Welcome to HAS
Home of Herefordshire Astronomical Society
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NGC 7331 (Caldwell 30) and Stephan's Quintet
NGC 7331 (Caldwell 30) and Stephan's Quintet
(Image credit: Francis Milsom)*
(Image credit: Francis Milsom)*
Solar Flare
Solar Flare
(Image credit: Keith Maslin)*
(Image credit: Keith Maslin)*
M42 (The OrionNebula)
M42 (The OrionNebula)
(Image credit: Keith Maslin)*
(Image credit: Keith Maslin)*
*To see more of our Members' wonderful Astrophotography, visit the various 'Latest Images' and 'Messier Marathon' pages within our 'Members' section
Latest News
Latest News
News and items of interest to Herefordshire Astronomical Society members
News and items of interest to Herefordshire Astronomical Society members
Telescope House (Bresser UK) Sky Guide: June 2026
Telescope House (Bresser UK) Sky Guide: June 2026
Meetings
Meetings
We have a mix of 'virtual' (Zoom) talks direct to 'the comfort of your own home' (as they say) and in person presentations at the Kindle Centre.
For more details see our Meetings page.
Next Meeting:
Next Meeting:
HAS Zoom Talk Thursday 4th June 2026
Dr Andrew Thornett
Getting started in radio-astronomy: Equipment, software, projects
Have you ever looked at the clouds and wanted to throw your expensive equipment in the bin? Here in the UK, much of the time, a cardboard tube would be as effective as a Takahashi – cloud, rain, light pollution: it is enough to make you scream! How about the cost of all that astrophotography gear? Getting it delivered to work or a friend’s house, and sneaking it in to your home when your partner is not looking…..Is there a way to go beyond all of this and revitalise your astronomy hobby? The answer is a spectacular YES! Radio astronomy is relatively CHEAP, surprisingly EASY, and will bring back the EXCITEMENT, if you are feeling jaded. This talk will explain what you can observe using simple radio telescopes made with low-cost off the shelf equipment, and show you how to get started. Come to this talk at your peril: Be Warned! You may find out how to enjoy the night sky in a completely new way.
Recorded Talks
Recorded Talks
Many of our speakers at the Virtual Talks have allowed us to record and share their talks for society members to view if they missed the meeting. We've started an HAS YouTube channel here where you can visit or subscribe to and watch these talks.
You can also watch recordings of previous talks on the 'Recorded Meetings' page of this website here.
Observing
Observing
Our observing sessions take place once a month between October and March inclusive, at around the time between last quater and full Moon, to optimise darkness.
As always, look out for emails from the Observing Secretary giving proposed date and details and look out for any last minute alterations. We will endeavour to stick to these dates unless weather intervenes, in which case it will likely be a few days earlier or later (usually later) and members will of course be advised. Each date is centred on the first Thursday after Third Quarter.
Remember that there are some great online observing guides - a good one is run by Telescope House.
2027 Programme: To be announced
6:30 - 9 pm
Useful Observing & Weather Links
Useful Observing & Weather Links
Observing highlights for this month:
Links for weather and observing forecasts:
Society Visits and Trips
Society Visits and Trips
Once or twice a year, members like to jump in cars or climb in a mini-bus and make their way to go and see something interesting outside of Herefordshire (passports not required - so far). Members pay for shared transport and any entrance fees as appropriate.
Previous trips have been to the Spaceguard Centre, the International Astronomy Show, the National Space Centre, Jodrell Bank, the Norman Lockyer Observatory outside Sidmouth, the Herschel Museum in Bath and the Hanwell Community Observatorynear Banbury. Most recently (June 2025), we visited Bletchley Park - home of Britain's codebreakers in the Second World War
Look out for emails from Keith explaining more about the proposed visits and asking members to register for the trips.
Further information is on our Visits page
Next Visit - Proposed visit to National Space Centre, Leicester in July 2026. Details to follow.
Next Visit - Proposed visit to National Space Centre, Leicester in July 2026. Details to follow.
Membership
Membership
How to join
How to join
If you are looking to join HAS, visit the Membership page here for all you need to know about subscriptions and how to become a member.
What we get up to
What we get up to
Visits and Trips
Visits and Trips
Visit the Members Page here for all planned and past activities.
Latest Members' Photos
Latest Members' Photos
Taken any astronomy photos over the last few months? Share them here with HAS members!
Take a look at what HAS members have managed to do over the years on our Images pages: (Latest Images, Further Images, More Images).
HAS members have also risen to the challenge of imaging all 110 Messier objects! Check out how we're doing on our Messier Marathon page.
FAS News
FAS News
Look out for emails from Keith with the regular FAS Newsletter and news and information about other events and talks that you may be interested in attending at FAS and other Astronomical Societies
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