Amateur astronomers can now undertake important research by using charge-coupled devices (CCDs) with a moderate-sized telescope. Patrick Moore assesses the value of CCDs with British
Astronomical Association president Martin Mobberley.
Dr Russell Cannon, former Director of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, joins Patrick Moore to discuss the results of the UK Schmidt Telescope in New South Wales.
A bright starthat flares up where no naked-eye star has been seen before is termed a "nova". But a nova is not really new, merely a formerly faint star which suffers a temporary outburst. Professor Chris Kitchin , of Hertfordshire University, joins Patrick Moore to discuss these strange, unpredictable stars.
The Leonid meteors of 17 November are rarely predictable, but as Dr John Mason explains to Patrick Moore , there is a chance of a major display this year.
Patrick Moore is joined by Dr Allan Chapman to see how to use the stars to tell the time. and looks forward to events due in 1999, including the total eclipse of the sun next August.