Christmas Quiz 2013

Wednesday, 4th December 2013 – Once again, this year’s Christmas Quiz was very well received, and we are grateful to Jack Brettle and Patsy Colvin for the hard work (and fun) they’ve put into this.

As last year, Christine and Chris, with help from a number of other members, served up a festive treat of mince pies, Christmas cake and biscuits to accompany the usual tea and coffee.

For the Quiz Enthusiasts amongst you, and for those who missed the meeting, you can download the questions and answers from this page. Please note that you will need the password sent via email to access the page.

The Spectrum

Wednesday, 6th November – something a bit different!

This was a meeting inspired by a suggestion from Sylvia Dillon. Six members each gave a 10 minute talk on a different aspect of The Electromagnetic Spectrum:

Marguerita McBride set the scene with an overview of the spectrum, and the relation between wavelength and frequency.

Edmund Moynihan gave a potted history of early discoveries in relation to the spectrum, and of the scientists who made them.

Patsy Colvin concentrated on visible light and colour in chemistry.

Chris Procter talked about ultra violet vision in the animal kingdom, and how insects see the world differently to humans.

Alan Nolan outlined the use of electromagnetic radiation in communications – from long wave radio to microwave transmission.

Jack Brettle was last up to show us how modern astronomy benefits from observing the skies at different wavelengths, and combining the results to give a much fuller picture of the universe than simply using optical telescopes.

This was a somewhat experimental format, but most people seemed to enjoy it, and at least the frequent change of speakers kept the audience awake!