunsmore,
  Coventry,
  Warwickshire, CV8 3FL
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• Doors open at 9am till 5pm.
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• Free Entry / Free Parking

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Click the button below for a full information.

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Titan disappears behind Saturn

• Saturn’s moon Titan will disappear behind the planet at 18:49 GMT on Friday 14th November, and reappear at 00:49 GMT on Saturday 15th November 2025.
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• Saturn will be located in the constellation Aquarius, well-positioned in the night sky throughout the evening.
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• A shadow transit of a Galilean moon does occur on Jupiter on 14 November 2025.
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• Specifically, Io’s shadow crosses Jupiter’s disk early that morning.
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Northern Light tonight – Wednesday 12th thru Thursday 13th November 2025

• Yes, there’s a strong Northern Lights alert for the UK tonight, Wednesday 12 November 2025.
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• The Met Office and British Geological Survey have issued a G5-level geomagnetic storm warning, meaning aurora visibility is likely across much of the UK — even as far south as London ~ weather permitting.
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• Link: Northern Lights Watch UK

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Callisto Disappears Behind Jupiter – a Rare Occultation

• In the early hours on Thursday 13th November, something extraordinary unfolds in the sky ~ Callisto, one of Jupiter’s largest moons, will be occulted (hidden behind the giant planet itself).
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• Visibility from the UK, Callisto is occulted by Jupiter between 1am and 5am ~ make sure you’re prepared before the event happens.
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• The Moon reaches its Last Quarter phase at 05:28 / 5.28am.
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• Approximately 47% of the lunar disk will be lit in the constellation Leo (The Lion).
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• Moonrise around midnight and moonset around 13:30pm.
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• Visible in the southern sky during the morning hours, especially before dawn.
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