How do I attend a SIGMA astronomy club meeting?

Updated

SIGMA (sigma-astro.co.uk) is Moray's Astronomy Club, and attending a meeting is straightforward: turn up at Alves Village Hall on the first Friday of the month. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start, and your first meeting is free — the club describes it as a chance to "try before you buy."

Meeting details at a glance

Item Detail
Club SIGMA — Moray's Astronomy Club
When First Friday of the month, unless otherwise specified
Doors open 7pm
Start time 7.30pm
Where Alves Village Hall
First visit cost Free
Contact for membership [email protected]

What to do before you go

  1. Check the programme for the month. The club publishes a programme of forthcoming meetings, so confirm the date and topic before travelling — the first-Friday pattern is the norm but the club notes it can be "otherwise specified."
  2. Note the venue. Meetings are held at Alves Village Hall. Doors open at 7pm, giving you half an hour before the 7.30pm start.
  3. Just come along if you're not a member. The club's own wording is "Why not come along - your first meeting is free, so you can 'try before you buy'!" No membership is required for that first visit.
  4. Ask about membership afterwards. If you want to join, contact the Membership Secretary at [email protected] or use the club's Membership Information page.

What a meeting looks like

Meetings combine a set programme with club business and social time. Examples from the published 2026 programme:

  • Friday 6 November 2026 — "Debunking the Apollo Moon Hoax Theory," a talk by Dr Ken MacTaggart FBIS of the Highlands Astronomical Society.
  • Friday 4 December 2026 — Christmas Quiz.

The club also maintains "Images of the Moment" from members, with more images on its Flickr pages, and runs a YouTube channel.

Membership benefits beyond the meeting

  • Highlands Astronomical Society access. SIGMA members can also attend meetings of the Highlands Astronomical Society (HAS) — useful if you want more astronomy events than one monthly club night.
  • Branded clothing. SIGMA members can purchase branded clothing.
  • Updates. The club posts news on X, Facebook and YouTube.

Common questions

Do I need to book for my first meeting? The club's guidance is simply to come along; no booking step is mentioned for the free first meeting.

What if the first Friday falls on a date the club changes? The club states meetings are on the first Friday "unless otherwise specified," so check the programme page before you go.

How do I join after my first visit? Email [email protected] or go through the Membership Information page.