About the Deise Astronomy Society (DAS)

The founding meeting of DEISE ASTRONOMY SOCIETY “DAS” was held on Thurs 26^thAugust 2004 in Dungarvan. We had a good attendance and counting the few apologies we should have about 20 members.

Of that number about 50% have scopes ranging from 4" to 12"diameter reflectors, but 8" being the most common. Most have had an interest since youth and recently bought or made scopes and stargazed away on their own totally unaware that IFAS (IRISH FEDERATION OF ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETIES) existed. I'm glad to say that the situation has been remedied.

Like most clubs we meet regularly and have observing sessions after with talks on various aspects of astronomy. We also look forward to working with IFAS to promote AMATEUR astronomy in Ireland and also working closely with BLAS-Bausch and Lomb Astronomy Society- and engaging in joint projects.

We also use a novel way of club communication, that is by notifying members of events, especially at short notice i.e. aurora solar flares comets etc by using computer generated text messages to members mobile phones. County Waterford is blessed among other things in having some very dark skies and easily accessible, one of our members has his home 12" observatory in a very dark site. I can see star parties happening there.

This is a fantastic time to be interested in astronomy and space exploration. The internet brings all the latest into your home as it’s happening, appropriate as the www was invented for astronomical purposes.

Don’t feel that you need to be an expert in astronomy to join our society as none of us are, but you will find that you may know things that others don’t and visa versa and that’s how we all learn.

We also try to make that process enjoyable and we promote a strong social side. We come together, young and old, to share and appreciate the wonderment of the universe.