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EnglishWhat Is the Astronomy Section of La Société Guernesiaise?
Updated
The Astronomy Section is the astronomy branch of La Société Guernesiaise (LSG), a Guernsey charity founded in 1882. The section runs the David Le Conte Astronomical Observatory and is an active group of roughly 60 members, welcoming everyone from absolute beginners to experienced astronomers. It is the place to look if you want to observe the night sky in Guernsey, attend beginner-friendly talks, or join a local astronomy community.
What the Section Does
The section was founded in 1972 and maintains the David Le Conte Astronomical Observatory, which it opens for visiting groups and public events. Its members' interests span the whole field of astronomy: the Solar System, deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae, cosmology, astrophotography, and the history of astronomy.
The observatory is equipped for both education and observation, with:
- A research-grade 16-inch Meade telescope
- A 5-inch Takahashi refractor on a computer-controlled mount
- A timber-framed building with a roll-off roof
The section is a member of the British Astronomical Association and the Federation of Astronomical Societies.
Meetings and Activities
The section meets weekly on Tuesdays at 8pm through most of the year. Meetings include talks by members or guest speakers, discussions, practical activities, and observational sessions when the weather allows. The section describes all of these as beginner-friendly, and visitors are warmly welcomed to scheduled meetings.
Membership: Cost and Requirements
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Requirement | You must also be a member of the parent organisation, LSG |
| Annual cost | £15.00 subscription |
| Subscription period | One calendar year, starting 1 January |
| Benefits | Regular emails about upcoming activities and the annual Sagittarius newsletter with astronomical data and insights for the year ahead |
Current and previous newsletter editions are available on the section's Newsletters page.
Who It Suits
The section fits you if you live in or visit Guernsey and want a structured, friendly route into practical astronomy — whether you are starting from zero or already observe seriously. Because joining requires LSG membership as well, expect to join the parent charity first, then the section. If you only want to look through a telescope before committing, visiting a Tuesday meeting or an open observatory event is the lower-commitment path; the section asks visiting groups for voluntary donations to help with costs.
Where to Find More
The website (astronomy.org.gg) includes a gallery covering the Moon, planets, comets and meteors, conjunctions, the Sun, and deep space, plus an all-sky camera, a contact form, group visit information, and pages for newsletters, articles, and ISS updates. Use the contact form or the Find Us page to confirm meeting details or arrange a group visit before travelling.