Southport Astronomical Society

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 Crook refractor manufactured c. 1870.

The Society has a small library of books available for loan to members.

Venue

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

The first half on the annual programme for 2007/8 is given below:

Date (7.30pm)	Subject	Speaker
20th September	Something went BANG in the night	Richard Tyers (SAS)
18th October	Living with a star	Rob Walsh (University Central Lancashire)
15th November	Sundials and astronomical time keeping	Mike Dow (SAS)
10th December @ 6.30 pm	Solstice Christmas meal	Valentino’s Restaurant (S end of Lord Street)
January	TBA	TBA
February	TBA	TBA
March	TBA	TBA
April	TBA	TBA
May	AGM

For further details, please contact the Society official named below.

Contacts

Contact: Edwin Vanner, 63 Radnor Drive, Southport PR9 9RS. Telephone No. 01704 226384.

Note:
Meetings from January 2007 onwards will be held on Thursdays at the Scarisbrick Bowls Club in Falkland Road, which is off Scarisbrick New Road (opposite the Old Infirmary).

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.