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The telescope invented and constructed by Galileo (1564-1642) achieved a 30x magnification (about the same as a modern, medium-priced pair of binoculars), this enabling him to make ground-breaking discoveries about our solar system. Galileo had the advantages of a Mediterranean climate, little atmospheric pollution and minimal light pollution, compared to the 21st century. Both Copernicus and […]

Have a new phone, a Sony android one, no idea about most of its capabilities but do know it has a good camera, 10+ megapixels I believe. However unlike my basic digital camera it doesn’t seem to have a zoom-lens capability. Zoom lens, to me, is like a simple optical telescope. For thousands of years humans

Currently walking dog along section of ‘Middlegate’ before breakfast, the section immediately west of the chalk quarry has overhanging trees on both sides. Like most dogs Molly chases squirrels when on the ground, but not only can they ‘gallop’ surprisingly fast they can also climb vertically up the tree-trunk and into the canopy, and, in

With reference to blog of 15th June John Scotney has written about Joseph Hirst, Hull’s first City Architect, in the latest of Hull Civic Society’s Newsletters. Went to Hornsea yesterday, both sea-front and Mere. Motor boat trip round the Mere to be recommended. Average depth of the Mere about five feet, water level maintained by

‘Look up’ and see the cloudscape in the sky, take-in the changing vista, let your eyes and spirit rise up, almost certainly the exact sky-scape you see now will never be exactly replicated and may not have been witnessed by anyone else. Can make a science of it – Google ‘cloud’ and see photos of all

Recently went on a long-overdue research visit to Hull History Centre where, incidentally, Alec Gill’s excellent exhibition of his photos of the Hessle Road community in the late 1970s  was attracting a lot of interest. While there I had a conversation with John Scotney, Chairman of Hull Civic Soc., who mentioned his current research into the professional life