President: Professor E.I.Robson, B.Sc., PhD F.R.A.S., F.Inst.P.
The current Southport Astronomical Society was formed in 1986 and now has ~ 25 members of all ages, ranging in experience from absolute beginners to more experienced astronomers. Members' interests range over all aspects of astronomy; indeed several members are undertaking distance learning courses in various aspects of astronomy via the University of Central Lancashire.
From 1st January 2007, the society meets on the third Thursday in the month from September to May for its lectures. Lectures are given by both invited speakers and members. Occasional observing sessions are arranged, as are trips to astronomical conventions and other places of interest.
The society has its own 4.5" Meade "Goto"
Newtonian reflector for use by members, although several members also have their
own telescopes. In addition, the Society has access to the newly refurbished
Fernley observatory in Hesketh Park in Southport, which contains a superb six
inch Thomas Cooke refractor manufactured c. 1870.
The Society has a small library of books available for loan to members.
Anyone interested in finding out more about astronomy, or joining the society, is welcome to simply turn up at one of our meetings, or can obtain further details by contacting either Eric Lea (Membership Secretary), 79 Cornwall Way, Ainsdale, Southport, PR8 3SH, tel. no. 01704 578178 (e-mail eric "at" lea9902.fsnet.co.uk) or Edwin Vanner (Secretary), 63 Radnor Drive, Southport PR9 9RS, tel no. 01704 226384
Chairman: Robert Percy - 01704 212828
Secretary: Edwin Vanner - 01704 226384
Membership Secretary: Eric Lea - 01704 578178
Treasurer: Richard Tyers - 01704 877896
Club website - http://www.manastro.co.uk/nwgas/southpt/southpt.htm
The first half of the annual programme for 2008/9 is given below:
Note:
First meeting (18th September) to be held at Fernley Observatory in Hesketh Park, the remaining meetings will be held as usual at the Scarisbrick Bowls club in Falkland Road, which is off Scarisbrick New Road
Date
(7.30pm) |
Subject |
Speaker |
| 18th September | Using the Fernley Observatory | Mike Dow (SAS) |
| 16th October | Is it here, there, or everywhere (part 1) | Richard Tyers (SAS) |
| 20th November | Finding your way around the night sky | Eddie Vanner (SAS) |
| 8th December | Solstice Christmas meal | Cloisters Restaurant - 8pm |
| 15th January | Jodrell Bank & The Space Race | Dr Alistair Gunn |
| 19th February | Remote Controlled Telescopes | John Cossins |
| 19th March | TBA | TBA |
| 16th April | TBA | TBA |
| 21st May | AGM |
All |
For further details, please contact the Society official named below.
Access to the bowling club is by foot
via the narrow passageway on the left hand side between the corner house
and 1 Falkland Road. Cars can be parked in Falkland Road.