Location: Tullamore, Co. Offaly in the center of Ireland.
Members: 40.
Telescopes: 12ins, 8ins, 4 x 6ins + Radio Telescope.
Observatory: Phase I Complete.
Meetings: Every forthnight in The Order Of Malta Building, The Tanyard, Tullamore.
Contact: See below.
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| Bob Campbell and his mobile 10ins reflector. |
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| The observatory housing 6ins reflector, just after completion. |
Founded in 1986 the society has been in continuous existence ever since.The object of the society is to promote interest in astronomy and allied subjects. With this in mind the society intends to build a permanent Observatory in the Tullamore area.
Each year from October to May the society hold a series of lectures and classes on Astronomy and related scientific topics. Held fortnightly in The Order of Malta Building, The Tanyard, Tullamore, these lectures have proved very popular.
Since 1992 the society has organised, with the Irish Astronomical Society, the Irish Astrofest. This is a weekend of astronomical activities that brings together astronomers, both professional and amateur, from all parts of Ireland and abroad. Since 1998 this event has been called "COSMOS".
COSMOS 2003 will take place over the weekend of March 28TH, 29th & 30th 2003 at Annaharvey Farm, Tullamore.
Annual outings are organised for members, families and friends to places of astronomical interest, i.e. Armagh planetarium, Dunsink observatory, Birr, etc.
One member has built his own observatory, housing a 10 ins reflector, and at present over eight telescopes of various types, including a Radio Telescope, are owned by members. As part of a society project a 6ins reflector was built, for use by all members.
The society also publishes its own Newsletter quarterly. Called Realta, which is the Irish word for Star, this contains items of society news and articles of interest submitted by members.
As a member of the Federation of Astronomical Societies, the Tullamore Astronomical Society has close links with similar societies both in Britain and Northern Ireland.
The society has purchased the site for the proposed observatory and obtained planning permission. Phase One of the project has been completed with the erection of a sml observatory currently housing a 6 ins reflector. This building will eventually house a 12 ins instrument. Extensive work has also been carried out on the site with improved access, parking and landscaping.
Chairperson: Maire McKay. Tel: ++ 353 506 22865
Treasurer & PRO: Grainne Kirwan.
Secretary: Sean Morris: Tel: 087 6825910
Also check out: seanie-m.com
Letters and Articles for Realta: Realta
Members:
Sean Robbins: Tel: ++ 353 506 52912
Vincent McDonnell. Tel: ++ 353 506 41924
Bob Campbell: Tel: ++ 353 506 51777
Sean McKenna: Tel: ++ 353 506 41983
Girvan McKay: Tel: ++ 353 506 22865
Irish Astronomical Society
Irish Astronomical Association
Limerick SEDS
Trinity Astronomy & Space Society
Cork Astronomy Club
Shannonside Astronomy Club
West Yorkshire Astronomical Society
Federation of Astronomical Societies
Dunsink Observatory
Armagh Planetarium
The Great Birr Telescope
The Solar System and Astronomy Resource Guide
Dublin Night Sky Observer