- Northumberland Astronomical Society
-
Hauxley Observatory Organization Northumberland Astronomical Society Location Hauxley Nature Reserve, Northumberland, England CoordinatesAltitude 7 m (23 ft) Established 2008 Telescopes14 inch Meade LX200 14 inch (355mm) Schmidt-Cassegrain The Northumberland Astronomical Society was founded in 2000 by local amateur astronomers in Northumberland, UK. The society is informally known among its members as "Nastro". The first formal meetings of the society were held in the village hall at Low Hauxley but increasing membership and the support of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust saw meetings move to the visitor centre in the nearby Hauxley Nature Reserve in 2002. The Nature Reserve was burned down in an arson attack on June 29, 2010 so now society meetings are held in the Beehive function room at The Trap Inn until the new building is completed which is expected to be in 2012.[1]
Nastro's mission is to encourage astronomy and science education in the North East of England.
The society has an active public outreach programme.[2][3]
The society secured funding for a 14 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope in 2005 and an observatory was built to house it in 2008.[4]
In January 2011 Nastro are partnering with BBC2 as part of Stargazing Live hosted by Brian Cox (physicist) and Dara Ó Briain. Nastro will be holding free events at Druridge Bay Country Park, Northumberland
References
- ^ http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2010/06/29/hauxley-nature-reserve-visitor-centre-destroyed-by-fire-61634-26745281/
- ^ http://forum.skyatnightmagazine.com/tm.asp?m=99573 NASTRO International Year of Astronomy programme (2009)
- ^ http://www.culture24.org.uk/science+%2526+nature/technology/space+science/art66744 Mini Astro course at the Centre for Life in Newcastle
- ^ http://www.northumberlandgazette.co.uk/news/Star-scope-opens-the-skies.4760040.jp Star scope opens the skies (Northumberland Gazette)
External links
Categories:- Amateur astronomy organizations
- Organizations established in 2000
- Astronomy in the United Kingdom
- Organisations based in Northumberland
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.