Welcome

OASI is a society for anyone who has an interest in astronomy, telescopes, space travel and related matters. We are based at Orwell Park Observatory in the village of Nacton, near Ipswich, Suffolk, UK, and most members live in Ipswich, south-east Suffolk or north-east Essex. Current membership numbers over 160.

Our members span a wide range of interests and abilities in astronomy, from those with a general interest through to those with specialist interests in topics such as visual and photographic observing, constructing telescopes and other instrumentation, and the history of astronomy. OASI encourages and supports the astronomical activities of all our members, whatever their level of knowledge and expertise. Our events and activities currently include:

• observing at Orwell Park Observatory, Newbourne Village Hall and occasional field trips to other locations;
• winter season lectures;
• winter season astronomy workshops;
• visits to places of astronomical interest;
• social events;
• production of a monthly newsletter distributed to all members.

OASI was founded in 1967 and is a UK registered charity, no 271313. We are affiliated to the following organisations:

• British Astronomical Association (BAA),
• Federation of Astronomical Societies (FAS),
• Society for Popular Astronomy (SPA),
• Society for the History of Astronomy (SHA).

Orwell Park Observatory is equipped with several astronomical telescopes, of which the most notable is the 26 cm Tomline Refractor dating from 1874. The Society encourages use of the Tomline Refractor and other instruments and provides training where necessary. The observatory also houses a club meeting room and a library of astronomical resources.

Email us for more information: info@oasi.org.uk.