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Popular Astronomy Our bright, informative quarterly magazine Popular Astronomy is packed with articles, a round-up of developments in space research, reviews of latest books and telescopes, news from local societies, a Sky Diary telling you what you can see — and much more. And we’ve a reputation for avoiding the jargon that can so often make science seem a foreign language. |
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News Circulars We offer an unrivalled information service, with reports of astronomical discoveries and news from the world of professional astronomy and space agencies. Published at least six times a year, the News Circulars are also crammed with astronomical news and latest reports from observers. They could include YOURS! |
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| Observing Sections If you’ve an interest in the stars, you just can’t beat getting outside and having a look for yourself. Despite the challenges of the British climate, if you wrap up warm you’ll be rewarded with some splendid sights. You don’t have a telescope? No matter. There’s plenty you can see and do without one. All you need is a pair of eyes to begin observing straight away — and a simple pair of binoculars will show you rich star fields, galaxies and more. Whatever your equipment, SPA experts will help you get the best out of it. The SPA has nine observing sections, covering all aspects of amateur astronomy and run by experienced observers. They are happy to provide interesting projects and give all the advice you need. Even naked-eye observations can be of great interest to professional astronomers when properly organised. |
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| Aurora watching involves scanning the northern sky at night for signs of these often spectacular glows. No apparatus is needed. | Comets excite people more than virtually any other astronomical body. Most comets are faint, but each year there are one or two visible with binoculars. | Deep sky objects are the nebulae, clusters and galaxies. It’s amazing how many you can see with even a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. |
| Lunar section members observe the Moon with small telescopes. The Moon makes a perfect test object for improving your observing methods. | Meteor observers note details of shooting stars seen during a watch. When notes are combined, it is possible to work out how the meteor grains are distributed in space. |
Occultations occur when the Moon passes in front of a star or planet. Precise timings of the event help to pinpoint the Moon’s position. |
| Planetary observing needs a telescope. But even with a small instrument you can record changes on the discs of Jupiter and Mars, and view the other major planets. | Solar work has the advantage that you need not stay up late at night! A small telescope will project sunspots, but NEVER look directly at the Sun through a telescope — you may be blinded! | Variable stars change brightness, often unexpectedly. Members estimate their brightness by comparing them with constant stars. The SPA has specialised for many years in naked-eye stars. |
E-bulletins
Members with e-mail addresses can be alerted to major discoveries and receive regular astronomical news updates with our free Electronic News Bulletins — a service unique to the SPA.
Meetings and Activities
Our regular meetings are held every three months on Saturday afternoons in London, with occasional extra dates in other cities. You’ll hear talks from the country’s top astronomers, both amateur and professional, meet fellow enthusiasts – and enjoy free refreshments!
There are usually also two free meetings at a planetarium. If you can’t get to meetings, there’s a report published in Popular Astronomy. You can even hire a video of each meeting at very affordable rates.
The SPA’s busy year often includes a day visit to one of the many centres carrying out research into astronomy and space. Past outings have included trips to Jodrell Bank in Cheshire and the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory at Cambridge.
We arrange enjoyable weekend courses, too, at which you’ll get to meet other astronomers, hear talks and even observe, if it’s clear.
Our Advisory Services
Ask the experts: Got a question the books can’t answer? Members can get expert advice from our Inquiry Service. If we can’t tell you the answer straight away . . . we know someone who can.
Computing: Computers are an important part of amateur astronomy today. Our advisory service will help you get the most from yours. And you can even contact the SPA by computer — most of our advisers have e-mail addresses.
CCDs: Charge-coupled devices are revolutionising amateur astronomy with their ability to pick out faint objects even from the light pollution of city skies. We have an expert on hand to answer any questions if you are interested in these complex systems.
Photography: Photography remains an ever-popular means of recording your observations, and our expert can help you when shooting the stars.
GCSE: Astronomy is now a GCSE subject in schools. The SPA has a free GCSE advisory service, run by a teacher, to help members prepare for the exam. Many have passed with our help.
Books and special discounts
SPA members enjoy a special postal shopping service: the Book Scheme. We offer a comprehensive range of the latest and best astronomy books which are despatched post-free. We also have a popular range of exclusive T-shirts and sweatshirts for sale.
Membership of the SPA also entitles you to substantial discounts on goods from leading telescope suppliers and admission to astronomy centres around the country.
To find out more about any of our services, click on the back home link below to visit the SPA's home page.
Maintained by Dave Pearson. Last modified 13th February 2008.