FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How do I join the Society?
A. You could ask for joining details by sending an e-mail, the address can be found on the Contacting the Society section of this page. If you prefer, you could use the address or phone number at the bottom of the Contacting the Society section of this page to post or phone a request for information. If you come to one of the Oaklands meetings or one of the public viewing sessions you could obtain joining instructions. In any instance the forms would be sent to you or if available given to you if you asked for them at a meeting or observatory.

Some details of the different types of membership can be found on the Meetings and Membership page. Full definitions of different membership types and other membership information can be found on the Constitution page.

Q. Can anyone turn up at a meeting?
A. The simple answer is yes. However, if you did plan to come along to one of the observatories it would be best make certain it is open first. This is always dependent on the weather.

Q. Is anyone able to join the Society?
A. Yes, anyone can join the Society, irrespective of age, ability, gender, race, or colour. A full description of the conditions of membership and other membership information can be found on the Constitution page.

Q. Can anyone come along to a public viewing session?
A. Yes, anyone can visit the observatory. However, minors should be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The very small may have difficulty using the telescopes or getting to the eyepiece and anyone infirm or disabled will have the same problem although we do our best to ensure that everyone gets a look. At Toothill it is possible for visitors to observe via a TV camera if they cannot get to the eyepiece. There are problems for the wheelchair-bound at Toothill although we have in the past managed to cater for visitors in a wheelchair. However, it would be advisable to make a firm arrangement with the Society beforehand.

Q. If I became a member would I have to attend meetings?
A. The simple answer is No. As a member it would be up to you to make the most or least of the benefits of membership. There are no 'black marks' for not attending a meeting.

Q. If I become a member can I use the observatory?
Yes, you can use the observatory but only under certain conditions, these conditions are outlined on the Constitution page. For a start, you have to be a fully paid up member and you would have to be trained how to use the observatory. Only then can you be given keys for the observatory, the keys have to be paid for. Also, for reasons of safety, unaccompanied use of or visiting the observatory alone is not recommended.

Q. How often do you meet?
The Society meets every third Tuesday of the month at Oaklands, a schedule can be found on the Meetings and Membership page. Also, depending on the weather, the Society holds observing meetings on the Friday of the public viewing meetings. To find the dates of these meetings go to the Toothill observatory public viewing dates.

Q. How much will membership cost me?
That depends on what time of the year you join and what type of membership you require. If you join in mid-session you would pay a pro rata fee until the end of that session and the full annual fee thereafter. Details of membership types as well as annual and pro rata fees can be found on the Meeting and Membership page.

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MEETINGS
Solent has met in several different places including Millbrook School, Southampton University, The Friends Meeting House and since 1985 The Oaklands Centre, Lordshill. Guest speakers from all over the country visit Solent to give lectures on astronomy at Oaklands where the Society holds its monthly meetings. A schedule of when these meetings are and the speaker/subject can be found on the Meetings and Membership page.

We also hold members observing nights every month which non-members may attend if they wish. These take place on the Friday of the public viewing weekends. To find the dates of these meetings go to the Toothill observatory public viewing dates.

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MEMBERSHIP
As with all clubs, membership varies but currently averages about 40 to 50 memberships, of which there are several types. Details about membership can be found on the Meetings and Membership page. Details about membership subscription fees can be found on the Fees section of the Meetings and Membership page. The Society has its own monthly newsletter that is sent to all members, which details club news and events and features articles that members have written as well as information about astronomical events. Solent also boasts an extensive library of books, tapes and videos, all of which can be hired by members. In addition, the club has an instrument available for hire to members, namely an 8 inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. We hope to add to these instruments available for hire in the near future.

Full definitions of different membership types and other membership information can be found on the Constitution page.

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TOOTHILL OBSERVATORY
The Society's own roll-off roof observatory was opened in 1981 on the Southern Water Authority reservoir at Toothill near Rownhams and was named after its friendly then President Mrs. Bertha C. Weston. Shortly afterwards a famous visitor to Toothill was none other than Dr. Patrick Moore. The observatory suffered much damage in the 'hurricane' of October 1987 but was extensively repaired and refurbished soon after. Due to the titanic efforts and financial assistance of several members past and present; Dave Allen, Chris Bennett, Derek Haselden, Pete Cutler and many others, the observatory now boasts a fine 14-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope with GPS and Autostar. A pair of 20x80 binoculars and other telescopes are also available for use. Since records began in 1994 about six thousand visitors have been to Toothill when the observatory has opened to the public.

Further information about Toothill Observatory and when it is open to the public can be found on the Observatories page.

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© Derek Haselden & Solent Amateur Astronomers 2007