Practical Astronomy starts here...
HantsAstro is for anyone who has any interest in astronomy and who wishes to use this as a stepping stone into something more active across Hampshire or beyond.
It's a new way of being part of an astronomy group with no annual upfront membership fee. We offer free monthly observing sessions for beginners, so you can discover astronomy and get more out of it.
We have our own collection of ten telescopes, from a 70mm refractor through to a 16" Dobsonian! Or you can bring and use your own 'scope as most of our members do, either way practice makes perfect. It's a great way to discover astronomy with like-minded people and learn more about the night sky.
Our focus is hands-on practical observing and imaging; we have a unique and flexible observing programme which is based on 'clear skies' forecasting and it works, so we'll be using our telescopes whenever we can! It's a mixture of free and entry-fee based observing sessions:
We currently utilise three observing sites with others available to us, to provide a unique network of dark sky sites across Hampshire for astronomy.
INTECH near Winchester, is where observing sessions are Free of Charge and are a great introduction to the night sky. For the 2010-'11 season we meet there once a month when clear.
Ages 11+ only (must be accompanied by parent or guardian).
Butser Ancient Farm at Chalton. A secure site great for observing or astrophotography - Hugely popular. We now meet there twice a month and is our Premier site with Mag 20+ skies.
Ages 11+ only (must be accompanied by parent or guardian).
Butser Hill (North) New for this season is one of the highest points in Hampshire at 866ft above sea level, and part of the South Downs National Park. Used for exclusive HantsAstro observing sessions.
Too far away from us but want to get into astronomy? We can still help. AstroSouth is our new free directory which covers the South of England and lists over 80 astronomy groups and planetariums, so you can find out more about astronomy in the South of England and where and how to get involved. AstroNorth is for the rest of the UK and provides national coverage and launching Sept 2010.
Look Up! is now a bi-monthly magazine next issue out is October, for more info on what we get up to.
How can we do all of this? The advertising in our free magazines and directories, observing passes and sponsorship revenue help cover the running and equipment costs. It's a revolutionary new way of running an astronomy group and opens up new avenues of opportunity for our members. Special events such as our free MoonFest roadshows and Telescope Amnesties are also great fun.
Then there is also our new forum!
Ready to get inspired? Why not Join In with free membership, just download and fill in our simple PDF membership application form today!
Upgrade your HantsAstro membership for just £15 and gain access to some of best dark skies in Hampshire (INTECH is still free), please contact Sharon at: membership@hantsastro.org for details. Keep checking the latest news here for all our latest exploits at HantsAstro.org.
If you have any questions regarding HantsAstro then please feel free to e-mail or pick up the phone.
Regards and Dark Skies,
David Woods
CoreTeam
HantsAstro
david.woods@hantsastro.org
t:023 9261 7092
f:023 9257 0283
skype: hantsastro
