As a responsible organisation, we feel we should follow the guidance given by our Government in respect of Corona/Covid-19 virus.
In the light of the most recent announcements, we have decided to suspend VAS meetings and close the Observatory until the guidance is changed to suggest that it is appropriate for us to return to normal working. The suspension also includes all outreach events.
Of course, this policy will be reviewed as the situation becomes clearer.
The New Zenith will continue to be produced and circulated to members, and other interested parties.
In the meantime, stay safe and please feel free to contact us.
2020 Monthly Meetings
The calendar of meetings for 2020 is now full and available here.
Monthly Meetings are open to all, members and visitors.
Please keep an eye on the calendar as we do sometimes have to make changes to the schedule.
EasyFundRaising
Did you know that you can support Vectis Astronomical Society by shopping online?
Every time you shop online via easyfundraising at one of the 3,300 retailers including John Lewis, Aviva, Sainsbury’s and Booking.com, a donation will be made to VAS, and it won’t cost you a penny extra.
It’s really simple to get started; Go to https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ and sign up for free.
Get shopping – your donations will be collected by easyfundraising and automatically sent to VAS. It couldn’t be easier!
There are no catches or hidden charges and we will be really grateful for your donations.
Thank you for your support.
2017 – August Meeting
Please note, due to short notice cancellations of 2 speakers for our 2017 August meeting, the AGM will be followed by:
- A talk by Dudley Johnson about the construction of his observatory
- Peter Burgess – Presentation of the latest space and astronomy news
- Members’ social evening – light refreshments provided
Please also note, the AGM will start at 7.00pm sharp
Please see http://www.wightastronomy.org/meetings/ for details.
Dark Wight Skies 2017
Meeting Location Change for 2017
Please note the change of monthly meeting location for 2017.
All meetings will now be held in the Newchurch Pavilion which is directly adjacent to the VAS Observatory in Watery Lane Newchurch – map etc here.
The Pavilion has recently been refurbished and now provides an excellent facility for us:
- Parking is easier
- It is marginally cheaper for us
- On clear nights we can adjourn to the observatory
A list of the planned meetings is here.
Clear night here on the Island tonight!
Tonight looks likely to be the first really clear Thursday night for a good few weeks.
The observatory will be open from 8pm and I look forward to getting a few ‘scopes outside and welcoming a few visitors.
The is no entry fee but we are happy to receive donations should you be feeling generous 😉
Wrap up warm and please bring a small torch to light the way across the field to the observatory.
As this will probably be the last blog post of 2016:
Happy New Year to all VAS members and to astronomers everywhere. We wish you clear skies in 2017.
Sept 2016 Monthly Meeting – Cancelled
Apologies to all but we have to cancel this Friday’s Monthly Meeting in Newport. We have been unable to find a replacement speaker.
Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.
March Monthly Meeting 2016 – Change of Venue
Please note, our 2016 March Monthly Meeting will be held at Newchurch Pavilion (next to the observatory in Watery Lane, Newchurch).
As it is Good Friday, the Parish Centre is being used on the 25th of March.
The talk is titled “Death From Space” and our speaker is Ninian Boyle.
For those who haven’t visited the observatory, the nearest postcode is PO36 0LX and there is a map here.
Oct 23 Meeting – Update
Unfortunately Tom Kitching can’t now make our meeting on 23 October 2015.
Please keep an eye on this site for updates to this years calendar.