| Info | The Ilkeston and District Astronomical Society (IDAS for short), was founded in 1981 to enable everyone with an interest in astronomy to meet other like-minded people, and to promote the enjoyment of this most rewarding pastime. Members range from complete beginners, who just like to star gaze occasionally, to a few more advanced amateurs who have built their own observatories, and conduct serious astronomical observations.
We hold two meetings a month. The first is held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Hayloft, Erewash Museum, High Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. (Please note that the entrance to the Museum via Anchor Row has now been sealed). Starting at 7:45pm, members are entertained with talks on various astronomical topics by the more experienced members, or by an invited Guest Speaker. Refreshments are available throughout the evening.
Our second meeting is held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Visitor Centre, Shipley Country Park, Slack Lane, Heanor, Derbyshire. Starting at 7:45pm in the Green Room, these meeting are a very informal get-together, and focus on more practical astronomy. No additional speakers are arranged for these meetings, and this allows the Society to devote more time to beginners and those less knowledgeable members. The meetings should also allow us to do some casual observing, with all the usual amenities close at hand. Again, refreshments are available throughout the evening.
Members who have no telescope of their own may if they wish, borrow the Society's own eight inch telescope, to use at their own home - free of charge! Day trips to places of astronomical interest are occasionally arranged, and these are always thoroughly enjoyed. Regular observing sessions are also held, if the weather permits at Shipley Countryside Park.
Members also receive (by post or email) a free bi-monthly Newsletter which gives details of the coming month's astronomical events, and the latest Society news. A free library service is also available at the monthly meetings, where Members may borrow from a good selection of popular astronomy books, magazines and videos.
The Society celebrated its 25th birthday in 2006, and to mark this milestone we held a special Silver Jubilee Convention on May 20th 2006. Click here or on the "Birthday" button to find out more about the event.
We may be small, but we are a friendly Society, and you are most welcome to come along to any of our meetings. |
