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:

encouraging a popular interest in astronomy and allied subjects;
helping beginners, irrespective of their age, to acquire a knowledge of astronomy and allied subjects; and
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 12th September. OBSERVATORY CLOSED

Sorry, we hope this isn't going to become a habit! The weather forecasts are poor for this Saturday (12th) and so we will not open our observatory to the public this week.

Note we are open for public visits between 1 and 4pm on Sunday (13th) as part of the Open House programme. If it is clear we will also do some solar observing as well as being able to show visitors around the site.

Daytime opening

We will be open for the Open House event on Sunday 13th September. We will be at the Observatory from 1 - 4pm whatever the weather. If skies are clear we will also do some solar observing.

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.

But note that we may not be able to update the web about 19th and 26th September so please see Facebook for updates.

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.

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.

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.

Click here for more information about our talks