About Us
Welcome to the Heads of the Valleys Astronomical Society
The Heads of the Valleys Astronomical Society (HOVAS) was formed in September 2000 by a small group of local people for the purpose of promoting the enjoyment and understanding of astronomy, and this remains the main aim of the Society today. Through a programme of presentations and informal discussions, a wide range of fascinating topics are covered that cater for the absolute beginner.
Meetings are held every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7pm - 9pm at the Ebbw Vale Learning Action Centre, James Street, NP23 6JG. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in learning about astronomy where no qualifications or experience is required. The Society welcomes beginners to the hobby and seeks to provide a friendly atmosphere in which presentations and discussions on astronomy and astronomy related subjects can be held. In addition, members have access to a small library of DVDs, magazines and books, together with a range telescopic equipment. You are welcome to pop along to a meeting to see how the Society works and chat to members, without any obligation.
If you would like to discuss membership or have any queries about the Society, please contact:,/p>
Our close ties with Usk and Abergavenny Astronomical Societies allow us to participate in public awareness events, ranging from one-day exhibitions to talks at local schools and non-scientific organisations. All services are provided free of charge, so if you would like the Society to provide an input into your event please contact:
The Society meets on the Second and Forth Tuesday of each month.
Meeting times are from 7:00PM to 9:00PM.
We hope this website will encourage prospective new members, who are always welcome to come along and try us out.
You are always assured of a friendly welcome.
Meetings
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10 September Cosmos: The Edge of Forever
Open Discussion
24 September New Horizons – Discovering Pluto
Wayne Jones (HOVAS
05 October (Sat) Exploring The Universe 2024
08 October Observing Messier Objects (Part 1)
Andrew Lohfink (Usk AS)
22 October Observing Messier Objects (Part 2)
Andrew Lohfink (Usk AS)
10 September Cosmos: The Edge of Forever
Open Discussion
24 September New Horizons – Discovering Pluto
Wayne Jones (HOVAS
10 December Christmas Buffet / Open Forum
HOVAS Members
09 January Winter Constellations
Wayne Jones Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Society
23 January Binocular Astronomy
Andrew Lohfink Usk Astronomical Society
06 February Moons of The Solar System
Dave Thomas Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Society
20 February Life In The Universe – Could We Be Alone?
Barry Burns Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Societ
05 March The James Webb Telescope
Dr Jenifer Millard Cardiff University
19 March The Kuiper Belt and Pluto
Andrew Lohfink Usk Astronomical Society
09 April Telescopes
Tony Pearce Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Society
23 April Meteorites
Nick Busby Usk Astronomical Society
07 May Astrophotography – Remote Camera Operation
Barry Burns Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Society
21 May Understanding Planets
Wayne Jones Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Society
11 June The Seven Ages of Starlight Documentary
25 June The Milky Way Galaxy
Wayne Jones Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Societ
09 July AGM Open Forum Discussion Heads Of The Valleys Astronomical Society
Due to our following educational term times.
There is no meetings held in August
