Shoalhaven Astronomers will be delivering a series of presentations on Astronomy and tours of the SA observatory on the UOW Shoalhaven Campus.  Members of the public are welcome to come along and see what our association and the UOW are doing in the field of amateur astronomy.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Shoalhaven Astronomers Association will elect a new executive and set the direction of the association for the next 12 months.

All members past and present are encouraged to attend and contribute their ideas and aspirations for the next year.  Financial members will be asked to vote on the nominations for the association executive and the management committee.

the first general meeting of the association for FY 2025/26 will follow the AGM after a short break for tea, coffee and a biscuit…

Presented by

Associate Professor Laurence Wakelin

BSc.(Hons) 1st Class Chemistry, University of Kent, UK, 1971.

PhD Pharmacology, Clare College, University of Cambridge, UK, 1975

Astrochemistry is the study of the chemical elements and molecules found in space, focusing on their formation, interaction, and destruction. It brings together astronomy and chemistry, to investigate the abundance and reactions of atoms and molecules in interstellar and circumstellar space, particularly in star- and planet-forming regions. These chemical elements and molecules contribute to the dust and clouds that form planets, and include organic compounds that are precursors to life.

In my first talk of a series I will introduce the concept of astrochemistry, and take us from the cosmology of the Big Bang to the stellar formation of the 92 elements of the Periodic Table.

Presented by

Associate Professor Laurence Wakelin

BSc.(Hons) 1st Class Chemistry, University of Kent, UK, 1971.

PhD Pharmacology, Clare College, University of Cambridge, UK, 1975

Astrochemistry is the study of the chemical elements and molecules found in space, focusing on their formation, interaction, and destruction. It brings together astronomy and chemistry, to investigate the abundance and reactions of atoms and molecules in interstellar and circumstellar space, particularly in star- and planet-forming regions. These chemical elements and molecules contribute to the dust and clouds that form planets, and include organic compounds that are precursors to life.

In my first talk of a series I will introduce the concept of astrochemistry, and take us from the cosmology of the Big Bang to the stellar formation of the 92 elements of the Periodic Table.

The Shoalhaven Astronomers (SA) monthly meeting is a combination of presentations given in the meeting room at the UOW Shoalhaven Campus and – weather permitting – practical observational astronomy using the SA observatory located on campus and additional equipment as appropriate.

Weather permitting, a pre-planned observation event for SA members to observe in a group setting at the Shoalhaven Observatory.

…That’s us isn’t it?….

 Aiming a Telescope

From using simple instruments to aim at the Moon and other bright objects, to star-hopping with star atlases to find faint objects, through to digital setting circles and go-to technology, aiming a telescope at celestial sights has become easy; and relatively more-affordable.

This talk will go through all the ways amateurs have used telescopes, and with the advent of Smart Telescopes, will ask the question: Is any of it actually necessary anymore?

Andrew Wood first purchased a tiny refracting telescope as a teenager. At 63 years old, he has seen a lot of changes within the hobby of Amateur Astronomy. He hopes this presentation will illicit discussion among both seasoned telescope users and beginners.

A sausage sizzle to support Shoalhaven Astronomers is being held @ Bunnings @ South Nowra.

Come along, have a delicious sausage sandwich and learn a little about what we do.

A public presentation on astronomy sponsored by the Shoalhaven Astronomers and the University of Wollongong.  The speaker is Dr. Luke Barnes of Western Sydney University   speaking on “Is There Life Out There In The Universe ?“

The presentation will start at 7.30pm and will be preceded by informal tours of the Shoalhaven Astronomers observatory located on the campus grounds commencing at 6.45pm.