AstroBASICS

IMPORTANT: The date and times of next meetings are always updated on the HOME PAGE. If you have been used to meeting us at Dinton Pastures we have now consolidated all activities at our main venue. Now read on!

The Reading Astronomical Society will be holding a series of informal talks each month between September and June. At the end of each talk there will be an opportunity for practical experience using telescopes and other equipment. All talks are strictly designed to appeal to the layperson. People with younger children who just want to use our telescopes are recommended to arrive about 8.30pm after the talk, if the sky is clear.

Recent meetings are described on the Archive page

Participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to attend; the only qualification is a desire to observe or understand the night sky. It is not necessary to own a telescope.

The talk each week may be a talk on a specific aspect of astronomy, or a ‘tour’ of the night sky for that period. The presentation will be aimed at beginners as our description says, but we hope to leave you with a little deeper understanding of the workings of our fascinating universe. Details of each talk will be available a few days before, just email astrobasicsreadingastroorguk  (astrobasicsreadingastroorguk)   to be included in up-to-date announcements.

We can also help with practical advice. If you want to buy a telescope come to see us before hitting the shops. If you own a telescope that you are not confident of using, please bring it with you and we will do our best to help. It is intended to show all participants the basic techniques for using Dobsonian (simple) and Equatorial (tracking) mounts as part of the lessons.

The meeting room opens at 7.00pm for early arrivals to chat over coffee. The talk starts at 19:30 and should last for 90 minutes. However the timings are variable to allow for subject matter but we allow for a 15 minute break at about 8.15  followed by a short session of practical or observing advice. There will be the opportunity to observe on clear nights and to give practical help to members and their equipment.

A detailed programme is available but watch this website in case of changes or call before attending. There is no official subscription, but coffee and biscuits are provided and a small donation would be appreciated. The hall is subsidised by the society out of club funds. A responsible adult must accompany children aged less than 16 years.

The Society will attempt to ensure there are 2-3 telescopes available at each meeting; however it is intended to pay equal attention to binocular astronomy; this being the best way to learn the night sky so if you own a pair, please bring them along.

We may have to change the order or content of some of the lessons if necessary or if an interesting alternative becomes available. We will do our best to announce this at the previous meeting.

Note: A very useful book for those beginning in astronomy is Night Watch by Terence Dickinson ISBN 1-55209-302-6. It will provide a useful reference for the star charts and contains much other information of value to an Astronomer.

If you would like further details please contact the organizer at astrobasicsreadingastroorguk  (astrobasicsreadingastroorguk)  
or call Gerry on 0118 986 4032 or text 077 77 67 46 41.