| Info | Towards the end of 1923 letters were published in the Southern Daily Echo suggesting, the formation of an Astronomical Society locally. As a direct result, the Society was formed on the 1st January 1924. The Objectives of the Society are: To promote and stimulate interest in Astronomy and related subjects. We hold regular monthly meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month September - July, and Club evenings on the 4th Thursday of each month throughout the year. Our main meetings are currently held in Edmund Kell Unitarian Church Hall, Bellevue Road, Southampton, SO15 2AY, and starts at 7.30pm till 10.00pm. This is a formal type meeting, starting with Society Business, Reports on up to date astronomical events or news, any observational reports and what you can see in the sky in the coming month etc. Then, onto the main event of the evening. This is usually a lecture given by one of our guest speakers (3/4 per year) or one of our members. Our December meeting is turned over to a film show and social get to-gether. The meeting ends with a coffee break, followed by any questions on the evenings talk. During the evening a selection of books and videos are on display from the Society Library, for members to borrow. The Club evening is an informal get-together held at member's homes. There is a topic for the evening, and about 20 minutes is allowed for this. The topic covers things like, using a star map, how to look at the Sun, Astronomy on a computer and how to use a telescope. Members bring along telescopes and other astronomical equipment. This is a good time to get to know members, and to see what type of equipment is in use within the Society, and a change to use it. There is every opportunity for the beginner to learn in a cosy informal atmosphere. Other activities include visits to places of Astronomical interest. Like Herschel House and Museum at Bath, The UK National Remote Sensing Centre. We also hold a winter (November) and a summer (August) Star Party/Barbecue each year on the 4th Thursday.
The Society has an extensive Library of Astronomical books, about 200, + videos and slides. The Society has a number of telescopes available for loan to members. One 60mm and One 3" Refractor, Two 6" Dobsonian, One 8" f6, One 8" f8, Two 8.5" f8 Reflecting Telescopes and one ETX go to telescope. To help keep members informed a bi-monthly newsletter and a six monthly Journal are sent out to all members. The Society is affiliated to the British Astronomical Association and we are members of the Federation of Astronomical Societies and Southern Area Group of Astronomical Societies.
Membership to our Society is open to all over the age of 15 years. Under 15 years by special arrangement with our Secretary. The current subscription rates are �12.00 for adults (over 18), and �6.00 for junior members (15 - 17). Three year membership �33.00. Life Membership �150.00. Visitors always welcome at all meetings. |
