Becoming part of HantsAstro is easy, there's no joining fee, no log-ins, no members only area, no annual subscription fees and no hassle. Most of it is free! INTECH observing sessions at Winchester are FREE and are an ideal introduction into astronomy. Our Free e-Zine and Forum is available to everyone.
With 10 telescopes from a 3" refractor to a 16" Dobsonian, you can compare, use and explore the night sky. Several other sites across Hampshire are also used for observing, as well as some 'away' missions to interesting astronomical sites across the South.
Registration for observing with HantsAstro is easy, just download our simple PDF membership application form, fill it in, save it and e-mail it back! Or if you wish, post it off to the address on the form. As a member you automatically get added to the Look Up! mailing list
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To keep it all simple we only have three rules... no stuffy constitutions, no politics and therefore no grief. Astronomy comes first.
This is how we operate our three current sites:
INTECH is for FREE OBSERVING, but offers no facilities so there is no charge. It's a great place to learn astronomy. We observe here once a month on either a Tuesday or Thursday. Here we use the smaller telescopes for practice and induction.
Once you get into astronomy, perhaps you would like to use darker, more private sites to concentrate on your astronomy such as the ones below.
BUTSER ANCIENT FARM is our Premium Site. It's unique with dark skies and a great vibe for a decent nights observing or imaging, and is shielded on three sides so offers little light pollution. We have gated access and toilet & refreshment facilities are available on-site. It's one of the best observing places we know in Hampshire. We meet here twice a month on either a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Annual Multi Site Pass required for Access- See below
BUTSER HILL is now another Premium Site as we have very recently arranged gated access and use of the toilet facilities up there. So an annual Multi Site Pass will be required to access the site for observing. It has Mag20+ dark skies with stunning vistas of the South Coast spanning from Bognor to Fawley, which makes it ideal for astro-photography.
We normally meet here once a month usually on a Friday or Sunday. Annual Multi Site Pass now required for Access- See below
Other sites are also available for use exclusively by HantsAstro at certain times, across Hampshire, for special astronomical events and courses.
1 YEARS OBSERVING FOR A FLAT RATE OF £15 FOR A MULTI-SITE PASS. (Covers Butser Ancient Farm, Butser Hill and other HantsAstro-exclusive sites)
The HantsAstro Multi-Site pass is available for those that want to do even more at all our current sites and any future ones for only £15 for 12 months. With multiple sites across the South, you'll be able to do astronomy in different places and meet like-minded people, who share your interest, at lower cost. We are especially active from Sept-May every year but less so during the Summer, due to shorter nights.
It's free to register and remember only fully registered members are allowed to come to any of our observing sessions. Site Passes for Butser Ancient Farm, Butser Hill (and other HantsAstro exclusive sites) are required to contribute to the running and sustainability of HantsAstro and also to help cover site costs as well as our comprehensive insurance and equipment maintenance.
As a Multi Pass holder you'll also benefit from events & workshops concessions. You will be sent a Welcome Pack when you join, detailing how we work and more info on all our sites.
Go even further by becoming a CoreTeam Member and help us out at various events and you can attend camping events at Herstmonceux and some Away Missions free of charge when we are there. Yes, camp for free. The nights are yours. We always need more hands to help out at an event during the day... training is available and you're fully insured under the Group for all events.
So, no risk and no joining fee. Buy in when you want to get more out... Fair & Simple.
2011 really is your year to get involved with astronomy. Join us and join in! For more info, if you have any questions or to buy an Annual Multi Site Pass, please e-mail Sharon our membership secretary: membership@hantsastro.org or call her on 023 9261 7092.
