Australian Amateur Astronomy Societies
The following is a list of the amateur societies in Australia.
Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD)
Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.
Spaceweather
Forecasts of solar flares and geomagnetic storms, plus daily animations of the sun.
A great site to visit if you are a solar observer and want to see what the GOES Xray Flux is doing
Manufacturers Websites and other Useful Links
Orion Binoculars and Telescopes
Losmandy Astronomical Products
Coffs Harbour Astronomical Society Inc
eets on the first Monday of each month (except January) at 7pm at the Boambee Memorial Hall behind the Mobil Service Station, cnr Pacific Highway and Sawtell Road, Boambee. Address: 11 Yarad Place, Boambee NSW 2450
Contact: Win Howard (02) 6653 2742
Bundaberg Astronomical Society
meetings are held at Alloway Observatory every Friday at 7:30pm. The second Friday of the month are general meetings and are not held in January.
Regular field nights are held as required.
Address: PO Box 4221, South Bundaberg Qld 4670
Fees: $30 adult and $15 student, no joining fee required.
Contact: Mac Jonsen (07) 4153 6469
Alice Springs Astronomical Society
holds regular monthly club meetings at the Comspec Premises, call for times.
One star viewing night is held each month, at the dark sky site – Lot 4907, Chateau Rd on Saturdays closest to new Moon.
Address: Box 739, Alice Springs NT 0871
Fees: $30 annual membership dues
Contact: Richard Williamson (08) 8953 1903
Mount Isa Astronomy Group
meets at their dark sky observing site at the Lions Youth Camp on Lake Moondarra (17km outside of Mount Isa). Meetings are held monthly, usually the Saturday preceding New Moon.
They have a roll-off roof observatory at the camp that houses 250mm and 150mm telescopes. There is also an adjacent observers lounge and over night accommodation nearing completion 8/09). Public star parties are held annually. Interested persons should contact Len Fulham for membership details and a list of observing dates.
Address: PO Box 1556, Mount Isa Qld 4825
Fees: $50 per year
Contact: Len Fulham (07) 4743 5385 (AH), (07) 4743 2955 (W), fax (07) 4743 3381
The Astronomical Society of East Gippsland
meetings are held at Bairnsdale, Perry Bridge, and Lakes Entrance. Dark sky site near Bairnsdale airport.
This is a small group which operates in Bairnsdale and the surrounding districts.
Address: 53 Riley St, Bairnsdale Vic 3875
Contact: Mike Finn (03) 5153 2802, 0422 904 238
Astronomical Society of the South West
has observing nights at their observatory south of Bunbury on the two Fridays before the New Moon.
There is an active junior group which meets twice monthly. Astronomy camps (and more informal evenings) are held during the year at dark sky sites. Membership is open to anyone. A six evening astronomy course for beginners is conducted each year in March/April. Nights for the general public are held during school holidays. Community groups are welcome to book for special nights.
Address: PO Box 1100, Bunbury WA 6231
Contact: Phil Smith (08) 9721 1586