About the Society
If you have not visited our us before, why not come along ...?
Our aims
Our long-term aims are to provide a focal point for contact between local astronomers and to make astronomy accessible to the general public. We would be pleased to hold Astronomy evenings for local schools and youth groups, to encourage interest in astronomy and to provide support for it as part of the National Curriculum.
| Management Committee |
 Martin Butcher Chairman |
David Renshaw Vice Chairman |
Jean Stewart Secretary |
 Chris Sweetman Treasurer |
Donna Butcher Speaker Coordinator |
Sue Scott Membership Coordinator |
.jpg) Steve Warbis Field Trip Coordinator |
 Mark Hadley Venue Coordinator |
Liz Pentreath Outreach Coordinator Assistant |
Mike O'Hare Newsletter Editor |
.jpg) Andy Verwer Workshop/MaccIntro Coordinator |
Laurie Yates Webmaster |
Mike Jackson Webmaster |
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| Officers |
| Founder Christopher Rose (May 1990) |
Patron Emeritus Professor Ian Morison ex-Gresham Professor of Astronomy, Jodrell Bank Observatory (Previously Sir Bernard Lovell O.B.E.,LLD.,DSc., FRAS) |
President
Emeritus Professor Sir Francis Graham Smith 13th Astronomer Royal Jodrell Bank Observatory |
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| Honorary
members Megan Argo; Malc Beesley; Christine Elliot; Andrew Greenwood; Tony Hordell; Jack Moore; Christopher Rose; Professor Ian Morison; Cherry Moss; Dave Ogden; Judith Quinlan; Alan Smith; John Thomson; Diana Willcox |
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Members
Whether your interest is visual, technical, historical, scientific or spiritual you will find a kindred spirit within the Society. Many of our members have considerable experience in many aspects of amateur astronomy such as astrophotography and CCD-imaging. If you are considering buying a telescope, talk to our experienced observers who will happily offer advice and guidance. The Society owns several telescopes and binoculars, which are available for hire by members. We also have an extensive book and video/DVD library from which titles may be borrowed.
Membership fees
Joining Macclesfield Astronomical Society
If you wish to become a member of Macclesfield Astronomical Society you can request an application form from any committee members at our meetings, by emailing us or downloading a membership form and forwarding to the address on the form. Subscription renewals are due on the 1st of September and run for 12 months. Membership subscriptions can be paid using a credit or debit card, BACS, personal cheque or cash.
Meetings
There are 3 official meetings held by Macclesfield Astronomical Society each month.
Our Workshop (Calvary Church, Macclesfield) is held on the first Tuesday of every month. This is where our members showcase their passion for astronomy in a variety of short presentations. We now start this meeting with a session for those new to astronomy.
Our Social Evening (Blacksmiths Arms, Henbury) is held on the second Tuesday of every month. This is our chance to get together and build camaraderie which makes astronomy special.
Our Lecture (Village Hall, Goostrey) is held on the third Tuesday of every month. Our speakers are usually well regarded academics or experts in the world of astronomy.
See our Forthcoming events page for further details. All meetings begin at 20:00 and last approximately 90 minutes.
Dark-sky field trips
Our weekend Dark Sky Field Trips are an excellent, enjoyable and sociable way to experience good dark sky conditions, whether observing visually, with binoculars, telescopes or with photographic equipment. Cloudy conditions offer opportunity for relaxation, reading and research with plenty of astronomy discussion, information and mentoring including occasional videos, and talks.
Daytime activity during the Field Trips includes solar and atmospheric observing, walking, visits to local attractions, lounging, reading, crosswords, and socialising. The Field Trips are invariably very enjoyable, worthwhile and good value in all respects, and those who come along are keen to come again.
Join us and see the night sky as Nature intended it to be …
Outreach
Our team of members lead by Chris Sweetman, Outreach Coordinator, volunteer to support local groups of children such as cubs, brownies, scouts and primary or secondary schools to further their interest and understanding in astronomy. Our presentations support the national curriculum or help groups achieve their astronomy badge.
We are also privileged be a contributor for the NHS Recovery College in Macclesfield exploring the theoretical and practical application of astronomy with discharged patients to aid them in their rehabilitation from mental illness.