Southland Astronomical Society

Southland Astronomical Society
FormationJanuary 1, 1961; 63 years ago (1961-01-01)
TypeNGO
Location
Coordinates46°24′27″S 168°21′12″E / 46.4074974°S 168.353312°E / -46.4074974; 168.353312
Region served
Invercargill, New Zealand
Membership
~35
AffiliationsRoyal Astronomical Society of New Zealand
WebsiteSouthland Astronomical Society

The Southland Astronomical Society is the southernmost astronomical society in the world.[1] Based in Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island, its small, active group of about 36 amateur astronomer members participate in a variety of astronomical activities including education with groups and school children, deep sky observing, astrophotography and aurora observation.[2]

The society operates the Southland Astronomical Society Observatory and telescope at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery,[1][3] with public viewing nights during the winter (April to September).[1][3] The telescope is a fork mounted 30 cm (12 inch) diameter Cassegrain design.[3]

The society meets monthly to discuss general astronomical topics and receive presentations of astronomical interest.[1][2] The society has a small library which holds a range of astronomical texts and magazines both contemporary and historical.[2] The society publishes a monthly newsletter for members.[1][2]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Southland Astronomical Society". Local Astronomical Societies affiliated to the RASNZ. Wellington, New Zealand: Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. Archived from the original on 1 February 2010. Retrieved 27 December 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d "About the Society". Invercargill, New Zealand: Southland Astronomical Society. Archived from the original on 20 February 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2009.
  3. ^ a b c "The Observatory". Invercargill, New Zealand: Southland Astronomical Society. Retrieved 27 December 2009.