Make 2012 your Year of Asronomy!
One of the great things about the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009) is the growing popularity of Star Party events being held around the country. The question that often arises on most Forums is, how does one go about getting one started? HantsAstro has a growing reputation for organising and taking part in various events across the South of England.
Over the past few years, more and more events are springing up across the UK and there has never been a better time to get into astronomy. We have been to most of these events and they are a real asset to the world of amateur astronomy.
18 Jan 2012 - INTECH StarGazing Live
Event Formerly known as the Telescope Amnesty is now entering its third year and is held at one of
the most advanced planetariums in the UK. During the year INTECH hold a series of lectures on astronomy which is well worth checking out on their website.
http://www.intech-uk.com
MoonFest & Solar Sundays by HantsAstro
As part of our DNA, IYA2009 kick started these free public events across Hampshire and will be running April-August 2012, Over 300 people visit each of these events which will be held across Hampshire. Two Solar Sundays are booked for May/August at Butser Hill/QECP. Please visit HantsAstro's website for details.
http://www.hantasastro.org/moonfest
04-05 February 2012 AstroFest, London
Run by Astronomy Now magazine, this London based 2 day event kicks off with some world-class seminars. Trade stands and talks create a very busy event.
http://www.astronomynow.com/ astrofest/
22-26 March 2012 – Isle of Wight Star Party
This event is a real treat with some of the darkest skies in the South. At the Brighstone Holiday Centre you can either rough it in a tent or benefit from the creature comforts of a warm chalet. With lots of talks and things to do, it's one of the highlights of the astronomy calendar.
http://www.iowstarparty.org
www.twitter.com/iowstarparty
19-23 Apr 2012 - Kelling Heath Spring Equinox
One of the first big star parties of the year. Main weekend 3-4 April
http://www.starparty.org.uk
(May onwards) Summer 2012 – Royal Observatory Greenwich
This is effectively the centre for astronomy during the summer with lots of events, and with their new planetarium there (part of a £17.7m development) will also be some amazing shows on offer.
http://www.nmm.ac.uk/places/royal-observatory/
TBA - August 2012 – Norman Lockyer Observatory
Every year they run the South West Astronomy Fair with some very eminent speakers, a planetarium show, trade stalls and many activities on site. It also gives you the chance to wander around their large site imbibing the history and technology dating back over 130 years.
http://www.normanlockyer.org/
07-09 Sept 2012 - Herstmonceux Astronomy Festival, Hailsham
3 days of talks and all things astronomical from a splendid science centre, with some big telescopes.
http://www.the-observatory.org
14-16 Sept 2012 Kelling Heath Autumn Equinox (main event)
These gatherings in September are often quoted as the largest star parties in Europe. They are predominantly run and organised by Loughton and Norwich Astronomical Societies. With over 1000 astronomers pouring in from all over Europe, your reservation has to be booked well in advance. For further details go to their website.
http://www.starparty.org.uk
This list is not exhaustive and is just a preview of some of the events to come in 2011. If you are a society or event organiser and wish to add your events to this list – then please
mail me david.woods@hantsastro.org
More information can be found in Look Up!, where there are more details on our plans and progress. Registration is free (and easy...)To join HantsAstro, just download our simple PDF membership application form, save it to your PC, fill in the form on-screen, save and e-mail it back to membership@hantsastro.org. Or print it off, write and pop it in the post.
The choice is yours.
Join today, It really costs nothing to join in!
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