alt_sinistra | Entries tagged with astronomy: guild

I'm always rather amazed at how the spring hols feel so different from the winter ones. Part of it, of course, is a chance to be outside a bit more (I've had one very pleasant lengthy ramble already, and I hope for one or two more.) And of course the social commitments are much less hectic than over Christmas and New Year's.

Naturally, there are a few events I'm looking forward to. The Astronomy Guild lecture next Monday has a number of people attending already. Now I've seen the final programme, I think it's going to be a wonderful combination of explanation and demonstration. (We're already talking about topics for the summer series at the country Guild Hall, and for a lecture series to run through next year, so we're also taking suggestions for future topics. Here, or there'll be a box Monday night, or you can contact the Guild directly.)

And of course, I'm looking forward to our own plans a week Friday.

Beyond that, mostly I'm delighting in the chance to catch up with some reading, relax a little, and have a number of conversations we never seem to find time for during term.

(Mum, yes, I'd love lunch on Friday if you're still free.)

5th and 7th students:
Revision sessions are now scheduled and posted in the usual places. As usual, additional sessions are possible at mutually agreeable times, and the projection stones not being used in this week's classes are available for brief loans for your own study work. I also have sample questions from past exams available for review.

Upcoming events:
The Astronomy Guild will be hosting another lecture evening on Monday, April 21st at 7pm. This one will focus on the theory of the music of the spheres, and will include both music and charmwork by way of illustration. Students, as this is during holidays, I certainly don't expect any of you to attend. If you'd like to, please see me for more details, and you would be quite welcome.

Third and seventh years:
I'm sure you'll all be glad to hear I am cancelling class on Friday evening, the 14th. (The weather looks unpromising for outside work, and from experience, I know that inside work will be full of distractions if we try.) Third years, I'll have an additional assignment for you in class on Friday, due a fortnight later. Seventh years, kindly apply yourself to your research projects for an extra two hours or so. I've got comment on the pieces you've turned in most recently if you want to stop by and collect them.

Students attending the lecture tonight:
Please be at the ground floor floo tonight, ready to step through at 6:40. We'll be returning around 11. Please bring something to take notes on. I'll give you a quick tour of the space so you know where things are, and then I'll have some duties at the front of the room during the first part of the lecture.

This week's schedule:
Due to the lecture tonight, no office hours today. I will be in my office Tuesday evening from 7 to 9, and then the rest of the week as usual. As always, other times may be possible if needed.

I’ve been asked to spread the word that the Astronomy Guild will be hosting a special presentation about the Bright-Deverill comet in February. Discovered last year by Guild Master Georg Bright and Guild member Cantus Deverill, it is expected to be quite bright when it approaches its closest point to the earth this April.

The lecture is intended for a general audience, as comets have particularly interesting implications for Potions, Divination, Herbology, and various subbranches of magic. Several Guild members will present on different aspects of the comet’s discovery, path, and implications. Specific topic details will be announced in Georg Bright’s journal as they are made.

The general presentation will begin at 7pm on Monday, February 10th, at the New London Guild Hall at Burlington House, Piccadilly. There will be some additional smaller topical discussions led by specialists from various fields beginning around 9pm, and if the weather is clear, the country Guild Hall in Cornwall will also be open for observation with assistance from various Guild members. You can reserve a seat by contacting the Guild - someone is by the floo during business hours.

My students know we have been discussing the comet in class this year as relevant to the curriculum. While attending this lecture is by no means required or expected, there is some room for students who wish to attend. If you are interested, please let me know below, or in person by January 15th, so we can consider arrangements.

I do hope everyone has a merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

I’m delighted to say that the first committee meeting for a proposed revision of the standard astronomy text went very well. (And students, thank you very much for your feedback over the previous month - it was most useful in helping us decide how to focus our discussion.) Some other excellent conversation with other guild members around edges, as always.

And, as it was last year, it is delightful to see New London decorated for the holidays. It’s hard to believe it’s December already, but the lights and the displays tell me otherwise. I’ve already spotted two I like just as much as the Hogwarts Quidditch display last year.

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30

I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

Entries tagged with astronomy: guild

A little lesiure

Upcoming scheduling

A few quick notes

Comets

December, already?

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