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
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
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.
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
Astronomy
Section contacts
Sections of
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Telephone* |
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Section Secretary |
725760 |
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Honorary Treasurer |
720649 |
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Editor |
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Facilities Officer |
Geoff Falla |
724101 |
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Public Relations |
264847 |
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Research |
255215 |
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Librarian |
725760 |
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Light Pollution |
Vacant |
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To contact the
* 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
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