Why be part of an astronomical society?
"Space is big. Really Big", to steal a phrase from Douglas Adams. Hence it can be a daunting challenge to look up and find out what you are looking at. There is a huge volume of information available online, and more apps and programs than stars in the sky but, as in many things in life, just talking to someone in a relaxed and comfortable setting is worth hours of trawling the Internet. Bath Astronomers is your local group of stargazers, armchair and amateur astronomers who strive to create that space for you to find out more, ask 'silly' questions, and share your hobby or passion for the night and daytime sky.
We run shared observing events as often as the weather and Moon allow each month and it's a great opportunity to see telescopes in operation especially if you're thinking about purchasing one. We also loan telescopes to members to try before you buy.
You don't need to dive in immediately and we welcome visitors to find out what we offer as a group. Why not pop along and say 'hello'. We hope to create a diverse community where everyone feels welcome. Why not contact us hello@bathastronomers.org.uk
When do we meet?
Each month we organise a meet-up, either online or at the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, 19 New King Street, Bath, BA1 2BL. For ease of diaries and planning ahead, we always try to keep it on the last Wednesday of the month and start at 7:30pm. Each month we arrange for someone, professional or amateur, to come and talk to us on an astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, or space theme for an hour or so followed by chat and catching up. Consider dropping us a line via hello@bathastronomers.org.uk and coming along to the next meeting.
In addition at least once a month, we try to organise a shared observing evening event for members and those interested in joining. Due to the uncertainty of the weather, we plan based on a short range of dates and, closer to the time, pick the one with the best forecast.
Taking astronomy into the classroom and beyond
Bath Astronomers are very keen to bring the wonders of the night sky to as many people as possible and have visited many local primary and secondary schools over the years with workshops as well as practical stargazing and observing experiences to many hundreds of people. This has included using 2 metre telescopes in Hawaii and in Siding Spring, Australia controlled from the classroom to remotely photograph the Universe, making paper rockets and launching them, learning about orbits with gravity wells, making planispheres, observing the Sun safely, and making spectrographs. Workshops and talks have also been run for Bath Royal Literature and Science Institute (BRLSI), University of the 3rd Age, English Heritage, Exmoor National Park, the Scout Association, Girlguiding, National Trust, Bath Preservation Trust, and the Herschel Museum of Astronomy to name a few.
Astronomy is a great vehicle for getting people interested and participating in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) and it can be fun launching eggs in homemade rockets and driving lego robots across simulated Martian valleys whether you're participating or helping to run an event.
Perhaps you know a group that would benefit from one of our visits? Just contact us hello@bathastronomers.org.uk