| Society Membership |
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We think that the benefits of joining our society are well worth the
minimal cost outlay involved. Read on to find out whether you agree; if
you do then download a membership form and send it in to us with your
cheque or you can pay directly into our bank account. Meetings Wellington meetings are held once a month at Science House, the meeting centre of the Royal Society, New Zealand at 7pm (off Murphy Street almost opposite New World and only 5 minutes from Wellington Railway Station). 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 Chris Picking on (06) 3786 184 for directions. A Monthly Newsletter TPAS produces an excellent monthly
newsletter (18-20 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 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.
The focus of the Winter Astrocamp is observational astronomy and astrophotography. Winter 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.
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. If you’d now like to join the society, just print out the Membership Form, fill it out, and send it in to P.O.Box 156, Carterton. |
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