ASTRONOMY enthusiasts from Queen Mary's College would like to encourage people to join a new society dedicated to learning about the mysteries of the stars and planets.

A group of 15 students currently attend an astronomy adult learning class at Queen Mary's College, in Cliddesden Road, Basingstoke, but would like to set up a society with members of the public to invest their time in exploring the skies further.

The emphasis will be on learning practical knowledge via group observations and presentations in a fun environment, rather than gaining sound scientific knowledge.

John Stapleton, an adult education tutor at QMC, said: "I think the excitement of seeing the rings of Saturn or the Orion nebula for yourself through a telescope, or just knowing where to look to find things even without a telescope, will hopefully attract new people.

"Also, the fact that no matter how long you have been studying astronomy, there's always something new to find out. People don't need to have their own equipment and the students from my course are friendly and keen to pass on any knowledge they have learned to members of our new society."

For more information about joining the astronomy society, call John Stapleton on 01420 568130.