Do you get lost staring into a starlit sky? Do you have a passion for astronomy and want to learn more? If so, the South East Queensland Astronomical Society (SEQAS) may be just what you’re looking for.
Julie Straayer, honorary member and past president of SEQAS, said she loved sharing her passion for astronomy with the community and had been a member of the society since 1995.
“The club has just celebrated its 35th anniversary and is open to anyone with an interest in astronomy,” she said. “We hold public field nights, dark sky camping weekends and displays for schools and clubs.”
Based locally in 4017, SEQAS is made up of a group of amateur astronomers who meet on the third Tuesday of each month at the Bracken Ridge Library to share ideas, expertise and their telescopes with friends, fellow members and the public.
Urban Observers and Cutting-Edge Telescopes
“We also conduct Urban Observers meetings,” Julie added. “These viewing sessions are normally held on the Saturday evening closest to the first quarter moon and are held at the Barrett Street Reserve in Bracken Ridge. Attendees can either bring along their own equipment or view the wonders of the night through SEQAS members’ telescopes.”
Thanks to a grant from Kedron-Wavell, the club recently added a Unistellar eQuinox 2 Smart Telescope to their inventory, which will help to paint an even clearer picture of objects in the night sky.
“This will be used at school and public displays to show objects which may not be visible to the naked eye, or even through regular telescopes due to light pollution,” Julie said.
“It will give a view of the object and then allow that view to be enhanced digitally to show much more detail of what the object really is. Things like galaxies and nebulae will be able to be seen in detail and in colour, which you can’t see through a telescope.
“There is expertise within the club in areas such as astrophotography, deep sky observation, computers, CCD and video cameras, as well as lunar, planetary and solar observation. Club members love sharing their passion and welcome all visitors to their meetings.”
For more information visit South East Queensland Astronomical Society website or their Facebook page You can also join the Urban Observers Facebook group to learn more about SEQA’s upcoming events.
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