Formed in 1881, the Liverpool Astronomical Society is one of the oldest astronomical societies in the world. Today, it continues to promote the science of amateur astronomy, as it did all those years ago.

Like all societies, Liverpool AS struggled through two years of lockdown, keeping alive with online monthly talks and virtual meetings. On the plus side there were great guest speakers from as far away as Canada and USA.

With all that now behind them, our members have enthusiastically embraced the 2022/2023 session with lots of local outreach events and the return of the monthly meetings, face to face, at the Quaker Meeting House, School Lane, Liverpool with excellent guest speakers. The re-opening of the Leighton Observatory at Pex Hill, Cronton has also been very popular with weekly meetings returning, cubs, scouts and other groups visiting plus the restart of our very own Young Astronomers Club.

The Society’s biggest event for 2022 was on Saturday, December 10th. “When NASA went to the Moon” – an exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary since mankind last set foot on the Moon. There were fascinating talks, a host of display material and memorabilia, experts on hand, plenty of activities and a representation from North West astronomical societies plus other organisations. It was a brilliant day across the Central Library and World Museum in Liverpool city centre with hundreds of visitors on the day despite the poor snowy, wintery conditions.

It’s good to see that the Society is thriving again with around 200 members and plenty of newcomers being voted in during the 2022/23 session. The Society is in good shape for the future. Come along and meet us at Pex Hill or at a monthly meeting. See if amateur astronomy and our society is for you. The Society is a welcoming and friendly group and I’m sure you’ll be hooked.

Steve Southern. President