Ilkeston
& District
Astronomical
Society
The Ilkeston and District
Astronomical Society (IDAS for short), was founded in 1981 to enable everyone
with an interest in astronomy to meet other like-minded people, and to promote
the enjoyment of this most rewarding pastime.
Members range from complete beginners,
who just like to star gaze occasionally, to a few more advanced amateurs
who have built their own observatories, and conduct serious astronomical
observations.
We hold two meetings a month.
The first is held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Hayloft,
Erewash Museum, High Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire. (Please note
that the entrance to the Museum via Anchor Row has now been sealed).
Starting at 7:45pm, members are entertained with talks on various astronomical
topics by the more experienced members, or by an invited Guest Speaker.
Refreshments are available throughout the evening.
Our second meeting
is held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Visitor Centre, Shipley
Country Park, Slack Lane, Heanor, Derbyshire. Starting at 7:45pm in the
Green Room, these meeting are a very informal get-together, and focus
on more practical astronomy. No additional speakers are arranged for
these meetings, and this allows the Society to devote more time to beginners
and those less knowledgeable members. The meetings should also allow
us to do some casual observing, with all the usual amenities close at
hand. Again,
refreshments are available throughout the evening. Please consult the
meetings page if you wish to see the very
latest information .
Members who have no telescope
of their own may if they wish, borrow the Society's own eight inch telescope,
to use at their own home - free of charge! Day
trips to places of astronomical interest are occasionally arranged, and these
are always thoroughly enjoyed. Regular observing sessions are also
held, if the weather permits at Shipley Countryside Park.
Members also receive (by post
or email) a free bi-monthly Newsletter which gives details of the coming
month's astronomical events, and the latest Society news. A free library
service is also available at the monthly meetings, where Members may borrow
from a good selection of popular astronomy books, magazines and
videos.
The Society celebrated its 25th
birthday in 2006, and to mark this milestone we held a special Silver Jubilee
Convention on May 20th 2006. Click here
or on the "Birthday" button to find out more about the
event.
We may be small,
but we are a friendly Society, and you are most welcome to come along
to any of our meetings.
This website went live
on October 25th 1999, and
has been accessed
times.
|