Four questions answered.

HantsAstro.org was a concept founded by David Woods - An amateur astronomer who started this site and group in March 2008. To date over 45 people have joined and there are several people who are helping in developing the group into one of the most dynamic around. Since starting HantsAstro, these questions have been raised by some people who want to understand more behind why the group is so different, here are the answers to those questions:


Q: Why did you start HantsAstro?

Astronomy Groups are generally set within a rigid framework and there inherently lies the problem with Amatuer Astronomy. The way groups are operated has not changed much since the 1950's, though time and lifestyles have with less time and more to do, which is one of the reasons why most people don't get involved with it until much later in life. There are a growing number of active astronomers that simply want to do more practical astronomy. Recent advances in telescopic instruments makes astronomy available to a much wider group. Boundaries are being removed through technology.

I wanted to do more, to give astronomy some real excitement and refresh the traditional astronomy group structure, and to make it more flexible and appeal to people who want to observe and learn.

Groups are formed because people wish to share their experiences.

One of the scenarios that can put people off is that you pay a years membership fee - to attend a group. If you're new to astronomy, you may possibly lack confidence and feel out of your depth (this was me a just a few years ago), also too many cloudy nights or not enough time can erode your chances of observing as something else always crops up. That's Life. We know all about those reasons don't we?

What happens? You can end up giving up. I nearly did.

After spending some time within a large astronomical group as Secretary, and getting frustrated with the lack of observing I was doing, I thought things could be done differently. Less rules, less training and getting back to what astronomy is primarily about - looking at our Solar System and beyond. Armchair astronomy is OK but not on a clear night! So I thought, if I wanted the benefits of being in a group and focus purely on observing, HantsAstro would be the answer.

Q: Why make HantsAstro free?

First, tear up the rulebook and make membership free, so if you don't like it, you've not lost out and therefore it's no longer a barrier to joining. Don't know enough? Find it on our web site and with our free eZine Look Up! Want to observe on a clear night? We'll tell you where and when. Think groups are too cliquey or not your thing? All eliminated, it's free to join, and easy to get involved at any level.

Q: How does it work and where does the money come from?

Since 1998 I have been running a design company I.O Design Ltd (the site is 8 years old, cobblers shoes, sorry...) that also by chance specialises in video forensics (it started with some dark video underwater footage 5 years ago), mainly with shipwrecks and that's what has re-ignited my interest in astronomy, as it's all low light imaging technology. Some of the techniques I use are similar to astro-imaging and are developed from my interest in astronomy, which is improving all the time.

I have donated some of the resources needed to start HantsAstro and offer this new group some financial stability. HantsAstro will be funded by advertising from the site and the eZine. The new store will also contribute along with the low cost pay-as-you-go observing fees for some sites, that will help develop the group and pay for running costs and new equipment.

Q: Will it work?

Just four months after launching the support has been overwhelming. We have members joining weekly and not just from Hampshire but from all over the UK. The Magazine has proven itself as being extremely popular, if you haven't read it yet, then check out a copy, it's free! HantsAstro is evolving magintudes brighter than I ever thought possible.

We utilise modern communications and technologies such as this website, ezine and e-mail to keep in touch and promote the group, more so than any other. This will mean (hopefully) that we can have a flexible timetable so observing remains central to our activities. This also drives down cost which is important given the current economic climate.

HantsAstro really is a new kind of group, it is all the best of the Hampshire astronomy scene in one place. A stepping stone into existing groups or getting more out of this multi-faceted past-time in your own way and as you like it.

That's the point, this is astronomy without the boundaries.

David Woods
david.woods@hantsastro.org