Introduction
The Society aims to promote public interest in astronomy and the related sciences in southern and western Oxfordshire and surrounding areas in the United Kingdom. The Society organises a varied programme of meetings and observing evenings throughout most of the year and tries to cater for all levels of experience, from absolute beginners to experienced astronomers. Our closeness to both the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Oxfordshire’s “Space Centre”) and to the University of Oxford ensures a steady stream of high-quality lectures. These, together with our more informal Beginners’ Meetings and monthly observing evenings, must make us the most active amateur astronomical society in the county.
The Society enables you to make contact with other people interested in the night sky. Whether you are a complete beginner or an active observer there is always someone worth meeting to share knowledge and experiences.
History
The Society was formed in 1979 by a small group of keen amateur astronomers, with the principal aim of promoting public interest in astronomy and the related sciences. The Society first met in Fitzharry’s School in Abingdon and named itself Fitzharry’s Astronomical Society. In 1996, long after the connection with the school had ceased, the Society changed its name to Abingdon Astronomical Society – a name which shows more clearly the area which the Society serves.
What we do
Monthly hall meetings
Our main meetings take place in the Main Hall of All Saint’s Methodist Church Hall. At these meetings we have a lecture presented by a professional or amateur astronomer.
After a short tea break members give short talks about anything astronomical that they fancy. We have laptops and projection equipment for guest speakers and society members to use at the meetings.
If the skies are clear then we will have a telescope or two (or more) to look at whatever is visible from Abingdon that night.
Members may borrow books from our library and read the latest magazines and circulars. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits are available for purchase during the tea break.
These meetings are open to all, whether you’ve just started or are a veteran amateur astronomer.
Beginners meetings
These also take place in the Main Room of All Saint’s Methodist Church Hall. The meeting starts with a presentation given by one the more experienced members of the society.
These are particularly aimed at beginners and novice astronomers, and allow the basics of amateur astronomy to be covered in more detail than is possible during the main hall meetings.
This is followed by a short tea break when tea, coffee, soft drinks and biscuits are available for purchase.
During and after the tea break we be observing outside in the garden next to the hall (if it is clear) and holding a telescope workshop in the hall.
The aim is to give an opportunity for members to share views of the night sky through theirs and others telescopes and / or binoculars,
get advice on any issues members may have with their equipment or future purchases,
and to meet up with other members of the society with a keen interest in seeing the night sky.
Observing evenings
Unfortunately we no longer have anyone able to run these on a regular basis. If you are a member of the society and would like to volunteer then please contact us.