Gove Amateur Astronomers
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Current News: Nov 2009
We have had our AGM, and elected the 2010 committee (See Below)
Our vision is set for the new year, with our big goal being to build a permanent observatory in the area.
The Dry Season 2009 is pretty much over and we are about to have our last observing night for the year.
Now is a great time to join GAA , come along to our Xmas party (13th Dec) and prepare for the 2010 observing season.
How to become a GAA member:
Membership is only $20 for students, $30 for single and $40 for a whole family.
These fees are to cover insurances and events through the year.
Fill out the membership form and send to
What Do We Do?
GAA aim to make astronomy accessable to the community's of NE Arnhemland with regular public Astronomy nights. These nights are run by club volunteers to share the delights of the night sky with all who want to look.
For members of GAA we conduct additional astronomy nights, special interest events, Astronomy camps and more.
Where?
We have our very own ‘dark sky site’ exactly 1.3km off the bitumen past the northern end of the airport .runway (Dhupma Rd), where we hold the majority of our regular star gazing nights (as shown on the Google earth map on this page).
On viewing nights we signpost directly out the front of the site, so we’re hard to miss! The site has a well maintained smooth ground surface and ‘park style’ concrete tables and chairs for convenience.
We often host events in or near town as well, including on Hindle oval, the golf club and even in the town centre occasionally.
When?
Dry season: We usually meet monthly during the dry and more often as special astronomical events are forecast such as the passing of a comet etc.
All Public events are advertised through the local paper, radio, IGA Noticeboard and via email.
Wet season: Our meetings are less regular due to weather restrictions however when the sky is clear the atmosphere is much clearer and therefore often a more rewarding viewing experience!
Who comes to viewing nights?
Whether you’re just curious and want to come along to have a look or if you have just purchased yourself a new scope and want to learn more, or if you’re a bit of a whiz and want to come share your knowledge, all are welcome.
Why?
The objectives of our Association are to “encourage people with an interest in astronomy to get to know each other, to share their knowledge, enthusiasm and equipment, to promote astronomy as an interesting field of study for pleasure and as a science, and to provide educational and entertaining astronomy-related experiences to children and students alike, appropriate to their level of understanding. Our viewing nights and special events are all focussed on education and pleasure.
Benefits of Membership.
As well as extra newsletters, special interest events & in depth astronomy, an SMS service for those Ad Hoc nights during the unpredictable wet season weather, the Association has a range of assets available for loan or hire, including ….
An "Astroscan" 4 inch Travel Scope (ideal for camping trips)
A Meade 4" reflector, Ideal for setting up in the backyard and learning the night sky at your own pace.
Safe solar telescope, ideal for introducing young kids to Solar Astronomy.
Membership
Membership is only $20 for students, $30 for single and $40 for a whole family.
These fees are to cover insurances and events through the year.
GAA Inc. Committee 2009/2010:
President: Ian Maclean
Vice President: Neil Baulch
Treasurer: Churyl Scheppard
Secretary: Kevin Rogers
Equipment Curator: Neil Baulch
General Committee: Tony Maddison
General Committee: Dave Hill
Sponsors:
GAA are thankful to our regular sponsors for their ongoing support:
CBF (Community Benifit Fund)
The Community Benifit Fund NT have supported GAA on many of our projects to Acquire, Improve and Upgrade our equipment.
The most recent project has been to upgrade the "Eyes" of our large aperture 18" telescope to premium eyepieces and the provision of a "Telescope Computer",
this device will allow us to automate the ability to pinpoint Galaxies, Nebulas & more !
The combined effect of this upgrade will enhance the experience of the 100's of participants of our Public outreach astronomy program every year.
TAC (The
TAC provide ongoing support to GAA via their raffle program, which gives our club the opportunity for regular fundraising events at TAC on a rostered basis, with other clubs in Nhulunbuy. This regular funding is vital to the growth and expansion of the activities in the community of GAA Inc.
Contact Us
- You can contact club president Ian Maclean on 0417 601490
- You can email the club by clicking the email form link above