HantsAstro Update - July '08
HantsAstro has more than trebled our number of members since March and now stands at 41 and growing by the week, so the race was on to find the best dark sky sites in Hampshire that meet our criteria and we have found some!
We are proud to announce that from September HantsAstro will be observing fro Butser Ancient Farm, nr Chalton, Hampshire and the INTECH Science Centre & Planetarium.
Our full observing programme will commence in September 2008.
Entry to the Observing Sessions at INTECH are Free of Charge starting Sept '08. For Butser Ancient Farm there will be a entry fee, refreshments and facilities will be available.
Permissions have been granted and details are currently being finalised before roll-out. All observing sessions are covered by our insurance, and are only open exclusively to fully registered members who will be issued with passes.
Tests are being carried out during the summer at several sites in Hampshire to accomodate the observing party numbers we are generating, given the types of astronomy the group wants to do such as astrophotography, planetary and deep-sky.
The first batch of reviews are done and will be put up on the site over July. Now planning and producing copy for August and September issues of the eZine, as well as October to Christmas. Now the eZine is 16 pages, we have room to do more, and add better images.
The covers for the next issues are now drafted (see next month) The site has entered the second stage of construction, as there is now a second level of navigation so new content is being added during May to August as part of Stage II of the site rollout. The Store is now the main priority as we are behind schedule. But then as a group we have come a long way in a short time. Rome wasn't built in a day, maybe next time perhaps they should ask us!
HantsAstro is also working on a number of other exciting and unique and innovative collaborations so watch this space!
More information can be found in the latest edition of Look Up! our free eZine, where there are more details on our plans and progress so far.
Graham and myself will be reporting on the South West Astronomy Fair at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, based in Sidmouth Devon. This historic site has been going since 1912 and is well worth a visit. The Fair starts at 9am to 6pm, on Saturday 9th August 2008. There will be Planetarium presentations as well a lectures and a prize draw, with over a dozen exhibitors too, promises to be a great day out. Entry is £5 per adult, £2.50 for Children(under 18) and £4 four lectures...
We are pleased to announce that HantsAstro will be attending the Herstmonceux Astronomy Festival 5-7th September 2008 and staying overnight for the duration for some observing sessions in the centre itself and will also have a stand there. Details will be posted shortly if you wish to come along or help out.
Please let me know if you are also interested in attending Autumn Equinox Sky Camp 2008 which is from the 22nd September to 2nd October at Kelling Heath, Norfolk. We are planning a trip there around the 27th.
Then there is Xmas & 2009.