Thanks to everyone who shared an evening with the Shropshire Astronomical Society at the Stargazing Live evening on Saturday 21st Jan 2012.
The weather and seeing were surprisingly good, and we were very happy to see over 150 members of the public, all keen to find out more about the Society and receive advice on the use and purchase of equipment available.
All our visitors seemed to appreciate the evening, which included views of Jupiter, Mars and the Andromeda Galaxy, and we look forward to seeing them again at future meetings.
Details of our 2012 Rodington and Ford observing meetings available here.
The Shropshire Astronomical Society (SAS) is a
county-wide group for anyone interested in astronomy, star-gazing
or space exploration. It meets once a
month for observing sessions, and every 3 months in Shrewsbury for
lectures by guest speakers. Lecture subjects vary from meeting to
meeting, but astrophotography, binocular observing, space probes,
asteroid collisions and CCD imaging have been covered in the
recent years. This years programme is now underway and details are now available.
Dr Lucie Green answering questions after her talk to us in November.
The SAS is keen to promote astronomy and raise
public awareness of astronomy, but it encourages members to pursue their
passion for astronomy in whichever way they most enjoy.
Consequently, the membership encompasses interests ranging from
people observing using CCDs, to those
content to read "Astronomy Now" and watch "The Sky
at Night".
If you are interested in the astronomy, then you
will find a warm welcome in the SAS. Its always nice to meet
other people who appreciate the quiet beauty of a dark and
clear sky.
Membership currently costs just £18 per year - less than the price of a Mars Bar a week.
Family membership (£25), student and OAP rates are also
offered (£12). Details and an application form are on the Membership
page.
Jupiter imaged by Dave Woodward. Available at Rodington!
The monthly observing meetings are held at
Rodington village hall - between Telford and Shrewsbury - where
the sky is reasonably dark and where kitchen, Internet and toilet facilities are
available. Meetings are very informal and great fun. Please feel
free to drop in, but be sure to check the weather and forecast before setting
out.
Stan Courtney and Andy Dowsett preparing to show Jupiter to the audience leaving the Lucie Green lecture.
Three telescopes owned by the society are available for loan to
members. These include Newtonians, a refractor, a catadiotropics, a low light camera, and binoculars. See the
membership
page for details of how to borrow them and
scopes for pictures of them.
If you require any information concerning the
SAS membership and activities, or are seeking information on
astronomical events, please contact
Mark Wiggin
, on (01952) 405211. Please note: delete the anti-spam "REMOVETHISBIT."
part of the email address before sending an email.
