SAGAS was established in 1973 to provide a forum where Astronomical Societies across the South of England to meet, share ideas and discuss issues or concerns of mutual interest. This has allowed member societies to support and inspire each other, and further the interests of their own members.
Why join?
SAGAS provides a hub that helps Astronomical Societies collaborate and share of knowledge.
It’s all about networking: Astronomical societies are always willing to advise and support each other. Whether you are looking to hold an event, want advice on where to find funding and grants, need to find a guest speaker, or perhaps are interested in finding some partners for a joint project…..one of us can usually offer advice or help!
Our membership have a wealth of information, experience and expertise on just about every aspect of running a society which they are happy to share.
“We had developed a comprehensive risk assessment tool for use at our observatory based on industry standards. We have been able to share this with three other SAGAS societies”
(Hampshire Astronomy Group)
SAGAS can lobby on behalf of member groups and societies on local and regional issues affecting the astronomy community. By working together, individual groups and societies gain a stronger voice in the community.
Another important role of SAGAS is to provide a conduit between member societies and the Federation of Astronomical Societies, the national body representing astronomical societies.
How we work together
SAGAS meets quarterly, either online or at the South Downs Planetarium in Chichester to discuss issues and concerns of mutual interest. In this friendly and social environment, SAGAS members make connections with others in the astronomy community. It’s an opportunity to talk to people with common aims and objectives, share knowledge and ideas, and ask for advice.
Our annual Summer Meetings are a highlight of the SAGAS calendar. Summer meetings provide a whole day of entertainment and education and are held at different locations each year. Past venues have included the Mullard Space Science Laboratory. These events are open to all members of SAGAS groups and societies.
Is my society eligible to join SAGAS?
Membership of SAGAS is open to any non-commercial astronomical group or society that is set up as a democratic body with appropriately audited accounts.
There are no formal boundaries to the SAGAS area – if your group or society is eligible and wishes to join us we would be glad to have you as members. Likewise, we have no rigid criteria for what constitutes a group or society. We will offer the same warm welcome to traditional societies with regular monthly meetings, as we would to small informal groups of astronomers who meet occasionally and only for observing. A more recent phenomenon is the advent of more loosely bound astronomical communities that come together via the Internet. It’s “horses for courses” and we recognize that people want to participate in different ways and we would encourage any group or society to join in, regardless of how it is organized.
