New Astronomy Starts Here...
Welcome to HantsAstro. Astronomy that really is 'Out There'. Whether on
your own or in a group, stargazing is fun at any level. Pretty much any
telescope or binoculars will improve what you can see with just your
own eyes. HantsAstro is for anyone who has an interest in Astronomy who want's
to use this as a stepping stone into something more active.
Best of all, it really is Free! It's a new breed of astronomy group, stripped back to what it all should be about really: observing the night sky.
With no annual membership fee, and a free monthly electronic magazine, what's not to like?
Our focus is hands-on practical observing, and from 10th September 2008 we are starting a unique and flexible observing programme which is based on 'clear skies' forecasting, so we'll be using our telescopes whenever we can! It's a mixture of free and entry-fee based observing sessions, for newbies and enthusiasts. For those hardcore people, there are even more challenging deep sky objects and astrophotography, so you can do more clever stuff with your own telescopes at our dark sky sites. We intend to cover every facet of astronomy.
We are very proud to announce that from September 2008, HantsAstro will be observing from Butser Ancient Farm, nr Chalton, Hampshire and in the grounds of the INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium at Winchester. Click on the links to find out more.
Entry to the Observing Sessions at INTECH are Free of Charge starting 10th Sept '08.
Places are limited and are being signed up quickly, so why not Join
In!
Butser Ancient Farm observing passes will be just £4 per session.
Registration is easy for observing with HantsAstro, just download and fill in our simple PDF membership application form, save your details and e-mail it back!
We now have our own collection of six telescopes, from a 70mm refractor through to a 10" Dobsonian, so you can experience the different advantages of different sizes and types of telescope that could help you develop your interest, or get some idea of what to buy and see how it performs.
Or you can bring and use your own 'scope, either way practice makes perfect.
Our free monthly eZine Look Up! will give you
some help when you're out in the field and now it's even bigger! It contains unique UK
based reviews on 'Grab n Go' scopes and other things to make your astronomy even better... and hopefully a good read when the nights are too cloudy.
This is the first astronomy group of its kind - This is our 'Clubhouse'.
We may be online, but it's not virtual. It's just pure Practical Astronomy. Pay-as-you-go, with no strings attached. It's a new way of being part of an astronomy group with no annual upfront membership fee.
So, why not Join
In with free membership, and a
free eZine sent to you before general release including updates on our group and planned events. You'll also get an exclusive HantsAstro Members Newsletter 'HantsAstro Observer', upon registration and unique Hampshire astronomy weather alerts which are in progress for the coming season... and with access to some of the best dark sky observing sites in Hampshire, there is much to look forward to.
If you really, really get the bug, then why not visit your local astronomy group?
All have a wealth of experience too, and with regular talks and seminars some even
have their own observatories with some of the best 'scopes in the UK. We want you to get more out of astronomy.
This is why we offer free membership: Join us, join them, join in!.
Our web site and eZine are rapidly developing in line with the group, so keep checking the latest news here
at HantsAstro.org. We are a revolutionary new kind of group and there is much happening, so thank you for
your interest and I hope you enjoy seeing HantsAstro evolve as much as we do.
If you have any questions regarding HantsAstro then please feel free to e-mail me or pick up the phone.
Regards and Dark Skies,
David Woods
Founder
HantsAstro
david.woods@hantsastro.org
t:023 9261 7092
f:023 9257 0283
skype: iodesign
