#23 - May 2014

The Discussion: Astronomy in the late 18th Century and the
increased sense of hope we, as amateur astronomers, get from the
work of early astronomical observations.


The Field Report: This month we record from the Herschel Museum
of Astronomy in Bath, England and take a tour of the Georgian
townhouse to investigate the many objects, telescopes and
handwritten observations of William and Carline Herschel.


The News: In the news, we have more exciting inferences about the
watery composition of Saturn’s moon Enceladus; a new moon forming
in the outer rings of Saturn and a round up of the current tally
in exoplanetology.


The 5 Minute Concept: In the 5 Minute Concept, Paul sits in the
very spot where William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus and
explains the Herschels’ contribution to astronomy.


The Interview: This month, Paul speaks with the curator of the
Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Debbie James, about the life and
works of the Herschels, the museum and Georgian life.


Q&A: Listeners’ questions via email, Facebook & Twitter
take us on a journey into the astronomy issues that have always
plagued our understanding or stretched our credulity. This month
Ralph & Paul answer:


Why does the planet Uranus spin on its side? Thea Hutchinson
from London, UK via email

How did Caroline Herschel record her observations? Eric Emms
@EmmsStarGaze in London, UK via Twitter & email