The Astronomical Society was formed in 1968 out of an adult education class and subsequently acquired its own Clubroom, conveniently located in the centre of the town of Huddersfield. Based at 4A Railway Street, just off St. George's Square, and within a five-minute walk of both the bus and train stations, the Society's meeting place could not be more central.
In the past, the Society has run telescope-making classes, courses in O-level astronomy, and beginner's courses in introductory astronomy, encouraging people of all ages to pursue this fascinating science as far as they can. Consequently, several members have gone on to study astronomy and space science at degree level and beyond. Other activities involve talks by Society members, quizzes, slide shows and practical sessions, which may be held either in the clubroom or at the Society's observatory. Also, there are several annual social occasions, such as the Christmas dinner, summer barbecue and ten-pin bowling night.
Meetings
The Society meets every Friday evening at 7.30 p.m., mostly in the clubroom, but on occasion, guest speakers from both the amateur and professional astronomical communities are invited to lecture both Society members and the general public. Such events are held in Huddersfield's Town Hall.
The Astronomical Society also visits places of interest such as Jodrell Bank and organises trips to astronomy conventions such as the annual Leeds Astromeet and the European Astrofest in London. Other local astronomical societies in the north of England are sometimes visited, and close links are kept with these societies so that information and advice can be passed along. The main inter-society event is the annual Astromind Competition, where all astronomical societies in the Yorkshire region elect a contestant to pit his or her wits against the others in a Mastermind type quiz. Huddersfield hosted this event in 1988 and 2000.
Observatory
The Society owns an astronomical observatory, which contains a Meade 16 inch LX200.The observatory itself may never have become a reality were it not for the commitment and hard work of Society members, local engineering firms and financial support by the local council and local trusts.
Now, use of the observatory is a major benefit of Society membership. It can be used for the private observing projects of individuals and also for the education of the general public. Interest in astronomy is currently phenomenal, and as such, the Society holds four Open Weeks at the observatory - close to Crosland Heath Golf Course, off Blackmoorfoot Road, Huddersfield - every year during the winter months. It is open from 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, but only if the skies are clear.
The observatory is also available for group visits of which we get several a year. Scouts, cubs, guides, church groups, school groups, local council groups and other voluntary organisations are all catered for. We can have up to 1000 visitors a year.
We can also arrange to visit schools, scout groups and other organisations to give talks and demonstrations, and we publicise this by placing exhibits in the local library and adverts and posters in community booklets and library notice-boards.
site started: 13/11/2002
last updated: 17/05/2008