Stuart Atkinson

The EDDINGTON ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY is Kendal's very own astronomical society, and the youngest of the four astronomical societies in Cumbria (the others are based in Carlisle, Cockermouth and Barrow). It was founded in 2004 by Kendal-born Philip Stobbart, to celebrate that year's Transit of Venus.

"EAS" is named after Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington, a famous and respected cosmologist who was born in Kendal. Eddington's studies of the life cycles of stars, and the nature of the Universe, were praised by none other than Albert Einstein, and part of our work is trying to make more people in Kendal and South Lakes aware of the achievements of Kendal's forgotten "famous son".

"EAS" meets on the first Monday of every month, in the "Wildlife gallery" at Kendal Museum. Our meetings are very informal, and open to everyone, regardless of age, experience or the equipment they own. So, whether you're interested in the latest mind-boggling cosmological theories of Stephen Hawking, or just want to know how to start finding your way around the night sky, then you'll be made very welcome at EAS! We often have well-known and popular guest speakers visit us, but our own members also give talks and

presentations about spaceflight and astronomy.

After our "re-launch" in december 2005, we will be having a very busy 2006, and will get together to observe events such as meteor showers, eclipses and comets. Among the events we have planned are a "Moon Watch" on February 2nd, and other observing nights. You can find full details about these events and other EAS activities on our "blog" website at http://journals.aol.com/stuartatk/Cumbrian-Sky

More information about EAS can be obtained from:

Stuart Atkinson (Secretary)

Phone: 01539 725626

email: STUARTATK@aol.com

I am an amateur astronomer and a published children's science author, living in the Lake District, England. To date I have had seven original spaceflight and astronomy titles published, and have worked on over a dozen other titles.

I have also had articles and features published in several national and international astronomy magazines, and before moving to Kendal in August 2005 wrote regularly for West Cumbrian TIMES AND STAR and EVENING NEWS & STAR newspapers. For the past three years I have also had my own popular monthly feature in "CUMBRIA LIFE" magazine. Since moving to Kendal I have begun writing a popular monthly astronomy "Skywatch" amateur astronomy column for the WESTMORLAND GAZETTE newspaper.

In 1989 I founded COCKERMOUTH ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (CAS), which has since grown to become the largest and most active of Cumbria's four astronomical societies.

Since moving to Kendal I have taken over responsibility for running Kendal's astronomical society - the Eddington Astronomical Society.

I provide Cumbrian media with astronomy- and space-related information, supplying BBC Radio Cumbria, Border TV, CFM and BBC North-East with astronomy-related information, and am frequently interviewed live on the air by reporters and news editors from CFM and Radio Cumbria, and now Lakeland Radio, Kendal's own independant radio station.

Both independently and as part of CAS, I have organised many public science events at such prestigious venues as The Rum Story (Whitehaven), Tullie House (Carlisle), Muncaster Castle, The Kirkgate Centre and Higham Hall (both Cockermouth). These all required the assembly of complicated displays and exhibitions.

 SO PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WANT TO...

* Know more about astronomy and spaceflight

* Know more about the Eddington Astronomical Society

* Have me come to your school to talk to your pupils about space exploration and astronomy

* Use me as an editor or consultant for an astronomy title you are publishing...

Email me at:

STUARTATK@aol.com