Membership

The Astronomical Society of Tasmania welcomes people who share an interest in all branches of astronomy and related sciences. Membership is open to everyone, subject to a successful application.

We encourage young adults with an interest in astronomy to join our Society and attend events. If you are under 18 years of age the Society requires that your parent (or adult guardian) completes your Membership Application Form and submits it on your behalf.

All persons under 18 years of age, including members, are required to be supervised by a parent (or adult guardian) at all times when attending Society events.

 There are no qualifications to join the Society, nor is it necessary to own your own telescope.

FULL MEMBERSHIP ENTITLES YOU TO:

• Attendance at  monthly Society meetings held in Hobart. The emphasis is on informality and sharing of member’s activities. Upcoming night sky events are highlighted, and where possible, talks on a wide variety of interesting and current  issues relating to astronomy are presented.

• Observing nights across Tasmania, with the opportunity to meet and learn from others with similar interests. Members are very willing to assist others to explore the wonders of our night sky. The Society has a range of telescopes at our Mount Pleasant Observatory for members’ use at these observing nights. In the North, observing nights are hosted by individual Society members.

• Advice and assistance to help you get started with your first telescope.

• Our observing nights are also an opportunity for people considering purchasing a telescope, to “try before buying” and to receive help on setting up  their new telescope.

• Participation in Astroimaging and Telescope Workshops and other special interest groups which are active from time to time in the Society.

• Free admission to the Launceston Planetarium upon presentation of a current Membership Card or current receipt.

• Special offers, from time to time, on the purchase of relevant astronomical items.

• Members are most welcome to extend an invitation to other members of their family to attend and participate in the The Society's activities as guests of the Society.

In keeping with our aim of promoting interest in Astronomy, members have the opportunity to actively participate in the Society's many and varied public outreach activities.  These activities include public observing nights, various school and community events and public education programs. Many members gain great personal satisfaction from introducing the wonders of the night sky to interested children and to the wider community.

Members who are keen to share their special interests are regular presenters at our monthly  General Meetings.

MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS

The cost for a new member to join the Society is:-

$40.00 if joining the Society between 1st April and 30th September, or

$20.00 if joining the Society between 1st October and 31st December, or

$10.00 if joining the Society between 1st January and 31st March.

Annual Membership Subscription: $40.00

Annual  membership  renewal subscriptions are payable by the 1st April each year. Members will receive an annual membership renewal notice in March each year.

HOW TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIETY

Our Application for Membership is currently undergoing an update and is not available here on our website.

To apply for membership of the Society, please forward an email to our Membership Officer requesting an Application Form. The email address is membership@astas.org.au

You will receive an Application Form and instructions for completion and payment of your joining fee.

HOW TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIETY

The Society’s Membership Year begins on the 1^st April each year and ends on the 31^st March the following year. Your Membership Renewal Subscription due date is 1^st April.

All members will receive their Annual Renewal Notice in March each year, with full instructions on how to renew their membership.

To help make your renewal as smooth as possible, please advise the Membership Officer of any changes to your contact details at membership@astas.org.au