Norman Lockyer Observatory
STEM & History Group’s Monthly Talks
“Angelo Secchi and the Vatican Observatory”
Speaker: Dr Allan Jones
Tuesday, 7th October 2025 14.30 – 15.30
Norman Lockyer Observatory, Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth EX10 0NY
Allan Jones rekindled his boyhood interest in astronomy when, in 2008, he acquired his first telescope a couple of years after retirement from Plymouth University. Later that year, he attended the NLO Astrofair for the first time, and joined the Society. His telescopes have nearly all been GOTO or computer controlled to compensate for his chronic inability to navigate the stars or to recognize any but the most obvious constellations. Fairly soon, he was drawn to the dark side and so began astroimaging and image processing.
He has presented a number of talks to the Friday and Tuesday meetings, on a variety of topics both contemporary and historic, including Norman Lockyer’s work, and is a regular participant in NLO public events.
This talk will introduce the life of the 19th Century Jesuit Father Angelo Secchi and his work at the Vatican Observatory.
FREE to NLO Members and Non-Members
Refreshments available (small donation)
Travel: Lifts to the NLO by car-owning regular attendees from Sidmouth, and other local areas, is possible. To enquire please contact the organisers, Robin Devonshire and Bob Miles, via: STEM.at.the.NLO@gmail.com