Mars, and two doubles: Xi and Nu Ursae Majoris

I’ve been terribly busy at work recently and it hasn’t left much time for the stars. However, on 5th March I  made it out briefly and observed Mars and a couple of doubles.

Day out in Dalby Forest: bee and fly orchids and strange rocks.

June’s too good to stay at home. So we went out. My goal was butterflies and orchids. I drew mostly blanks with the butterflies; the weather wasn’t very cooperative, but the orchids were FANTASTIC.

Three new galaxies and a look at Saturn

This is  a catch-up post about my observing of the 8th April, when another decent dark sky allowed galaxy spotting and a look at Saturn with its rings now opened up.

Faith Stories 1

I’m really interested in how people come to their individual religious positions. I’m interested both from a practical perspective (because people’s beliefs inform their actions), and from a psychological perspective (just how similar people come to different conclusions, or vice-versa, is fascinating). On my neighbour’s (the Archbishop of York) website is a section called “Faith [...]

Mars, and the great nebula in Orion

Well, I’ve been saving these winter wonders for a good time, and I think the week before Xmas is a good one.

Last of the butterflies?

11th October is pretty late to be seeing butterflies.

Butterflies and parasitic wasps

Remember those Large White butterfly eggs on my Nasturtiums (see here)? Well here is what happened….