AstronomyNZ

We think that the benefits of joining our society are well worth the minimal cost outlay involved. Have a read, and if you agree you can join up and start enjoying the benefits of membership instantly.

If you are already a paid up member, but don't have a login, go ahead and sign up - you won't be charged - we promise.

Meetings

Wellington meetings are held once a month in central Wellington. The programme includes society updates, talks and discussions about the latest astronomical discoveries.     

Wairarapa meetings are held monthly at the Phoenix clubrooms situated at our observatory complex in the Wairarapa. Telescope viewing (weather permitting) follows the beginners' session and monthly talk. Newcomers should please ring Richard Hall on 027 230 5191 for directions.

A Monthly Newsletter

TPAS produces an excellent monthly newsletter (14 x A4 pages) that provides members with Society news, the latest information on astronomical events and discoveries, articles and observing information. Most contributions in the newsletter are the work of society members and we are lucky to have good writers and artists amongst our membership. Many associate members, who don't live within easy reach of meetings and/or the observatory, say that the newsletter alone makes their membership worthwhile.

Observing Evenings  

These include regular recreational and dedicated observing evenings in the Wairarapa. TPAS's first observatory which was opened on 17th July 1999 has been built by society members, who have contributed not only their labour but also the money and equipment. The observatory contains the refurbished 15cm (6") Peter Read refractor (on loan from The Carter Observatory) which is an excellent instrument for planetary observation, an automated 25cm (10") Schmidt-cassegrain (for astrophotography), a 12" Dobsonian (great for beginners), and a 58 cm (23") reflector (for deep space observation, including galaxies).

Other equipment includes a special mounting for astrophotography and a number of other telescopes to be installed in future buildings. We have also recently acquired an 8" Meade telescope with Go To facility and a state of the art digital camera for members' use. Astrophotographs taken using the camera can be copied onto a CD for members to take home. We have such great dark skies, fabulous astronomical photographs are within the reach of everyone, even new observers.     

Stardate

Stardate is an annual event which for over 15 years has provided a venue for New Zealand astronomers to gather for the exchange of ideas, to buy and sell equipment, and to marvel at the night sky through a variety of binoculars and telescopes brought along by participants. Held over 3 days in January each year, Stardate incorporates a programme of lectures and workshops combined with observational astronomy. Stardate is an informal gathering open to members and non-members and we welcome individuals and families, experienced and newcomers to astronomy, and participants from within Aotearoa/ New Zealand and international visitors.  

Winter/Spring Astrocamp

The focus of the Astrocamp is observational astronomy and astrophotography. Winter/Spring nights from our observing site in the Wairarapa are magnificent but weather dependent so, just to be on the safe side, we have incorporated a programme of lectures and workshops with opportunities to exchange ideas and socialize with other astronomers. Highlights include the annual Winter Solstice Dinner, a mid-winter Christmas banquet including a gift and live entertainment.        

Society Links

TPAS endeavours to have close relationships with others in the astronomical and scientific community in New Zealand and overseas. We are affiliated to the Royal Society, Wellington; this entitles our members to attend all other section group meetings free of charge. These include Physics, Archaeology, Biology and Chemistry.        

N.B. Please note that institutional membership (suitable for libraries, schools and companies) affords a monthly newsletter and attendance at meetings only.

How to Join

Still Undecided?

If you are thinking of becoming a member but you are not sure, contact the   This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it   and we will send you a complmentary electronic copy of our latest Newsletter and free pass to one of our society meetings.

Fee Information

We hope that you will join the Phoenix Astronomical Society online forum.

If you are already a paid up member of the Society but not in the online forum

Go ahead and join us online, it's free!


If you aren't a paid up member of The Phoenix Astronomical Society

There is a fee, so if you are unsure whether you want to join or not email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it and we will send you a complementary electronic copy of our latest newsletter and a free pass to visit one of our meetings in the Wairarapa or Wellington.

Except where noted, your subscription fee will allow you to attend our regular monthly meetings and monthly observing sessions. You will also receive the newsletter and access this secure members area of our website.

The subscription fees are:

$50 Waged (or $40 with electronic newsletter)
$40 Unwaged (or $30 with electronic newsletter)
$50 Family of 2 (or $40 with electronic newsletter)
$65 Family of 3 (or $55 with electronic newsletter)
$70 Family of 4 or more (or $60 with electronic newsletter)
$40 Associate outside Wellington & Wairarapa areas (or $30 with electronic newsletter) - you cannot vote or stand for election
$50 Institutional - Newsletter only for Schools, Libraries, Businesses (or $40 with electronic newsletter)

Your membership will expire on the next 31 March. If you join Jul-Sep then you only be billed 75% of the membership fee, Oct-Dec 50% and Jan-Mar 25%.