We run a wide variety of events exclusively for our members throughout the year.
Virtual Club Night
We are currently running a Virtual Club Night on Thursday evenings for members only via Zoom video meetings. A link to the meeting will be sent to all members in the weekly update email which goes out every Monday. Please ensure your email address is up to date via the membership system in order to receive the weekly email.
Whilst you don’t need to have a Zoom account to join the meeting, it may speed up the process if you sign up for a free Zoom account here:
Whether you sign up for an account or not, you will need to download and install the Zoom client the first time you try to join. Alternatively you can download Zoom on iOS or Android devices:
For more information on joining a Zoom meeting, please see the detailed instructions on the Zoom web site.
We hold a regular Club Night every Thursday at the observatory which is open to all members. If the weather is clear then we will observe through a variety of telescopes. It is also a great opportunity for newer members to get help with their own equipment and to learn their way around the night sky. Regardless of the weather, plenty of tea, coffee and cake is usually consumed!
We also run a variety of outings, including visits to places of astronomical interest and attending various star parties.
All members are encouraged (and occasionally coerced) to volunteer on our outreach and public solar / star gazing events. You don’t have to be an expert, just enthusiastic and willing to throw yourself in to things.
Event Times
Club night: Typically runs from 8:00pm to 11:30pm or later depending on the weather. Feel free to turn up at any point between these times. If you are a new member, then please let us know via the NEAS Members Facebook page or email us to ensure there is someone there to meet you.
Club night always runs unless extreme weather would make travel hazardous.
Other members only events will be publicised via this web site, email and the NEAS Members Facebook page.
Suitability
Club night is suitable for older children (there is no specific age limit but we’d suggest 10 – 12+ depending on the child). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please wrap up warmly during the spring, autumn and winter months as it can get pretty chilly even inside the observatory.
For allergy suffers, please be aware that the observatory and its surrounds are frequented by a number of cats, domesticated birds, cows and two small dogs.
Disabled Access
The observatory is located in a field and access requires crossing some fairly rough (and often soggy) grassland. Limited parking is available on a tarmac driveway approximately 60m / 200 feet away. If you need us to ensure that a space is kept available, please contact us in advance. Parking on the field adjacent to the observatory is only possible during dry periods (summer/autumn to early winter depending on rainfall) and subject to the operational needs of the farm.
There is level access to the outside observing area, but access to the observatory building requires crossing a raised doorway threshold. The observatory dome is accessed via a flight of six narrow stairs. There are toilet facilities on site but no disabled toilet.
Refreshments
There are tea and coffee making facilities at the observatory, and often there is cake on Club Nights, but it doesn’t hang around for long!
Event Location
Club night takes place at the Observatory.
The location of other members only events will be advised as part of the event publicity.
The location of public events are advised on the relevant event page.
Getting There
Members will be issued with directions to the Observatory as part of their membership welcome pack. If you need a reminder, please contact us. If you are unsure of the location, please contact us in advance of Thursday evening and we’ll provide you with the number of one of the regular attendees in case you get lost.