Welcome to
Croydon Astronomical Society
Learn all about us; our history and what we do.
Croydon Astronomical Society. Part 1. History and Background.
Croydon Astronomical Society. Part 2. A Visit to the Norman Fisher Observatory.
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.
Next opening of the Observatory - Saturday 15th March​
Saturday 15th March. OPEN
The forecasts seem to be aligned!! We're opening up tonight from 7.30pm to 10pm. (Our volunteers may stay on a little longer if its busy)
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A few things to mention:
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There is no parking at the observatory. You'll need to park on Hayes lane, near the RAF Kenley Tribute Memorial.
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Please do not attempt to drive down Waterhouse lane, its an access only track and you will get stuck.
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Waterhouse lane will be uneven, and muddy, wear suitable footwear!
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No need to book, we would encourage families with younger children to come up at the beginning, to minimise waiting around in the cold for too long.
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Please keep torches pointed down to the ground when walking down Waterhouse lane up to the observatory and turn them off when you arrive with us.
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It will be cold tonight. Please wrap up warm! There are no toilets or running water on site
Public talks
The Society holds public talks, currently at Trinity School, Shirley Road, Croydon CR9 7AT. The next one is Thursday 27th March. Further details of the talks programme and location are set out in the Talks tab.
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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.
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This next meeting (27th March) will be the last meeting at Trinity and the last meeting on a Thursday.
After Easter, starting on Friday 2nd May 2025, our meetings will move to the small hall, Shirley Methodist Church, Eldon Avenue, CR0 8SD and will be held on the first and third Thursday of each month. Our meetings will run, as now, from 7:30 – 9:30.
Shirley Methodist is within walking distance of Trinity School and is easily accessible by bus from East Croydon. There is parking on site but, if it is full, there is ample parking on nearby roads.
Further details will be given after the upcoming meeting and our website will be updated with directions, photographs etc.
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Moon and Venus - 1st Feb 2025
May Aurora - Evie Faith Harvey
October Aurora - Graham Cluer
Free talks at Trinity School
