Our History

About Us

Towards the end of 1923 letters were published in the Southern Daily Echo suggesting the formation of a local Astronomical Society. As a direct result, the society was formed on the 1st January 1924. The objectives of the Society are

“To promote and stimulate interest in Astronomy and related subjects”

We hold monthly meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the each month from September through to July. Currently these are held online via Zoom but we hope to return to the Issac Watts Memorial Hall, Winchester Rd, Upper Shirley, Southampton

The main event of the evening is usually a lecture given by a guest speaker or one of our members. The December meeting is less formal and we have a video, raffle and Xmas food and a chance to chat with members.

During the evening a selection of books and DVD’s from the society library are available for members to borrow. The society also has a range of Telescopes available for hire.

We use to hold club evenings at members home and observing gatherings at various locations for special events, We haven’t done this for some time, but we have recently been holding observing sessions through Lilian’s telescopes via zoom. There is also the annual summer barbecue held in place of the August meeting on the 4th Thursday in August when we sometimes can observe the night sky.

The society is affiliated to the British Astronomical Society and we are members of the Federation of Astronomical Societies.

Visitors are always welcome to our meetings, the first visit is free but subsequent visits we appreciate a small donation to contribute towards room hire, speaker costs and these days our zoom subscription.