 | |
| Formation | January 1, 1961 |
|---|---|
| Type | NGO |
| Location |
|
| Coordinates | 46°24′27″S 168°21′12″E / 46.4074974°S 168.353312°E |
Region served | Invercargill, New Zealand |
Membership | ~35 |
| Affiliations | Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand |
| Website | Southland Astronomical Society |
The Southland Astronomical Society is the southernmost astronomical society in the world.[1] Based in Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island, its small, active group of about 36 amateur astronomer members participate in a variety of astronomical activities including education with groups and school children, deep sky observing, astrophotography and aurora observation.[2]
The society operates the Southland Astronomical Society Observatory and telescope at the Southland Museum and Art Gallery,[1][3] with public viewing nights during the winter (April to September).[1][3] The telescope is a fork mounted 30 cm (12 inch) diameter Cassegrain design.[3]
The society meets monthly to discuss general astronomical topics and receive presentations of astronomical interest.[1][2] The society has a small library which holds a range of astronomical texts and magazines both contemporary and historical.[2] The society publishes a monthly newsletter for members.[1][2]