OTHER ASTRONOMICAL ORGANIZATIONS

For details of subscription rates etc. please apply to the appropriate addresses as shown.

ASSOCIATION FOR ASTRONOMY EDUCATION

The AAE was founded in 1980 to promote and advance public education in the science of astronomy and to support the teaching of astronomy to students at all levels of education. It participates in curriculum development to secure the place of Astronomy at all levels of school education. It has recently been active in ensuring the future of GCSE Astronomy. It is the UK link to the European Association for Astronomy Education.
Membership is open to all individuals of 18 years and over and all bodies concerned with astronomy education. All members receive its newsletter, Gnomon, four times a year along with a copy of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific's publication, Universe in the Classroom.
The AAE publishes two workbooks. The Primary School book has sold over 10000 copies and the Secondary School book over 1000 copies. These are marketed jointly with the Association for Science Education. These books give vital help to teachers faced with teaching 'Earth and Space' topics, often for the first time.
The AAE operates an 'Ask an Astronomer' and a 'Visiting Speakers List' service from its web site - www.aae.org.uk
Postal inquires: The Secretary, AAE, c/o The Royal Astronomical Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BQ. There is no telephone number to contact at this address. Please use Email.
Registered Charity No 1046041

ASTRA

Formed in 1953 by Prof. Oscar Schwiglhofer, a student of Prof. Hermann Oberth.
Exists to stimulate and further public interest in `all aspects of space research and all related subjects'. Current centres of activity are Airdrie (weekly meetings), and Glasgow (monthly meetings). ASTRA run the Airdrie Public Observatory for North Lanarkshire District Council and the weekly Airdrie meetings, at the Arts Centre in Anderson Street, include access to the Observatory on clear nights. The District Council give a grant for guest speakers. There is a quarterly Newsletter SPACEREPORT and an occasional journal ASGARD. Technical activities include amateur rocketry and an ongoing study project on the British Waverider re-entry vehicle, including development of a flying flex-wing model.
Details from :
Duncan Lunan, Flat 65, Dalriada Building, 56 Blythwood Court, Anderston, GLASGOW, G2 7PE
Tel: 0141 221 7658 Email Website: http://www.astra.org.uk

THE ASTRONOMER

Not a society as such but a truly international magazine for active amateur astronomers whose aim is to provide extremely rapid publication of observational results in preliminary format. In addition, it features `News Notes' with details of discoveries and other work carried out by professional observatories world-wide. Four cover pages in each monthly issue provide CCD images and photographs and within the main issue are charts and sequences for newly discovered objects such as novae, supernovae and variable stars. Observational reports are arranged in sections edited by a specialist observer in each subject. These cover comets, asteroids, planets, deep sky, variables, meteors, fireballs, aurorae and anything else observable. For such new objects as comets, ephemerides are provided to assist in future observations. As an optional supplement to the magazine, circulars containing news of discoveries and follow-up data are issued. These can be received by mail, post or fax. The email service is the most comprehensive, averaging over 100 circulars per year sent via the Internet.
Secretary: Peter Meadows, 6 Chelmerton Avenue, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 9RE
Email Website: http://www.theastronomer.org

BRITISH ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1890 and is the leading UK society intended for advanced amateurs and active observers. Publications include a bi-monthly Journal together with an annual Handbook, News Circulars and, occasionally, memoirs on specific subjects. Meetings are usually held monthly in London, with occasional meetings in the provinces. The BAA has numerous observing sections: Solar, Lunar, Planetary, Meteor, Comet, Variable Star etc. which produce results of real scientific value from analyses on members' observations. It also has an Instrument Advisory Service, a comprehensive library and slides for loan to members. Instrument loans are possible.
Secretarial address : Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1V 9AG.
Website: http://www.britastro.org

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF YOUNG SCIENTISTS

BAYS is an integral part of one of Britain's senior scientific bodies - the British Association for the Advancement of Science. It is also the country's largest youth science organization, bringing together around 30,000 young people nationally to participate in a wide range of activities. To promote scientific interest, BAYS organizes local BAYS groups, national award schemes for project work in primary and secondary schools, national competitions and science and technology fairs. It also produces a quarterly magazine "Scope".
For information on BAYS activities in your area, write to:
British Association, Fortress House, 23 Savile Row, London, W1X 1AB.
Tel. 0207 973 3500 Fax. 0207 973 3051 Email
Website: http://www.britassoc.org.uk/

BRITISH INTERPLANETARY SOCIETY

The British Interplanetary Society (founded 1933) is dedicated to initiating, promoting and disseminating new concepts and technical information about Space. Regular meetings, publications, visits and exhibitions encourage fundamental astronautical research by providing a major focus for those with specialist interests. With forward-looking Space policies, the Society actively supports the advancement of astronautics both nationally and internationally.
The BIS publish a full-colour monthly magazine 'Spaceflight', first published in 1956, a bi-monthly 72-page technical journal 'Journal of The British Interplanetary Society' (JBIS), first published in 1934, and a twice-yearly supplement entitled 'Space Chronicle', published for the first time this year. These publications incorporate the latest scientific and technical advances, news, digests and other wide-ranging information on astronautics and outer-space.
Membership (Non-Corporate) is open to all. Fellowship (the Corporate Grade) is restricted to those with professional interests and qualifications. Please contact the Society for further details.
Secretarial address: 27/29 South Lambeth Road, London, SW8 1SZ.
Tel. 0207 735 3160 Email
Website: http://www.bis-spaceflight.com/

BRITISH UFO RESEARCH ASSOCIATION

UFORA is an amateur organization dedicated to the unbiased scientific investigation of the UFO phenomenon. This is achieved by the collection and dissemination of evidence and data, co-ordination of research in the UK and co-operation with other researchers throughout the world. Services to members include a network of investigators, a bi-annual scientific conference, lectures (all available on tape cassettes), 6 bi-monthly issues of "BUFORA BULLETIN" and 2 six-monthly issues of "The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena". Recently published by the Association are "UFO Investigation - a Handbook for UFO Investigators" (available at a reduced rate to members), "UFO's 1947-1987" and "Phenomenon". A BUFORA Information Pack is available from the office. SAE please. The Secretary, BUFORA Ltd (MS), 70 High Street, Wingham, CANTERBURY, Kent CT3 1BJ
Tel. 01924 444049 Fax. 01352 732473 Email
Website: http://www.bufora.org.uk

THE WILLIAM HERSCHEL SOCIETY

Membership of the Wm Herschel Society is open to all with an interest in the famous family and their achievements in Astronomy and science. The Society Bulletin is sent three times a year, unlimited free admission to the Herschel Museum, Bath, and offers of special discounts on Society publications and sales. An annual lecture is held every year in Bath near to March 13th, when William Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781 from his home in Bath. We need more members to stimulate ouron going programme of research and education in the history of science and astronomy.
Secreatry, The William Herschel Society, 19 New King Street, BATH, BA1 2BL.
Tel. 01225 311342

INTERNATIONAL METEOR ORGANIZATION

In 1988, this international scientific non-profit making organization was set up to encourage, coordinate and support all forms of meteor observing, to improve the quality of amateur observations, to disseminate information and results to amateur and professional meteor workers and to make possible global analyses of meteor data. Although the Organization's membership includes many of the world's top amateur meteor observers and several professional meteoricists, less experienced workers and even total beginners are welcome to join too, as the low-cost IMO observing handbooks provide detailed instructions, charts and report forms for making visual, photographic, radio and telescopic observations, as well as looking at the more theoretical and technical aspects of these topics. The bi-monthly journal "WGN" keeps members in touch with the latest news on meteors, both theoretical and practical, and access to extensive printed and computer databases is available.
For more details on the IMO contact: Alastair McBeath, 12a Priors Walk, MORPETH, Northumberland, NE61 2RF (S.A.E. please).
Email Website: http://www.imo.net

MIDLANDS SPACEFLIGHT SOCIETY

An informal group of spaceflight enthusiasts founded in 1990.
The Society meets on the second Friday of even numbered months at the Robin Woods Centre in Stourbridge, West Midlands. It also meets on the first Thursday of odd numbered months at a Birmingham pub. A society magazine called "CapCom" is published bi-monthly. MSS is a member of the West Midlands Federation of Astronomical Societies.
For more details contact the Secretary:
Andy Salmon, "Olympus Mons", 13 Jacmar Crescent, Smethwick, West Midlands, B67 7LF.
Tel.: 0121 565 4845 (evenings)
Email. Website:http://www.midspace.org.uk/

NATIONAL SCHOOLS OBSERVATORY

A major web-based resource for schools to provide the opportunity to work with professional world-class robotic telescopics. The NSO web site is designed to excite and motivate an interest in science and technology, and provide a rich source of information and activity for young people in the age range 9-19 years. The NSO has been created by Liverpool John Moore University. Schools register with the NSO on- line to gain access to the telescopes and associated educational software, which covers the national curriculum. There is a small registration fee in order to help fund the continuation of the observatory. The web site also gives access to an observers section to allow exploration of the universe and the telescopes.
Website: http://www.schoolsobservatory.org.uk/

NATIONAL SPACE SOCIETY

This society was formed in 1987 with the merger of the National Space Institute and the L-5 Society. It is a publicly-supported non-profit educational organization promoting space exploration, research, development and habitation. It publishes a magazine "AD ASTRA" and has nearly 103 active chapters in the US and other countries. Space related books, slides, posters, video cassettes and other items available through its catalogue.
Details: National Space Society, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Suite 201,Washington D.C. 20003, USA.
Email Website: http://www.nss.org

THE PLANETARY SOCIETY

Founded in 1980 by Dr.s Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray and Lou Friedman
The Planetary Society promotes the scientific exploration of our solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life. In its first year, the Society became the fastest growing non-profit membership organization of the decade and now numbers over 120,000 people in 140 countries.
The Society publishes The Planetary Report every other month. This beautifully designed and clearly written magazine provides definitive coverage of humanity's exploration of space and the search for life in our solar system and beyond. In these pages, the Society's members read provocative articles on space policy and investigate stimulating controversies in the planetary sciences. The Planetary Report is the primary communications channel between Planetary Society officers, scientists, staff and members and keeps its readers up to date on all important events and developments affecting the goals of the Planetary Society. The Planetary Society sponsors many activities around the United States and the world. Conferences, seminars, slide shows and films, lectures, receptions, workshops and other events offer members direct contact with the scientists, engineers and policy makers actively working to provide us with a future in space.
In the UK the Society stages between 80 and 100 events per year including monthly radio broadcasts, a monthly lecture program and several public awareness projects. The Society funds many scientific projects such as Mars Global Surveyor, SETI@home and the world's first Solar Sail Spacecraft COSMOS-1
For further details from: The Planetary Society HQ: 65 N. Catalina Avenue, Pasadena CA 91106 USA
UK: 110 Sandringham Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B42 1PQ UK
Email or UK Email
Website: http://planetary.org/ or http://www.planetary.org.uk

SOCIETY FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY

A new national society for the United Kingdom, founded 2002. The Society's principal aims are: To promote an academic, educational and popular interest in the history of the science of astronomy and related subjects. To encourage new research into the history of astronomy, especially amateur research at the local level, and to facilitate its collation, preservation, publication and dissemination both by conventional means and through the internet or such other new means as may subsequently become available. To bring together those with a common interest in the subject, whether amateur or professional researcher or general enthusiast, and to organise activities for the benefit and interest of the members. Amateur or professional historians are equally welcome. Overseas Membership is also available.
For general enquiries, please send a stamped s.a.e. (or two International Reply Coupons) to: Mr. Stuart Williams FRAS LRPS, Secretary, SHA, Flamsteed Villa, 26 Matlock Road, Bloxwich, WS3 3QD. For membership details and a membership form, please send a stamped s.a.e. (or two International Reply Coupons) to Mr. Ken Goward, Treasurer, SHA, 14 Keightley Way, Tuddenham St Martin, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP6 9BJ. Web site: http://www.historyofastronomy.fsworld.co.uk/

SOCIETY FOR POPULAR ASTRONOMY (SPA)

A national society intended for beginners in astronomy of all ages. Publications include "Popular Astronomy", an excellent quarterly magazine. Also frequent News Circulars containing a wealth of up-to-date information on astronomy. Members can participate in the observing sections which include: Solar, Lunar. Planetary, Meteor, Variable Star etc. quarterly London meetings, outings, weekend courses and other events. The SPA Patron is the 14th Astronomer Royal, Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale.
Secretary is Guy Fennimore, 36 Fairway, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5DU
Email Website: http://www.popastro.com

UKSEDS (UNITED KINGDOM STUDENTS FOR THE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE)

Formed as a society for students of all ages with an interest in Space and Space Research. A network for the current and upcoming generations of space enthusiasts, the society runs a number of activities, most notably an annual conference with a variety of speakers, along with a number of educational outreach activities. There are also quarterly publications. Parallel to the national organisation a number of branches exist around the country, running events for local members. Non-students are always welcome as members.
Contact: UKSEDS, c/o National Space Centre, Exploration Drive, Leicester, LE4 5NS
Tel/ Fax: 07092 230 3414 Email Website: www.uk.seds.org

THE WEBB SOCIETY

Named after the Rev T.W.Webb (1807-1885), the Webb Society was founded in 1967. Its aim is to encourage amateur observation of double stars and deep sky objects such as star clusters, nebulae and galaxies and to provide a forum for observers to communicate and publish the results of their work. Observational activities of the Society are co-ordinated in various sections each under the control of a director with wide experience in that particular field. Results of the Society's work are published regularly in its Quarterly Journal, the Deep-Sky Observer, which is sent free to members. This contains features and articles of outstanding quality and interest. All members are encouraged to contribute and are given guidance on how to present the results of their work. At present members are active in some 23 countries throughout the world. An AGM is held (usually near Oxford or at Cambridge) when officers are elected and an opportunity given for members to meet and discuss common interests. A comprehensive series of observer's manuals has been published which provide greater scope for the observer to exploit his or her equipment to the full. The volumes published so far cover Double Stars, Planetary and Gaseous Nebulae, Open and Globular Clusters, Galaxies, Clusters of Galaxies, Anonymous Galaxies, The Southern Sky, Variable Stars and a new colour Star Atlas.
For further details contact: R.W.Argyle, Lyndhurst, Ely Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB5 9NW
Email the Webb Society
Website: http://www.webbsociety.freeserve.co.uk