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
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International Space Station
La Société Guernesiaise
The Astronomy Section of La Société Guernesiaise (the local studies society)
is the astronomy society of
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 weekly 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 talk about astronomical matters, 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 during our weekly meetings, weather permitting. Qualified members have free use of the telescopes. Observing is sometimes 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 evenings during the year (see our events page for details). We ask for a donation (eg £2.00 adults, £1.00 children) to help the Section's running costs and to provide new equipment.
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 Frank Dowding (tel 255215).
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 has been 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
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 £22, double and family £30, students £5). There is an additional small subscription for the Astronomy Section, with special rates for students and OAPs.
Click here for a leaflet about us and how to join, including an application form. (1.6 MB pdf file. Print out the two pages back-to-back, and fold it twice. Click here for a pdf reader.)
Astronomy Section contacts
Sections of La Société Guernesiaise are led by Section Secretaries.
The Astronomy Section Officers are:
|
Section Secretary |
Frank Dowding (telephone 255215*) |
|
Honorary Treasurer |
|
|
Editor |
|
|
Facilities Officer |
Geoff Falla |
|
Public Relations |
|
|
Research |
|
|
Librarian |
Geoff Falla |
|
Light Pollution |
Vacant |
To contact the Observatory by email click here. The Observatory telephone number is 264252*.
* The local
La Société Guernesiaise
The headquarters of La Société
Guernesiaise is at:
Tel: (01481) 725093 or 724835 (from
outside
Fax: (01481)
726248 (from outside
E-Mail: La Société Web site: www.societe.org.gg
This page was last updated on 2012 March 22.
Astronomy Section Home Page
About the Observatory
Diary of events
Astronomical events this year
Newsletters
International Space Station
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Image gallery
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La Société Guernesiaise
visitors since 25 May 2009.