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 full annual programme for 2009/10 is given
below:
Date
(7.30pm) |
Subject |
Speaker |
| 17th September | From Goddard to Apollo, early attempts at space exploration | Eddie Vanner (SAS) |
| 15th October | In the beginning" (Stellar synthesis of elements & periodic table) | Mike Dow (SAS) |
| 19th November (see note below) | Life & what constitutes a good home in the universe | Richard Tyers (SAS) |
| 7th December | Solstice Christmas Meal | Cloisters @ 7.00 for 7.30pm |
| 21st January | Early Exploration of Space (part 2) | Eddie Vanner (SAS) |
| 18th February | Neutron Stars, Pulsars, Black Holes & Quasars | Colin Fyles |
| 18th March | Radio Astronomy at Jodrell Bank | Professor Ian Morrison (Jodrell Bank) |
| 15th April | Are there only Terrestrials? | Richard Tyers (SAS) |
| 20th May | AGM - followed by Q &
A session on Astronomical Topics |
All members |
NOTE: All meeetings are on the 3rd Thursday in the month at the
Scarisbrick Bowls club, but due to its unavailability in November the meeting
will be held at the Fernley observatory in Hesketh Park.
With the darker evenings we will be holding occasional observing sessions at
the Fernley Observatory in Hesketh Park. In the event of adverse weather these
sessions will revert to astronomical discussion session.
In addition, we also intend to hold monthly discussions on topics
of interest to members (and anyone else who would like to come along) at the
Fernley observatory in Hesketh Park during the summer months; these will all
on the third Thursday in June, July and August and start at 7.30 pm.
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.