The Canterbury Astronomical Society (CAS) is the largest astronomical society in the South Island with a membership of approximately 120 members.
We meet monthly at the University of Canterbury.
The Society's main meeting is on the third Tuesday of the month, starting at 8:00pm. Click here to see our meeting dates and location. All things astronomical are discussed at these meetings, from informal chats among members, to guest speaker presentations, along with annual Soapbox evenings and light hearted quiz nights.
Practical Astronomy for All Ages is a friendly, informal meeting catering to those who are just starting out in astronomy, as well as those looking for practical assistance and advice. This meeting is held on the third Tuesday of the month, beginning in March 2009, from 7:00pm to 7:45pm and precedes the society's main monthly meeting. The contact for information on this is Steve Johnson, phone 981 9636.
On the Saturday immediately following the monthly meeting of the society, there is a gathering at the Society's observatory sited 18 km to the west at West Melton just outside of Christchurch City. This gathering gives new astronomers the chance to get help with their telescopes or in locating objects with the more experienced observers on hand to help out.
The Saturday meeting night nearest the shortest day marks the Society's famous Mid-Winter Starparty, a celebration marking the time of Matariki - the Maori new year. After a barbeque we light the bonfire, get out the marshmallows and open the CAS secret recipe mulled wine to keep out the winter chill for a fun filled evening under the stars.
The R.F. Joyce Observatory, at West Melton is privately owned by the Society and contains a number of telescopes including a 14in cassegrain reflecting telescope which is used for photography, visual and photometric observing.
Recent acquisitions have been a 12" Meade LX200, a 24" Dobsonian for those interested in deep sky observing, and a 16" Meade RCX400, which together give us superb light gathering capacity.
A number of other portable/Dobsonian telescopes are also used for the numerous groups we have visiting us.
The observatory site includes, in addition to the domes, a meeting room with kitchen facilities and an adjacent toilet block.
A copy of the current version of the Canterbury Astronomical Society Constitution is available for download here or via the Membership page.