The Webb Deep-Sky Society Charter
History
The society was founded and named in honour of the Reverend Thomas William Webb (1806-1885), an eminent amateur astronomer whose classic Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes has been an inspiration to several generations of amateur astronomers.
Purpose
The main purpose of the Society is to encourage amateur observations of double stars and 'deep-sky' objects such as star-clusters and nebulae, and to provide a forum where observers can communicate and publish the results of their work.
Activities
Observational activities of the Society are coordinated in various sections each under the control of a director with wide experience in the particular field. Currently the sections are:
- Double Stars.
- Nebulae and Clusters.
- Galaxies.
Results
Results of the Society's work are published quarterly in the Deep Sky Observer/Quarterly Journal consolidated publication.
Periodicals
All periodicals are sent free to members. Members are encouraged to contribute to the publications and are given guidance on how to present the results of their work. At present members are active in some twenty countries throughout the world.
Committee
The Society is administered by a Committee headed by the President, Owen Brazell, and whose members include the Secretary and Treasurer, Steve Rayner.
The current Directors of the Sections are; Bob Argyle, Owen Brazell and Wolfgang Steinicke.
The DSO Editor is Owen Brazell. Other committee members are Don Miles (Business Manager & Sales and Promotions), Stewart Moore is the Meetings Organiser, John Isles is the North America Secretary and James Whinfrey (Website Administrator).
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM is usually held in June. At this meeting, officers are elected and an opportunity is given to members to meet and discuss common interests. In addition, the occasion is enlivened by the presentation of papers of outstanding interest and by the donation of the notable Webb Deep-Sky Society Award given annually for the best contribution to the Society's publications.
A PDF document of the latest list of AGM Speakers and Venues (1970—2024) is available for download. The constitution of the Webb Deep-Sky Society is also available online.
