The Hong Kong Astronomical Society (HKAS) is the first public Hong Kong astronomical body, for amateur astronomers and other interested individuals. The primary objectives of the HKAS are to promote popular science of astronomy and other related sciences; raise public awareness of astronomy and other related topics such as light pollution; offer astronomical seminars, and provide astronomical training courses to schools and companies.
Current mission of the society is to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community.
Predecessor and change of name
In 1970, a group of secondary school students established Hong Kong Amateur Astronomical Union (AAU)... which was then renamed and registered as Hong Kong Amateur Astronomical Society (AAS) in 1974, the predecessor of HKAS, under the Cap. 151 Societies Ordinance of Hong Kong.
In 1992, Hong Kong Amateur Astronomical Society was renamed as the current name, to facilitate its property of overseas exchange.
Publications
Historical
Until 1974, AAU published a single-sheet stencil-printed leaflet titled "Astronomy Information" which distributed to members and astronomy clubs in secondary schools. The Society also strove to raise fellow members' standard in astronomy systematically by compiling lecture notes as well as organizing public lectures on basic astronomy.
In 1974, the AAS and Sky Observers' Association (HK) jointly published the "Hong Kong Astronomical Journal" which was available for public subscription, which conveys astronomical news and information for fellow amateurs and members of public, and the society solely published the journal two years later. 34 issues were distributed and the circulation of the journal peaked at over 1,000 in total. In 1981, the Society terminated the journal's publication.
In 1977, HKAS was invited to write a monthly column on astronomy in Wah Kiu Yat Po, a local Chinese newspaper, until the newspaper was sold to South China Morning Post in 1991.
In 1978, the society published "Lunar Eclipse Handbook" which can be purchased publicly.
In 1998, the Hong Kong Commercial Daily invited HKAS to write for the paper's monthly astronomy column, to spread astronomical knowledge, news and information to general public.
Activities
Photographic competition and exhibition
In 1975, AAS organized the first local astrophotographic competition with the winning and participating entries exhibited at the "Astrophotographic Exhibition" at the High Block of Hong Kong City Hall to raise public interest in astronomy. More than 10,000 people attended this exhibition, which was the first large-scale exhibition on astronomy in the territory.
Hong Kong Astronomical Convention
In January 1977, AAS organized the First Hong Kong Astronomical Convention at Cheung Chau, an outlying island with a large playground, for displaying numerous large and small telescopes including a small radio telescope called a corner reflector.
The Second Hong Kong Astronomical Convention was held by AAS in 1982 jointly with the Hong Kong Space Museum at the Sai Kung Bradbury Astronomy Camp.
Radio programmes
In 1983, the AAS and RTHK launched a weekly radio programme about astronomy called "Cosmic Journey". The half-hour programme had 34 episodes and covered various astronomy topics.
In 1985, the AAS and RTHK cooperated again to present new broadcast programme "Cosmic Journey II".
In 1999, the HKAS and RTHK launched a new radio programme called "Unlimited Universe"
Participations
Local
Astronomical Training Programme for Secondary School Students
Astronomical Training Programme for Secondary Students, or ATPSS, is co-organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum, the Department of Physics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and HKAS. It provides a comprehensive training in astronomy to local full-time Secondary 4 and Secondary 5 students. It aims to cultivate and promote students' interests in natural science
Mainland China
With Yunnan Astronomical Observatory
HKAS has involved in a wide field survey research project held by Yunnan Astronomical Observatory in 2015. A 0.45m Wide Field telescope in a 4m dome in Gaomeigu, Lijiang under the collaboration between both parties, and the society assisted in fine-tuning, field testing of the observation system; and performing observational researches such as "A New Magnetically Active Binary System Discovered in Yunnan-Hong Kong Wide Field Survey"