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Wednesday 27th September 10.30am Merlin's Bridge Welfare Hall
Todays's Programme:
1: The Sky in October
2: A new (released 2017) film about William HerchellDECISION TIME APPROACHES FOR THE TRIP TO BATH AND THE VISIT TO THE “HERCHELL MUSEUM OF ASTRONOMY”
William Herschel and the Universe
William Herschel, a 42 year old musician and amateur astronomer, discovered the first “new” planet in history in 1781. His telescopes, observations, and theories transformed what was the clockwork universe imagined by Isaac Newton into the evolutionary and wonder-filled cosmos we know today. This is the story of how modern astronomy took shape under the pre-industrial skies of the 18th century.
William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus, was born in Hanover, Germany in 1738. At the age of 14 Herschel joined the Hanover Military Band where he played the oboe alongside his father and brother. An accomplished musician, he also learnt to play the violin, harpsicord, guitar and organ.
In July 1757 while serving in the army, William took part in the disastrous battle of Hastenbeck. In this battle the Hanoverians were defeated by the French.
Unwilling to live under French military occupation, William travelled to London where he arrived a penniless refugee. He quickly learnt English and supported himself both by playing as a freelance musician in orchestras and by giving music lessons.
He moved to the north of England in 1761 where he spent many long hours travelling by horse between music venues in different northern towns. It was at this time that he developed his lifelong fascination with gazing up at the moon and stars in the night sky.
Director George Sibley
Studio Gale Force Films
Released: Amazon Prime 2017DECISION TIME APPROACHES FOR THE TRIP TO BATH AND THE VISIT TO THE “HERCHELL MUSEUM OF ASTRONOMY”
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