Welcome to the IAS
The ‘International Amateur Observatory’ (IAS) association offers access to the magnificent starry sky of the southern hemisphere for its members, with large telescopes well away from disturbing light pollution at one of the best observing locations in the world.
Founded in 1999, the IAS operates two observatories in Namibia for a variety of projects: astrophotography, minor planet observations, occultations, variable stars, and spectroscopy.
The approximately 100 members of the society come from all ages and professional backgrounds. With many different interests, we are united by a passion for astronomy and the wonders of the universe.
New members and supporters are always welcome. Interested parties can find out more about the association's activities on our website, at our biannual general meetings, or at astronomy fairs.
The IAS is accredited in Germany as a non-profit organisation for the promotion of science and research.
- Category: Main
New Flyer (2025)
Finally! An English version of the new flyer for 2025 is available in the Downloads section under "Allgemeine Informationen", or pick up a copy at the next members' meeting.
- Category: News
Communications of the IAS 2024
Following the recent commemorative publication to mark the association's 25th anniversary, the new editorial team of Rainer Glawion and Björn Gludau has set itself the goal of presenting the wealth of association activities in this annual report in a clear structure and modern design that is easy to read. The impressive number of 17 authors with 26 contributions on 68 pages shows how intensive the association's activities have been in this anniversary year.
The spectrum ranges from current reports on Hakos and the Gamsberg to field reports on the association's new remote telescopes and impressive research projects carried out by association members with IAS equipment. And, of course, there are also some exciting travel reports from our adventurous members travelling through southern Africa.
This is the first issue of IAS-Mitteilungen to appear in the public area of our association website. There you will also find the IAS-Mitteilungen for download in a higher resolution (18 MB) than in the version sent by e-mail. If you would like to view the astro images in enlarged form on your screen, you should download the 18 MB version.
- Category: News
IAS Calendar 2025
The new IAS astrophotography calender for 2025 is ready, curated by Wolf-Peter Hartmann and Siegfried Weida. See also Image gallery > IAS Kalender and the German version for technical details.
- Category: News
25 Years IAS
Our society International Amateur Observatory (IAS) celebrates it's 25th anniversary in 2025. On this occation we're issuing a new anniversary publication, documenting the development of the IAS from the formation in 1999 until the anniversary year 2024.
Available as a PDF download for interested parties and members here. [German version]
Many thanks to Rainer Glawion und Werner Roßnagel for their tireless work as editors.
- Category: News