Astronomy Group
Time: 6:30 pm
Venue: Vatouthkia restaurant (between Tala & Koili)
Group Leader: David Raffe Tel: +357 977 41 551 e-mail: davidraffe1@aol.com
Deputy Group Leader: Carolyn Hart Tel: +357 977 62371 email: pac.secretarypaphos@gmail.com
Is the Astronomy Group for You?
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered at the mysteries of the Universe beyond our planet, and are looking for an established, friendly and well organised group to explore the night sky, then the answer is a definite Yes!
No specialist equipment is needed to enjoy the meetings or observing sessions. Those members that do have their own equipment share the views at the observing sessions.
What we Offer:
- Knowledge of the Night Sky: Our meetings are aimed at sharing the wonders of the celestial heavens including details of the planets, stars, meteor showers, constellations, our Milky Way and other galaxies with everyone from the casual observer to the more experienced observer.
- Understand the Patterns of Stars: We look up at the starry heavens, explore the pinpricks of light above us and explain the patterns they make as well as how to use them to navigate across the night sky.
- Explore the Mysteries of the Cosmos: We look at what is meant by the Big Bang, how the Universe is thought to have come into existence along with the latest scientific views on some of the big unanswered questions, including what is dark matter, and how will dark energy affect the future of Cosmos.
- Observing Sessions to View the Starry Sky: We head out to dark sites at the Pickniki Forest and Episkopi Environment Centre to observe the heavens with the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes.
- Supportive Social Atmosphere: the astronomy group is known for its friendly and inclusive environment. We welcome people with all levels of knowledge and aim to satisfy everyone’s desire for knowledge. Our meetings are structured and include an item on current sky news, followed by an illustrated talk. We then enjoy a three-course hot carvery buffet, also catering for vegetarians, when we have the opportunity to socialise and chat with our fellow members, and following our meal, we adjourn to the car park for a tour of the night sky, subject to the weather conditions.
Advice on how to get the best out of your own equipment: If you want to improve your own observing or are struggling to set up and use your own equipment, including planetarium software, we can help.
Membership:
Ready to come along? Here’s what you can expect:
- Monthly Newsletter: Details of what you can expect to see in the night sky in the coming weeks, with the naked eye, binoculars or a small telescope as well as details of a couple of rocket launches and spacecraft events.
- Overview of the Night Sky: Each meeting has a short presentation summarising what can be seen in the night sky.
- Detailed presentation: Each meeting also has a more in-depth talk of an astronomical, cosmological or space rocket theme, given by members or guest speakers.
- Explore the Night Sky: At each meeting, we’ll head outside to view the constellations, stars and planets observable (assuming the clouds keep away!). This year (2025) the meetings are scheduled at the first Wednesday of each month when the Moon is out of the way.
- Members' Questions Forum: We also have evenings where members submit questions in advance and they are all answered.
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Quiz Sessions: We also run quizzes on an astronomical theme with members forming teams to gain points – and points mean prizes!
Experience the Night Sky with Us:
Want to come along? Just contact the group or deputy leader via phone or e-mail listed above and we can answer any questions you may have and give you more details. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know better the constant celestial companions above our heads, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
We also have a facebook page which you can see at:
