Several of the students and their lecturer Rob Cray wanted to develop their knowledge and share their enthusiasm with others. Monthly meetings with a talk by a recognised expert provide a forum for this, and for the lively exchange of news and views over a coffee break or in the pub. This has helped members to buy the right instrument for their purpose and avoid an expensive hyped purchase that might have been the wrong choice. A monthly newsletter is sent to all members by post or e-mail as preferred. This not only reports on the previous month s meeting but contains other useful information about the Society and astronomy at large.
Visitors are welcome at our meetings so come and see what excitement astronomy can provide.
Other events are arranged at shorter notice, including star parties and a summer barbecue. Although the Society does not, at this stage, have its own telescope, many members are well equipped both with instruments and observatories. When viewing conditions allow, star parties are held at members viewing sites. Members are also well equipped for photography and CCD observations of the deep sky, the planets and the moon and, with care, of the sun. We also have good links with the University of Sussex Astronomy Department and have paid visits to the Herstmonceaux observatory.