Astronomy is often seen as a daunting pastime in which to become involved. The Society works hard to ensure that our welcome to existing and new members alike is friendly and informal. We are simply enthusiastic amateurs who love learn about & look at the Night Sky.

In order to become a member of Macclesfield Astronomical Society you need no formal scientific qualification. However, it is as well to bring enthusiasm and an enquiring mind along with you!

Astronomy is the one science where an amateur can still make a fundamental contribution. Though scientific research is not their main goal, many make a contribution to astronomy by monitoring variable stars, tracking asteroids and discovering transient objects, such as comets and novae.

As amateurs we do not depend on the field of astronomy as a primary source of income or support, and do not have a professional degree or advanced academic training in the subject. Many amateurs are beginners or hobbyists, while others have a high degree of experience in astronomy and often assist and work alongside professional astronomers.

One doesn’t need to invest heavily in equipment to appreciate the heavens, though if one gets enthusiastic, the budgets required can be extensive. One can use nothing more than one’s eyes, however, tools for amateur astronomy more commonly include portable telescopes and binoculars.

Today, many amateurs are keen Astro Photographers. The quality of images taken by our members exceeds those taken by professionals only a few years ago. This ranges from using a compact camera at a telescope eyepiece, a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera instead of an eyepiece, use of a simple webcam to specialist Imagers.

People have studied the sky throughout history in an amateur framework, without any formal method of funding. It is only within the last century, however, that amateur astronomy has become an activity clearly distinguished from professional astronomy, and other related activities.

It has been said that the fundamental difference between the amateur and the professional, is that the amateur actually knows where the stars are as they are the astronomers who get out under the night sky.