Becoming part of HantsAstro is easy, 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. Free e-Zine and no members areas.
With 10 telescopes from a 3" refractor to a 10" Dobsonian, you can compare, use and explore the night sky. Several other sites across Hampshire are also planned for observing, as well as some 'away' missions to interesting astronomical sites across the South.
Registration is easy for observing with HantsAstro, just download and fill in 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.
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 current sites.
INTECH is for FREE OBSERVING, but offers no facilities so there is no charge. It's a great place to learn astronomy. Here we use the smaller telescopes for practice and induction. Register for Free Access. Once you get into astronomy you may like to use darker and more private sites to concentrate on your astronomy - see below.
BUTSER ANCIENT FARM is unique, with dark skies and a great vibe. For a decent nights observing or imaging it's great as it's shielded on three sides so offers little light pollution. Toilets and refreshments are available on-site. It's one of the best places we know in Hampshire. Pass Required - See below.
GARTHOWEN is pretty special too, mounted on a hill it has its own micro-climate, less pollution and is fantastic for uninterrupted astro-imaging and deep sky observing. Toilets and refreshments are available on-site. Pass Required - See below.
Our new Annual Multi-Site Pass is now available at the low cost of £15.00. This is for those that want to do even more with unlimited access (HantsAstro supervised) to all current and future sites. It's even better value and 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.
(Site fees for Garthowen go to the Hampshire and IOW Air Ambulance at the site owners request.)
Only registered HantsAstro members are allowed access to any of the sites. Our Annual Multi-Site Pass contributes to the running and sustainability of HantsAstro which helps cover site costs as well as insurance and equipment. (INTECH is free).
As a fully registered member of HantsAstro you'll also benefit from events & workshops concessions, discounts and exclusive deals on telescopes and accessories we have negotiated on your behalf. An Annual Multi-Site Pass is the best way forward but it's always optional.
Go even further by becoming a CoreTeam Member - help us at various events and you can attend camping events at Herstmonceux, Salisbury Star Party, Kelling Heath 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
So, no risk and no joining fee. Buy in when you want to get more out... Fair & Simple.
2010 really is your year to get involved with astronomy. Join in!
For more info, any questions or to buy a Pass, (or to enquire about becoming a CoreTeam Member) please e-mail: membership@hantsastro.org or call Sharon Rose by phone on 023 9261 7092.
If you are happy to proceed you can purchase passes online securely via PayPal (see below):
