The UnOffical Force

 “By heavens, Holmes,” I said, half rising, “I believe that they are really after us.”“No, it’s not quite so bad as that. It is the unofficial force—the Baker Street irregulars.”

Who makes all of this possible? The Baker Street Irregular Astronomers as a society is dependent not only on the enthusiasm of its members, but also the commitment and dedication of its committee. Our common goal is to popularise astronomy and stargazing in Central London, and we’re always on hand at our monthly meetings to offer advice. Be sure to find us and introduce yourself – we’re a really friendly bunch and love meeting new people!

The Unofficial Force at a meeting in 2022 March in Baker Street (where else?) to discuss the future plans for the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers.

Eric Emms FRAS

Astronomy started for Eric with Apollo 8 and Patrick Moore.

“Christmas 1968: I, pre-teen, watched the BBC coverage of Apollo 8. On the screen was this strange looking man talking rapidly explaining why the mission was so important. His words, still potent when seen and heard today, helped arouse this child’s interest in space and astronomy. I collected newspaper cuttings of the Apollo missions, glued them into a long-lost scrapbook and devoured all the astronomy books available from my local library, many written by Patrick. I well remember reading his 5th edition of Amateur Astronomy.”

Thankfully his parents encouraged the interest: giving him a Larousse Encyclopaedia of Astronomy for Christmas and, later, a small telescope with a table tripod. Telescope in hand he was able to enjoy for the first time the craters of the Moon; Saturn and its rings; and Jupiter and its Galilean moons. Sadly, as the other distractions of life made themselves known, and as the public awareness of the Apollo programme diminished so did his enthusiasm in astronomy.

That was until: “after moving to Marylebone in the late 1990s, I would often walk past a shop off Baker Street, glimpsing telescopes in the window and forming a fancy of buying a ‘scope in the future for the time, if and when, I retired abroad. Little did I know that later in April 2011 a ‘curious incident’ would occur as I walked in Regent’s Park: I spied a poster on a notice-board advertising the Baker Street Irregulars Astronomers …”

Eric is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a member of the British Astronomical Association. In 2018 he was awarded the Sir Patrick Moore Prize for the the encouragement of a popular interest in astronomy by the BAA.

Nicholas Joannou FRAS

Nick’s interest in space and astronomy grew up in tandem with the Voyager spacecraft as they passed planet after planet over the years on their long  journey into interstellar space, falling in love with space travel and the vast reaches that technology had now made accessible, starting a lifelong fascination with all forms of propulsion.  Later on acquiring a good knowledge of telescope equipment and passing on the passion of astronomy  to others by holding regular public astronomy events, putting back a telescope for public use at Sir Isaac Newton’s Leicester Square residence in London, writing for astronomy publications, offering the first free telescope rental service in Europe  to the public via Westminster City  Council library and of course, the Baker Street irregular Astronomers. Nicholas is a keen astrophotographer, with a special interest in the Sun, Moon, planets and artificial satellites. “The BSIA offers a wonderful arena to all with an interest in astronomy. It is an uplifting experience, filled with the beauty of the sky mixed with good fellowships on the ground “

Matthew Hodgson FRAS

The first sparks of interest in astronomy appeared when I was around two and half years old and asked my mother “what is that?”  I was pointing at the moon.  My fascination with the subject grew from there and thanks to very supportive parents, my passion for all things astrophysical was nurtured as I grew up.  My interest in those early years was very much academic based and I would consume as much information as I could.  In my early teens my desire to witness the beauty of the universe first hand, rather than just from books grew, and up until age 16 my optical aid came via my Father’s 10×50 binoculars but then, thanks to a Christmas job I was able to buy my first telescope, a 4.5 inch f/8 Newtonian.  While elements of the ‘scope were a little ropey, it opened up the universe, allowing me to see for the first-time the cloud bands of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn and numerous deep sky objects.

As well as enjoying the Universe for its beauty, my academic career followed the same path and I left university having studied Physics and Astrophysics graduating with a Master of Physics and Astronomy (MPhys) degree.  Moving to London for a career in the City, astronomy became a hobby once again.

I joined the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers in May 2012 after a visit to the Widescreen Centre to discuss some new eyepieces and have been a regular Irregular ever since and really love sharing the night sky with anyone who is interested.  I am also particularly keen on hunting down dark skies and almost always take a telescope abroad with me, which has included numerous trips to Africa and some of the darkest skies on Earth.  I have also spent a spell working as the Resident Astronomer at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia, sharing the beauty of the southern sky with guests.

I am a dedicated visual astronomer though I have been known to mess around with some widefield photography of the night sky, and started my own astronomy website, www.alpha-lyrae.co.uk, in 2013.  I have also written several Astro-equipment reviews for ‘Astronomy Now’ magazine.

Preeti Sharma

“The best among us acknowledge how little we know about our universe.  Every night is a chance to observe that which is, as yet, unknown.  I’ve loved looking into the night sky since I can remember, and was so excited to find the Baker Street Irregular Astronomers group in 2015.   Whether a novice or expert, the BSIA gives us all the opportunity to look up, learn from each other, and laugh along the way.”