MEMBERSHIP of a local astronomy group has rocketed by more than 200 per cent since it was launched.

Inverclyde Skywatchers started with only eight members and this has more than tripled — and set to climb even higher.

The club runs an inspiring programme of talks, visits and social events throughout the year.

The group first met in Barr's Cottage Library in 2015 but had since moved to Inverkip Hub, where it is thriving.

Greenock Telegraph:

Marion McNeill, co-founder of the group, said: "It is great to see so many people interested in astronomy."

She told how the club was formed after a 12-week astronomy class was held at the library and following the course she and her friend, the late Margaret Lees, decided to continue to meet and Inverclyde Skywatchers was born.

The founders organised an exciting programme from guest speakers to inspire members about the world of space and time.

The Telegraph popped along to one of their meetings, which featured guest speaker Dr Rachel Gray, from the University of Glasgow, who gave a talk on gravitional waves.

But the group itself has its very own expert, Dr Alec MacKinnon, an honorary research fellow at the school of physics and astronomy at the university.

Despite his impressive credentials, he says the group is for everyone who has an interest in the night sky.

Dr MacKinnon said: "It's a particularly friendly and welcoming group.

"It is smaller than some other astronomical societies but that means people mostly know each other quite well and there is a wonderfully warm, community feel.

"As well as the usual programme of talks, Marion organises a great range of activities, quizzes, parties, meetings that blend science with other activities, trips to public talks and sites of astronomical interest.

"Whether expert or beginner, everyone is interested and enthusiastic. It's a great group of people to be exploring the night sky and universe with."

New member Steve Saurin, who has had a lifelong interest in astronomy, became a member after his daughter picked up a leaflet.

He said: "A quick call to Marion and you are welcomed into the club. You need little or no experience of astronomy, or a telescope, just a keen interest.

"I was particularly impressed with the proposed programme of events and talks for the coming year — mind blowing discussions by visiting professors from a different array of different fields in astronomy and science.

"To add to this there are organised field trips to planetariums, science centres and star gazing evenings throughout the year."

The group is also at the heart of the community, working with Beaver Scouts to help them gain their space badges.

They have also run children's summer events culminating in what was to be a one-day exhibition in Port Glasgow Library which ran for ten days.

The society has now been invited to host a British Astronomical Society spring event next May.

For more information about the group visit www.facebook.com/inverclydeskywatchers. They meet on Mondays between 3pm and 5pm.