The Astronomy Centre was founded in 1982 with private financial investment. Its two fold purpose is to be a centre of astronomical excellence, with an emphasis on the practical aspects, as well as to interest and inform the general public.
The Centre is run by its founder, Peter Drew, with the support of a core group of volunteers. The Observatory is staffed by volunteer amateur astronomers with a good range of expertise, plus a keen willingness to help and advise members and visitors on all aspects of amateur astronomy.
As a non-profit making organisation, the Centre is financed entirely by its membership, donations of time and money, sponsorship and fund-raising activities.
The Centre has a wide selection of equipment, ranging from binoculars of various sizes to several telescopes of up to 17" in aperture. The main instruments currently available are two 16" Meade Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes, one on an equatorial mount and the other on an computer controlled alt-az mount. Future plans include the building of a reflecting telescope with a 42" mirror.
Paid up members receive a newsletter every year, and invitation to one or two star parties, practical advice and the use of equipment owned by the Centre as and when appropriate.
Visitors are welcome, with the Observatory being open to the public on Saturday evenings from 7:30pm onwards.
Copyright © by The Astronomy Centre All Right Reserved.
