The Flamsteed Astronomy Society
The Flamsteed Astronomy Society was set up in 1999 to promote the understanding of astronomy through lectures and demonstrations by a wide range of speakers. Through the Society Members experience the workings of the Royal Observatory's telescopes.
Flamsteed Astronomy Society programme
The Society meets in the Museum's Lecture Theatre on the first Monday of the month during the winter, with world-class astronomers joining members to explore new concepts and discoveries. The group also have observing sessions out and about and special sessions on the Royal Observatory's 28-inch telescope.
In summer, a programme of visits and observing activities are arranged. Flamsteed members will be active during March's National Science Week and the first weekend of every month from 11.30–15.00 in the Astronomers' Garden at the Royal Observatory to offer visitors the chance to view the Sun through a solar telescope donated to the Museum by the Flamsteed Astronomy Society.
Recent highlights have included:
- the 'Star Lecture' with former Astronomer Royal Sir Arnold Wolfendale
- a visit to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories in Didcot
- a special planetarium evening
Up-to-date programme details, news and information are on the Flamsteed Astronomy Society's website.
Joining the Flamsteed Astronomy Society
Membership of the Flamsteed Astronomy Society costs £80 for an individual membership, £120 for joint membership and £63 for concessionary membership. This includes the price of the standard Museum membership as you have to be a Museum Member to join the society.
Club Secretary Jane Bendall will be glad to talk to would-be members. Contact her through the Museum's Membership Executive:
Membership Executive, Membership Office,
National Maritime Museum, London, Greenwich SE10 9NF
Tel: +44 (0)20 8312 6678
E-mail: membership@rmg.co.uk
Find out more on the Flamsteed Astronomy Society's website.
The Society feels it a privilege to meet on a site of such historical significance and have access to the Royal Observatory's (ROG) professional staff. One of its aims is to make donations of equipment to help educational work. In 2003 the Society donated a Coronado telescope with Hydrogen-alpha filter for solar viewing. Volunteers from the Society aim to set-up the Coronado for public solar viewing sessions on the first weekend of each month – see the Society's Website for dates.