About
The Ilkeston and District Astronomical Society (IDAS), was founded in 1981 to enable anyone with an interest in astronomy to meet other like-minded people, and to promote the enjoyment of this most rewarding pastime. We are a small friendly society of all ages and of varying levels of interest ranging from the casual observer to the active astronomer.
We have two meetings a month. Our main meeting is on second Tuesday of the month in the Hayloft room at the Erewash Museum where we enjoy talks from invited guest speakers covering many different topics. Doors open at 7:45pm for an 8pm start.
The second is on the last Wednesday of the month held in the Green room at Shipley Country Park Visitors' Centre from 7:45pm. This is an informal meeting where we discuss current astronomical events, equipment (new and old) and present slideshows of recent society trips and astronomical objects. This is an ideal opportunity to meet people and see what our society does.
Members who have no telescope of their own may if they wish, borrow the Society's own eight inch telescope, to use at their own home - free of charge! Day trips to places of astronomical interest are occasionally arranged, and these are always thoroughly enjoyed. Regular observing sessions are also held, if the weather permits at Shipley Countryside Park.
Members also receive (by post or email) a free bi-monthly Newsletter that gives details of the coming month's astronomical events, and the latest Society news. A free library service is also available at the monthly meetings, where Members may borrow from a good selection of popular astronomy books, magazines and videos.
Here is the list of this year's speakers and the dates for both main and Shipley Park meetings.