3. Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that is not covered here then email it to the us and we will do our best to answer it. Or best of all come along to a meeting and ask us about it.


Question: How much does it cost to be an ERA member
Answer: ERA charges £20.00 for one years membership which runs from 1st January each calendar year. If you join during the year the fees are reduced proportionally.

Question: How much is it for one meeting?
Answer: Simply £3 per (face to face) meeting if you are a non member. Generally if you aren't earning you are not charged.

Question: Is there a discount for families?
Answer: Yes there is. Family membership is capped to two full members fees provided they join at the same time.

Question: Which telescope should I buy?
Answer: Don't buy anything until you have looked through ours and chatted to our members. Buying the wrong telescope is not the best way to start.

Question: OK so what type of binocular should I get?
Answer: We recommend that you consider 10 x 50 binoculars. Larger binoculars are useful but you should mount them on a tripod to get best results.

Question: I have some 8 x 30 binoculars that I use for bird spotting. Will they be all right for Astronomy?
Answer: Barely - as they have reduced aperture and exit pupil compared to standard 10 x 50 binoculars. 8x40 binoculars would be better in some ways. If that is confusing then let us explain it to you.

Question: I already have a telescope but I am having some difficulty in using it or I'm disappointed with it. Can you help?
Answer: Definitely, one of our main objectives is to help anyone get into this wonderful hobby. Bring either your scope or simply describe the problem and we will help you get started.