Annaliese Matheron, of Dash Astro astronomical society, stargazes in Darsham.

Andrew Hirst Monday, January 20, 2014 4:33 PM

A fledgling east Suffolk astronomy group has reported a surge in membership as part of a trend which has seen stargazing become one of the UKs fastest growing hobbies.

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The Darsham based group DASH Astro welcomed 50% more visitors to its latest session, which founding members have attributed to the increased media attention devoted to the subject.

Its very topical at the moment with programmes such as the BBCs Stargazing Live, said group secretary Annaliese Matheron. Ive also read that astronomy is one of the fastest growing hobbies, with (online retailer) Amazons section on astronomy equipment for sale one of its most rapidly expanding.

Ms Matheron also welcomed recent coverage in this paper which previewed a number of stargazing events held in conjunction with the Quantatids meteor shower in early January.

Although the Star Party held by DASH Astro was unfortunately a wash out Ms Matheron said it enjoyed bumper attendance at its following meeting thanks to the coverage, which highlighted the exceptional viewing conditions available in Suffolks rural areas.

The group, which held its inaugural meeting on the midsummer solstice, will be enlisting experts to increase members knowledge.

Its constitution states: Dash Astro will actively work to promote astronomy as an accessible science and worthy pastime through the education of its members and the community at large.

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Darsham: Astronomy society sees sky-rocketing member interest