La Société Guernesiaise

Astronomy Section

   Introduction

On this page:

Meetings          Observing          Visitors and educational activities   

Other activities          Members' benefits          How to join  

Astronomy Section contacts          La Société Guernesiaise

On other pages:

Home Page          About the Observatory             Diary of events

Astronomical events this year       Image gallery

Links         International Space Station

La Société Guernesiaise

The Astronomy Section of La Société Guernesiaise (the local studies society) is the astronomy society of Guernsey.  Founded in 1972, it is an active group of about 60 members, and welcomes anyone with an interest in astronomy, whether beginner or experienced.  The Section has a fully equipped Observatory, with advanced instruments, including a computerised 16-inch Meade reflector, and a 5-inch Takahashi refractor.

Members have many interests, including: the planets, comets, deep sky objects (eg galaxies and nebulae), double stars, celestial mechanics, computers, photography, and imaging. Many are relative beginners, ready to learn from others.  If you have the slightest interest in astronomy then the Astronomy Section is for you!

The Section is a member of the British Astronomical Association, and the Federation of Astronomical Societies.

Meetings

Informal meetings are held every Tuesday evening at the Section's Observatory at Rue du Lorier, St Pierre du Bois.  Members observe with the telescopes if it is clear, and if not can chat, have a cup of coffee, read magazines (all the major popular astronomy magazines are available) or books from the Section's extensive library.  Books, magazines and videos may be borrowed by members free of charge.  Occasionally a more formal meeting may be held.  Every year, in August, we hold a barbecue on the night when the Perseid meteors are at their peak, followed by a meteor count.  We also have a Christmas supper.

Observing

Observing is carried out on Tuesday and Friday evenings, weather permitting.  Qualified members have free use of the telescopes.  Observing is also carried out on other nights, when weather permits, and especially when there are special astronomical events.

Visitors and educational activities

We are keen to stimulate an interest in astronomy within the community, especially the young.  The Observatory is open to the public on certain Tuesday evenings (see our events page for details).  We ask for a donation (eg £1.00 adults, 50p children) to help the Section's running costs and to provide new equipment.

We also hold special Open Days from time to time, especially when there is a significant astronomical event.

Les Camps Church.JPG (63321 bytes)

We welcome groups at the Observatory, by prior arrangement.  We also give talks to local schools and groups, and assist Scouts and Guides with astronomy badges, and those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  Educational materials are available, and we have a collection of publications suitable for research.  Please contact the Section Secretary Debby Quertier (tel 725760).

We run a six-week “star gazing” course annually at the Observatory for the Workers’ Educational Association Guernsey, from which further details can be obtained.

Other activities

The Section is active in encouraging a reduction in the adverse effects of lighting.

The Section is consulted from time to time on matters such as sundials, and was closely involved in the design of the Guernsey Liberation Monument.  In August 1999 the Section was involved in the organisation of the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting (NAM99), which was held in Guernsey.  The Section was also heavily involved in arrangements for observations of the total eclipse of the Sun in Alderney, on 11 August 1999.

Section members are happy to advise on the acquisition of telescopes and binoculars for astronomical observing, and to advise on their use.  From time to time we have held a telescope clinic, where people can bring telescopes to the Observatory for assistance.

Members' benefits

Members receive an annual Astrocalendar giving monthly star charts and details of planet positions, meteor showers, eclipses, etc.  The Section's Newsletter, Sagittarius, containing news and articles on astronomical subjects, is published four times a year.  Members can use the Section's telescopes, after training.  Members can also borrow books, magazines and videos from the Section's astronomical library.

How to join

First, do come to a meeting or two as our guest.  Come along whenever the Observatory is open.  Or contact the Section Secretary (see below).

If you decide to become a member you will need to join La Société Guernesiaise (current subscription rates: single £18, double and family £25, students £5).  There is an additional small subscription for the Astronomy Section, with special rates for students and OAPs.

Astronomy Section contacts

Sections of La Société Guernesiaise are led by Section Secretaries.  The Astronomy Section Officers are:

 

 

Telephone*

Section Secretary

Debby Quertier

725760

Honorary Treasurer

Peter Langford

720649

Editor

Colin Spicer

 

Facilities Officer

Geoff Falla

724101

Public Relations

David Le Conte

264847

Research

Frank Dowding

255215

Librarian

Debby Quertier

725760

Light Pollution

Vacant

 

To contact the Astronomy Section by email click here.  The Observatory telephone number is 264252.

* The local Guernsey telephone numbers are given.  From the UK precede the number by 01481; from other countries precede it by +44 1481.

La Société Guernesiaise

The headquarters of La Société Guernesiaise is at: Candie Gardens, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1UG, British Isles

Tel: (01481) 725093 or 724835 (from outside UK: +44 1481 725093 or 724835) 

Fax: (01481) 726248 (from outside UK: +44 1481 726248) 

E-Mail: La Société     Web site:  www.societe.org.gg

 

This page was last updated on 07 January 2008.

Astronomy Section Home Page

About the Observatory

Diary of events

Astronomical events this year

International Space Station  Visibility predictions 

Image gallery

Links

La Société Guernesiaise