SEQAS South East Queensland Astronomical Society
SEQAS provides many free community activities, such as Urban Observers, Dark Sky nights and away camps. Come on in and see the stars, planets, nebulae, and galaxies in the night sky.
We can help you make the right decision when looking to buy a telescope or give you some guidance in using your telescope if you are having problems with handling it. Our members have many years of experience in the field of amateur astronomy and we would love to help you get the most out of this fascinating hobby. :)
What we offer
Urban Observers
Free community star viewing
Membership
Become a part of the club!
School Nights
Let your students see the moon and planets up close through our telescopes.
Astronomy Camps
Get away for a weekend of dark skies and see faint deep sky objects like galaxies, nebulae and more!
Upcoming Events
General
| Name | Date | Description |
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Urban Observers
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Dec. 16, 2023 | 18:00 | Join members of the public and other SEQAS members at the Bracken Ridge Reserve for the last viewing session for 2023. Check the Urban Observers facebook page closer to the event for confirmation that event will proceed |
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Committee Meeting
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Jan. 8, 2024 | 19:00 | Open to SEQAS members - contact a committee member for details |
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General Meeting
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Jan. 16, 2024 | 19:30 | Skype and face-to-face |
School
It was recently decided that school nights would recommence in 2023 - dates are yet to be confirmed. We will be looking for club member's help in supporting these nights - so have a think about it over the Christmas break [see School Nights for more info.]
No events found
Recent News
December 2023
Had the Christmas breakup yesterday - about 27 members and their partners attended and had a very enjoyable time. Plenty of food and drinks for everyone and great weather with enough breeze to keep things reasonably cool.
The winners of the photo competitions were announced - Janene Clemence was awarded a coffee mug with an image of her winning shot of the moon taken on 21st Oct [International Observe the Moon Night] printed on the mug.
This year, the club also held a photo competition open to all members - the subject could be anything featuring something related to astronomy. The committee was very impressed with the high standard of the images submitted and would like to encourage other members to 'give it a go' next year. This years winner was Darryl Reif for his image of M104 [the Sombrero Galaxy] and runner-up was Barry Spies for his image of the Keyhole Nebula.
The winning entries will feature in the January 2024 newsletter.
Also, Wendy Colvin was awarded Honorary Life Membership in recognition of her long and valuable service to the club.
There are still some copies of the 2024 Astronomy Year Book and a couple of calendars available - contact Julie if you are interested in getting a copy.
There is an Urban Observers night planned for Saturday 16th December - see the Facebook page for more information closer to the event..
November 2023
Only a couple more planned events before the Christmas breakup which will be held again at the Nudgee Beach Reserve on Saturday 2nd December from about 11.30am. Come along and enjoy drinks, cold meats, salad and some pudding with members and their guests. Members are free and guests are $5 per person.
Winners of the photo competitions will be announced at the party.
Our final meeting for 2023 will be on Tuesday 21st November, starting at 7.30pm at the Bracken Ridge Library.
Astronomy Year Books and Calendars are now available and can be paid for and collected at the meeting or the party.
Urban Observers "Night of the Planets" will be held on Saturday 18th November - see the Facebook page for more information closer to the event..
October 2023
Welcome, and congratulations to the new committee for 2024 - with things getting back to normal after the last couple of years with covid, it should be an exciting and rewarding time for the club.
It had been planned to go to Watts Bridge for our last camp of the year, but a number of members expressed interest in going to Boondooma Homestead near Kingaroy - so later this month, Boondooma Homestead will be the place to be. There are still a couple of cabins available for those not wishing to camp, otherwise, there are plenty of powered and unpowered camping sites. See email sent 13th September for details or contact Wendy.
At this stage, Watts Bridge is still available for those not wishing to travel the greater distance, but there will be no power avilable to the field, and as usual, you will need to have your own water, food. byo everything. Could you please let Julie know if you are intending to go to Watts Bridge.
Also this month, the club will be participating in 'International Observe the Moon Night' at the Bracken Ridge Reserve on Saturday 21st October - members are reminded of the photo competition that will be run in conjunction with this event - submit a photo of the moon taken anytime on the 21st & 22nd to the committee by the 31st October for a chance to have your photo printed on a coffee mug. The judge will be last year's winner, Julie.
Also, the 31st October is the last date for submission of member's photos featuring some astronomical object taken during 2023. The winning entries will be announced at the club's Christmas Party in December.
The party will be at Nudgee Beach again [same place as last year, hopefully without the strong breeze] and will be on Sat 2nd December. Further details at the next meeting 17th October.
September 2023
Tuesday 19th September is the Annual General Meeting - to be held at the Bracken Ridge Library. We would like to see as many members as possible at the meeting or online to select the committee for the coming year - consider how you could be involved.
Maybe a section leader [solar, shallow sky, deep sky], newsletter editor, assisting with urban observers, school nights, librarian or even a role on the committee - new people and new ideas are always welcome.
The AGM will kick-off at 6:30pm with pizza, chicken and drinks on the balcony followed by the meeting commencing at 7:30pm. This will be followed by a normal meeting and nibblies. Skype attendees can join in from 7:30pm.
The end date for photo submissions in the member's competition featuring some astronomical object taken by a member in 2023 is quickly approaching. All photos should be submitted with details by the end of October.
Also, the photo competition run in conjuction with International Moon Night during October will be held again - the winning photo to be printed on a coffee mug. More information closer to the event.