Welcome to
Croydon Astronomical Society
Why we're here
Our objectives are to advance education in the science of astronomy and related subjects for the public benefit in Croydon and the surrounding area by:
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encouraging a popular interest in astronomy and allied subjects;
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helping beginners, irrespective of their age, to acquire a knowledge of astronomy and allied subjects; and
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providing facilities for practical work and active participation in astronomical observation.
Croydon Astronomical Society is based in Croydon, just a few miles south of London. We hold public talks approximately every two weeks during school term time and aim to open our observatory to the public every Saturday evening. The society was founded in 1956 and operates through the donation of time from its members and donations of money from its members and visitors. If astronomy is your thing, please consider joining us as a member.
Public opening of our Observatory
Saturday 17th October.
Decision pending
At the moment we are unsure about whether we can open the observatory on Saturday night for drop-in visitors. It all depends on the weather.
A decision is unlikely to be made until mid-day Saturday.
BUT see the message below under Public Talks
While it may be a bit dark, everyone will also have the opportunity to see our beautiful freshly painted Domes! (Proper FB post on that tomorow)
Please be aware there is no parking space at the observatory so people will need to park on Hayes lane near the RAF Tribute and walk up.
Also we have no toilet facilities, so please bare this in mind.
Also when making your way to the observatory please PLEASE keep the use of bright white Torches to a minimum, as it ruins people's night vision.
Details here. We look forward to seeing people!
Future openings
We try to open when it is clear on Saturday nights for public visits. Openings are weather dependant so we make the decision (sometimes as late as Saturday afternoons) and post our intentions here and on Facebook.
These events are free and there is no need to book
https://www.facebook.com/CroydonAstronomicalSociety
Public talks
The Society holds public talks, see the Talks tab for further details. Talks will be held in the Small Hall of Shirley Methodist Church, Shirley. Wel meet on the first and third Fridays of each month.
But note that this Friday (16th October) we are not meeting at Shirley Methodist Church but will meet at the Observatory from 7:30 - 9.30pm. This meeting is not weather dependant, we will open whatever the weather.
Like all our meetings, this is open to members of the public so it MIGHT be another opportunity for you to look through our telescopes, or to come an meet us if you don't live very close to Shirley.
Talks are open to all, there is no charge, but we have a suggested donation of £3 towards society funds. Refreshments priced at 50p are available during the break. But no refreshments this Friday.
Shirley Methodist is within walking distance of Trinity School and is easily accessible by bus from East Croydon. The postcode is CR0 8SD. There is parking on site but, if it is full, there is ample parking on nearby roads. To find the observvatory go to this page.
Veil Nebula
May Aurora - Evie Faith Harvey
October Aurora - Graham Cluer
Free talks at Shirley Methodist Church, Croydon.
