About
“The friendly astronomy society”
The NEAS aims to share our passion for astronomy. We welcome everyone with an interest in astronomy, no matter what their level of expertise – from novice to advanced. We aim to be an society for all amateur astronomers, with interests ranging from observing and astrophotography, from telescopes to astrophysics. We try to build a greater appreciation of the dark night sky and help people enjoy it.
H
ISTORY: - Starting out life in 1980, the Braintree Astronomical Society was a small group of enthusiasts wanting a place to gather and talk about their hobby. Gradually this developed into regular meetings and telescope observing. Over the course of thirty years, the Society has evolved and progressed and greatly expanded in numbers – currently peaking at around 100 members, the largest the Society has ever been.
Due to the increased geographical area that our membership covers, our name was change to the North Essex Astronomical Society in 2000. The use of an observatory and dark site makes our Society somewhat unique and our members enjoy use of the site and it’s facilities.
Astronomer and science writer Dr Stuart Clark has been our Honorary Vice-President for over a decade, further helping us promote astronomy in the local area.
PUBLIC LECTURES:- We hold a public meeting once a month with a guest speaker. The subjects at meetings range from cosmology, planetary science, life on other worlds, to astrophotography and more. You can find out more information on our Events page.
STARGAZING NIGHTS: – Since 2010 the Society has been actively engaged with public observing and we run a monthly Stargazing event at Great Notley Country Park, details of which can be found on the Stargazing page.
MEMBERSHIP: - Our membership continues to grow and currently consists of an around 100 members, some more active than others, covering a range of interests and abilities. We welcome anyone into our Society – from beginners to experts. For more information about membership benefits and how to join, please see our Membership page.
You can also download a membership application form here.
OBSERVATORY: – The society has its own darksite observatory called The Munday-Sayer Observatory which is located near Wakes Colne. It is home to a 11-inch Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, a 4-inch William Optics apochromatic refractor and a Lunt solarscope. We are also currently restoring a 14-inch Dobsonian telescope which we hope to be finished very soon. Originally constructed in the 1980s to observe Comet Halley, the observatory building and facilities have since been extended and upgraded. Further details can be found on the Observatory page.
OUTREACH: - The Society is quite active in the local community, often running public observing events, astronomy evenings for schools and scout groups. If you are part of a school or community group which would like to learn more about the night sky, we are more than happy to get involved. Please see our Outreach page for more information.
CONTACT:- You can contact the Society by either leaving a comment below, by sending a message to us via Twitter, on our Facebook page or by emailing us at: northessexastro@gmail.com. We will then try to get back to you as soon as possible
does anyone know where to purchase a carry case for a sky-watcher SK 1141EQ1 reflector telescope any info would be much appreciated.
thanks.
Liam,
Carry cases and bags for reflectors generally aren’t very easy to come by.
Most people who want one adapt other cases and bags for the purpose – guitar cases, racket bags, fishing rods bags etc etc (I made a carry case for my tube from an old sleeping bag)
SCS Astro sell some which would fit your telescope, but they are somewhat expensive – http://www.scsastro.co.uk/catalogue/orion-padded-scope-cases.htm
There is also this one from SnS, but not sure if it’s big enough – http://www.scopesnskies.com/prod/telescope/accessories/carry-case/astro-carry-case.html
Hope this helps
David
hi david i have contacted you before about which scope to buy.i have decided on the skyliner 200p dob or the 250px . at the moment the 200p is not in stock till may.could you please tell me if there is much difference between them ie is it worth waiting for the 200p. also flo do a set of eyepieces in a case’ they are made by celestron are they compatible with either of the skywatcher scopes.kind regards john
John,
They are essentially the same telescope, the 250px is just bigger – the primary mirror is ~2 inches larger in diameter, so the tube is larger and the base is as well. But with that size increase is slightly more light gathering capacity – you should be able to see fainter objects with the 250px.
There is also a price difference, and it’s really down to you which telescope you can afford. Either telescope will serve you well.
And yes, the Celestron eyepiece kit is compatible. All eyepieces come in standardised sizes (generally 1.25″, sometimes 2″) to fit pretty much any scope. Skywatcher also do a similar eyepiece set.
FLO do provide a good service. Also have a look at Astronomia, as they are quite recommended.
all the best
David
hello david thank you i will plumb for the 200p. thanks for your help hope to see you on the 31st kind regards john
I have a 6″ reflector telescope, motorised for which I have no use and no knowledge about.
It is contained in 3 wooden boxes and has never been used. I have the instruction booklet and anybody with the knowledge needed to understand it and the possible interest in the iotem are welcome to contact me and I will gladly e mail a copy of it to them.
I live in Layer Breton. (near Birch, Layer Marney etc)
Regards Alan Draper