Pakistan Amateur Astronomers Society

ABOUT THE SOCIETY

Pakistan Amateur Astronomers Society (PAAS) is a group of dedicated astronomy enthusiasts across Pakistan. From its inception in 2006, we have tried our best to give it a pace towards making it one of the representative astronomy organizations in Pakistan. PAAS is a non-profit scientific initiative and we are trying to make the best use of our very limited resources. From a humble start, we seek a long road ahead.

BACKGROUND

It all began as a roof-top leisure activity back in 1996. Our first proper astronomical telescopes were low magnification devices (VdL series) made to view Hale-Bopp Comet. These were small refracting telescopes of 65-70mm objectives and magnifications up to 38x. This was soon followed by construction of better instruments, the SK'EYE series. SK'EYE-I Alberuni(1998), was a 70mm refractor with magnification modes of 17x, 85x, and 140x. It was soon followed by SK'EYE-II Alhaitham (1999). It was a low magnification device to capture the total solar eclipse of August 1999. SK'EYE-III Alkhawarzmi was constructed in 2003 and has been the main instrument being used by the society. It is a 150mm refractor with a magnification of 225x. It can resolve great details on Moon, polar ice caps and features of Mars, moons and belts of Jupiter, rings of Saturn, and some nebulas and star clusters. Low magnification stellar studies have been tried with variably disappointing results owing to light pollution because of close proximity to Jinnah International Airport.The construction of SK'EYE-4 is on going though at a staggering pace. It will be a 12.5" Newtonian reflector aimed to study stars and deep space objects (DSOs). It is planned to be followed by SK'EYE-5, a 10" Newtonian reflector. To justify the premium 1/30th wave accuracy of its mirror, it will be designed for high magnification lunar and planetary study.We have recently acquired a Celestron 127 EQ, a 5" Newtonian reflector for comparison purpose and for minor outdoor activities.We further seek to acquire devices like 10"-12" Dobsonians, and instruments for solar studies and astrophotography in near future.