Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society

Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society^[1] is a society and charity based in Swinton, South Yorkshire, England. Founded on 21 May 1978 as "The Night Sky Astronomy Club" it amalgamated with "The Mexborough Astronomy Club" in late 1978 and became the "Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society".

It applied for and successfully achieved Charitable Status in 1997.^[2]

The society original met in a room at St Johns Church in Swinton. In 1980 Swinton Working Men's Club were approached to allow the society use of an upstairs room, where it still meets on a weekly basis.

Guest lecturers visit the society approximately monthly. Quarterly the society's Observations Officer gives the members an overview of celestial phenomena expected over the next three months and usually issues an observing challenge for the next quarter. Other meetings will find members giving presentations on astronomical subjects of their choice, astronomical quizzes and debates.

The society currently has around 50 members, from throughout South Yorkshire, representing all parts of the community. The society's Honorary President is currently Dr. Allan Chapman of Wadham College, Oxford

It owns and operates the J.A.Jones Hoober Observatory, located near Hoober Stand to the north of Rotherham, which it makes available for public viewing and observing sessions throughout the year.

References

1. ^ MSAS
2. ^ Charity Commission No.1064103

External links

• Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society website
• British Astronomical Association the voice of amateur astronomy in the UK website
• The Federation of Astronomical Societies website
• Mexborough & Swinton Astronomical Society, Registered Charity no. 1064103 at the Charity Commission

Coordinates: 53°28′53″N 1°22′54″W / 53.48139°N 1.38167°W / 53.48139; -1.38167