British Astronomical Association
| British Astronomical Association | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | BAA |
| Motto | Britain's leading organisation for observational astronomy |
| Formation | 1890 |
| Legal status | Non-profit company |
| Purpose/focus | Astronomy in the UK |
| Location | Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0DU |
| Region served | UK |
| Membership | UK astronomers |
| President | Dr David Boyd |
| Main organ | BAA Council |
| Website | BAA |
The British Astronomical Association (BAA) is the senior national association of amateur astronomers in the UK.
Contents |
[edit] History
Late in the 19th century, amateur astronomers found themselves dissatisfied with the Royal Astronomical Society because the fees it charged were considered too high and the society did not allow female members. In October, 1890 the British Astronomical Association was founded to cater to this group of disaffected amateurs. The idea for this organization was first publicly proposed by Irish astronomer William H. S. Monck in a letter published in The English Mechanic on July 12.[1]
Playing a significant role in the founding of the association was English astronomer E. Walter Maunder, with the help of his brother Frid Maunder and William H. Maw. The first meeting of the association was held on October 24, with 60 of the initial 283 members in attendance.[2] Initially it was decided to run the association with a provisional 48-member council[3] that included four women; among them Margaret Huggins, Elizabeth Brown and Agnes Clarke.[4]
The society formed several observing sections for specialized topics in astronomy. Elizabeth Brown, possibly the only woman in England at the time to own an observatory, became head of the Solar section.[5] The association was presented with or bequeathed various astronomical instruments, but lacked the funds to build their own observatory. A total of 477 instruments were acquired during the first 117 years since the association was founded.[6]
In 1892 the Society relented in their policies regarding females to some degree and they issued admission cards to selected individuals to attend meetings as spectators. Margaret and Agnes were finally made honorary members of the Society in 1903.[4] In 1891, a group of amateurs in Australia began discussing the idea of setting up branches of the BAA in their own country. Only the first of these, the New South Wales Branch established in 1895, would survive for more than a brief period. This branch became the second oldest astronomy organization in Australia.[7]
[edit] Presidents
[edit] Function
It encourages observational astronomy by non-professionals in areas which cannot be covered by professional observatories. Members receive the Journal of the British Astronomical Association bi-monthly[1]; a guide to observing; an annual handbook (of charts and astronomical events); and access to meetings and the association's collections of books and equipment.
[edit] Objectives
- The encouragement of all aspects of observational astronomy and the association of observers at all levels for mutual help.
- The promotion of a general interest in astronomy for beginners as well as for the more advanced.
- The circulation of current astronomical information and observational material.
- The support of modern advanced techniques for observation, data handling and scientific presentation of results.
- The presentation of medals and prizes in recognition of outstanding contributions to astronomy.
[edit] Structure
It is organized into a number of observing sections which specialize in the various aspects of astronomy. It also founded and sponsors the Campaign for Dark Skies. It is situated next to the Royal Academy of Arts.
[edit] Notes
Patrick Moore was possibly the youngest member of the organization ever—he joined at the age of 11.
[edit] References
- ^ Elliott, I. (September 1987), "The Monck Plaque", Irish Astronomical Journal 18 (2): 122, Bibcode 1987IrAJ...18..122E
- ^ a b McKim, R. J. (August 1890), "E.W. Maunder and the formation of the British Astronomical Association", Journal of the British Astronomical Association 100 (4): 166–168, Bibcode 1990JBAA..100..166M
- ^ Maunder, E. Walter; Maunder, T. Frid (October 1890), "Circulars issued by the Provisional Committee", Journal of the British Astronomical Association 1: 17–19, Bibcode 1890JBAA....1...17M
- ^ a b Bruck, M. T. (September 1991), "Companions in Astronomy- Margaret Lindsay Huggins and Agnes Mary Clerke", Irish Astronomical Journal 20 (2): 75, Bibcode 1991IrAJ...20...70B
- ^ Creese, M. (August 1998), "Elizabeth Brown (1830-1899), solar astronomer", Journal of the British Astronomical Association 108 (4): 193–197, Bibcode 1998JBAA..108..193C
- ^ Marriott, R. A. (December 2007), "The BAA observatories and the origins of the instrument collection", Journal of the British Astronomical Association 117 (6): 309–313, Bibcode 2007JBAA..117..309M
- ^ Orchiston, W.; Perdrix, J. (April 2002), "A history of the British Astronomical Association in Australia: the fate of the Branches", Journal of the British Astronomical Association 112 (2): 68–77, Bibcode 2002JBAA..112...68O
- ^ a b Kinder, A. (October 2002), "A meeting of the BAA, 1893 April 26", Journal of the British Astronomical Association 112 (5): 243-244, Bibcode 2002JBAA..112..243K
- History of Astronomy: An Encyclopedia, Routledge, 1996, ISBN 1550022083
- Sidgwick, J. B. (1981), Amateur astronomer's handbook, Dover Publications, ISBN 0486240347
